The global economy is experiencing an unparalleled shift in every emerging market, including the apparel industry. For apparel brands and retailers, this shift and growth is a piece of great news to explore the market. According to a study, the global women’s apparel market will increase by 50% in the next 12 years. Historically, the market has grown at just over 3 per cent per year, and by 2025 the growth rate is expected to approach 5% per year.

At this rate, the demand for merchandisers is also increasing each day. After all, they are the ones who bridge the gap between the industry and the buyers. Analysis, marketing management, and distribution of the products – they are responsible for all end-to-end activities. However, with different types of merchandising, the roles are also different. Here’s a detailed look at the different kinds of merchandisers functioning in the apparel industry.

Fashion Merchandisers
Fashion merchandising is an exciting field to work in. A fashion designer follows a process which starts from planning and ends at product development. They use their fashion knowledge to decide how much to stock up on each garment style, which helps them negotiate reasonably with the fabric manufacturers. They also work along with fashion designers to be in sync with the latest trends captured in the fashion industry. Their job largely depends on a strong sense of style and business acumen when it comes to efficient price management.

Apparel Export Merchandiser
As the name suggests, apparel merchandisers are involved in the planning aspect of fashion. They are at the forefront of planning activities, right from buyer sourcing to the shipment of products to the stores. This person acts as an intermediary between the exporter and the buyer. For them, it is important to focus on the day-to-day activities – whether in the field of retail, transport, or otherwise.

Apparel Retail Merchandiser
Retail merchandisers act as the mediator between the buyer and the seller. They have to make sure that the right stock is in the right place at the right time. They negate the requirement for any unnecessary middlemen and deal with consumers directly to help them choose the product that best suits their needs. These people are also known as visual merchandisers.

Due to the changing customer demands in the apparel industry, the scope and importance of merchandisers are going to rise to a considerable extent. If you want to ace your merchandising skills and be a part of this ever-growing apparel industry, then apply for Pearl Academy’s 11-month professional certificate programme. The education this that this institution provides in the domain of Apparel Buying and Merchandising is an intricate and enlightening blend of textile, business, and fashion.

The program offers knowledge in areas like merchandising, principles & techniques of export merchandising, fashion materials (such as fabric and trims), garment production, quality assurance, international trade practices & procedures, management, among others.