Store merchandiser vs store associate

The differences between store merchandisers and store associates can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a store merchandiser has an average salary of $37,143, which is higher than the $29,543 average annual salary of a store associate.

The top three skills for a store merchandiser include in-store, customer satisfaction and retail store. The most important skills for a store associate are sales floor, retail store, and inventory management.

Store merchandiser vs store associate overview

	Store Merchandiser	Store Associate
Yearly salary	$37,143	$29,543
Hourly rate	$17.86	$14.20
Growth rate	1%	-
Number of jobs	149,850	495,423
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 50%	High School Diploma, 35%
Average age	38	41
Years of experience	-	-

What does a store merchandiser do?

A store merchandiser must maximize profitability. They are responsible for studying sales trends and controlling the stock level in their store. They study their store's target demographics. They make financial presentations for their store's manager. If any production problem arises, they must quickly solve it. They negotiate stock quantities, and they supervise and train junior staff.

What does a store associate do?

A store associate is responsible for assisting customers with the products they need and recommending alternative goods that would fit their budget. Sales associates also market promotional offers and provide product descriptions to the customer. They also monitor inventories, stock supplies on the appropriate shelves, and ensure the cleanliness and orderliness of the store. Store associates also perform other administrative tasks as needed, such as creating sales reports, assisting in the counter, and helping customers on carrying their items.

Store merchandiser vs store associate salary

Store merchandisers and store associates have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Store Merchandiser	Store Associate
Average salary	$37,143	$29,543
Salary range	Between $24,000 And $55,000	Between $24,000 And $36,000
Highest paying City	Reno, NV	New York, NY
Highest paying state	Oregon	New York
Best paying company	The Coca-Cola Company	Pro Football Hall of Fame
Best paying industry	Retail	Retail

Differences between store merchandiser and store associate education

There are a few differences between a store merchandiser and a store associate in terms of educational background:

	Store Merchandiser	Store Associate
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 50%	High School Diploma, 35%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Store merchandiser vs store associate demographics

Here are the differences between store merchandisers' and store associates' demographics:

	Store Merchandiser	Store Associate
Average age	38	41
Gender ratio	Male, 54.6% Female, 45.4%	Male, 48.8% Female, 51.2%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 9.1% Unknown, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino, 20.0% Asian, 7.1% White, 57.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%	Black or African American, 11.1% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 20.0% Asian, 6.6% White, 56.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage	6%	7%

Differences between store merchandiser and store associate duties and responsibilities

Store merchandiser example responsibilities.

Manage entire pet food recycling facility converting 9,000 tons per year from pet food to swine and poultry feed.
Maintain database of stores, displays, soda units and pallets with PeopleSoft
Service area stores with beverage product, unload pallets, distribute merchandise, remove expire merchandise.
Ring up customers using a standard POS system and promote the purchase of the store credit card to all shoppers.
Communicate internally to ASM management and externally with customers regarding project status and completion.
Organize and conduct Macys luggage seminars and bridal events.

Store associate example responsibilities.

Manage the appearance of the store in conjunction with the store priorities to present a desirable image of Aldi.
Work on the cash register, used calculators, POS machines and mental math.
Ensure that all cash handling are accurate and work with Ross' point-of-sale systems.
Put out freight as well as restocking the stock room, carrying 50 pound boxes up ladders.
Operate POS register and provide exceptional customer service.
Regulate profit margins, payroll, loss-prevention control and inventory management.

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Store merchandiser vs store associate skills

Common store merchandiser skills

In-Store, 15%
Customer Satisfaction, 11%
Retail Store, 10%
Cleanliness, 9%
Basic Math, 7%
Product Promotions, 4%

Common store associate skills

Sales Floor, 25%
Retail Store, 12%
Inventory Management, 9%
Cleanliness, 7%
Math, 5%
Strong Customer Service, 5%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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