Interested in Careers in Fashion Merchandising?

Product Development

• Monitors local and international markets for current fashions and trends using newspapers, magazines, trade shows, web sites, store visits and other sources
• Purchases overseas samples
• Maintains regular contact with suppliers to remain aware of new developments and processes available
• Is responsible for the development of artwork and storyboards to demonstrate the products to the customer, and aids customer in selection of colors and designs. This includes providing direction to staff so that sketches and specification sheets fit the customer’s desires.
• Negotiates prices with suppliers
• Calculates selling prices
• Identifies areas of growth for the business, i.e. developing new brands, new concepts, gaining new customers, etc.

Sales and Ordering

• Liaises with buyers
• Prepares presentations and meets with potential buyers
• Meets with buyers to negotiate prices and gain a written commitment from the buyer
• Estimates date of delivery to customer, based on knowledge of own firm's production and delivery schedules
• Liaises with Production/Quality Assurance and suppliers to ensure that delivery dates are met
• Communicates with customers on progress of orders, including issues such as non-delivery of items or not making a delivery date (after consultation with the Directors)
• Ensures that delivery dates are met and that orders are taken within a reasonable timeframe so as to make delivery dates

Reporting

• Monitors stock levels, including the weekly stock report
• Ensures that monthly Sales & Marketing meetings with the Directors occur
• Prepares reports of business transactions and keeps expense accounts
• Stays within budgeted expenditure and reports to the directors on a monthly basis