A garment merchandiser plans, coordinates, and monitors the full lifecycle of apparel orders. In the garment industry, a merchandiser ensures that products meet buyer requirements and reach the market on time. The role of merchandiser in garment bridges technical production and commercial demands.
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Study of Fashion Trend & Fashion Forecasting
A merchandiser studies fashion trends and future consumer demands. They collect trend reports, attend trade shows, and analyze runway looks. They forecast color palettes, silhouettes, and fabric trends. This research guides design development and aligns production with market demand.
Sourcing Customer and Supplier Profile
A merchandiser gathers data about the customer and supplier profile. They find out the buyer’s region, target market, and price positioning. They research buyer preferences for style, size, and quality. They use questionnaires, previous order history, and buyer meetings to clarify the customer profile.
Product Information Sourcing
A merchandiser sources detailed information about the products, categories, styles, sizes, and specifications. They create a tech‑pack or specification sheet. They define assortment plans, size ranges, and fabric weights. They also decide trims, labels, and packaging, based on product category and buyer needs.
Finding Foreign Buyers
A merchandiser identifies potential foreign buyers. They use trade platforms, fairs, and sourcing offices. They contact buying houses, attend trade shows, and network with international sourcing agents. They build relationships to secure export orders.
Calculating Consumption and Costing
A merchandiser computes fabric consumption and accessory consumption (consumption coloration). They calculate the cost of making (CM), trims cost, wash cost, lab cost, and shipping cost. They prepare a detailed costing sheet. Then they negotiate with the buyer on the price.
Price Quotation & Negotiation
A merchandiser issues a price quotation to the buyer. They present cost break‑downs and negotiate terms. They discuss delivery dates, payment terms, and order volume. They respond to buyer counter‑offers until they agree.
Order Confirmation & L/C
After price negotiation, a merchandiser confirms the order. They check order sheets and correct any discrepancies. They secure a master Letter of Credit (L/C) from the buyer for export orders. The L/C ensures payment and clarifies financial terms.
Prepare Time & Action (TNA) Calendar
A merchandiser prepares a TNA (Time & Action) plan. They list all milestones: sample development, sample approval, fabric booking, trims arrival, production start, inline inspections, and shipment. They share the TNA with all internal teams and with the buyer.
Sourcing Materials
A merchandiser sources fabrics, trimmings, and accessories. They identify reliable suppliers, negotiate price, and place booking for raw materials. They ensure timely delivery in the right quantity and quality.
Sample Development & Approval
A merchandiser coordinates sample development. They send design packs to the sampling team. They follow up on sampling. When prototypes, lab dips, fit samples, and wash-downs are ready, the merchandiser sends them to the buyer. The merchandiser secures sample approval before bulk production.
Receiving Materials & Inspection
A merchandiser receives fabrics, trims, and accessories. They inspect raw materials for quality, defects, and shade variation. They reject or accept materials according to buyer standards. They maintain swatch cards and send them to the buyer for approval.
Pre‑Production Meeting & Booking Line
A merchandiser organizes a pre‑production meeting. They bring together production planning, quality, and commercial teams. They review the TNA, sample approvals, and material status. Then they book the production line for the order.
Testing & Test Cutting
A merchandiser arranges testing of raw materials (like strength, color fastness) and sends test reports to the buyer. Then they arrange test cutting to confirm fabric yield, shrinkage, and consumption.
Bulk Production & Follow‑Up
A merchandiser starts bulk production once tests and approvals finish. They follow up production closely. They monitor the inline inspection. They report production progress to the buyer and internal team. They track quality, output, and efficiency.
Quality Control & Final Inspection
A merchandiser monitors production quality through inline inspection. They flag defects and correct issues early. After production, they arrange final inspection. They may invite buyer QC or external inspectors. They ensure that finished goods meet quality, packaging, and quantity standards before shipment.
Payment & Export Procedures
A merchandiser arranges payment. For export orders, they follow payment against the L/C as agreed. They coordinate documentation (invoice, packing list, BL) with the commercial and shipping departments.
Responsive Communication
A merchandiser answers any buyer query quickly. They provide updates on sampling, production, or quality issues. They keep clear and regular communication to build trust and resolve problems.
The Function of Apparel Merchandising
The function of apparel merchandising is to align production with market demand. A merchandiser links design, sourcing, costing, and production. They ensure quality, timely delivery, and profitability.
Summary of the Role of a Garment Merchandiser
In summary, the role of a garment merchandiser spans trend research, customer sourcing, product planning, costing, negotiation, sampling, production, inspections, and export logistics. They unite design, manufacturing, and commercial teams. Their work ensures that garments are delivered on time, in quality, and at agreed cost.
By performing these steps, a garment merchandiser drives the core business of apparel manufacturing. Their roles and responsibilities of merchandiser in garment industry make them essential for success. Through efficient sourcing, clear communication, and precise follow-up, they support both buyer satisfaction and factory performance.
Why the Role Matters
A merchandiser ensures smooth flow from concept to delivery. The role of merchandiser in garment ensures cost‑effective sourcing, on-time production, and buyer satisfaction. They reduce waste, manage risks, and coordinate many teams. Their work supports the commercial success and reputation of a garment business.
Key Competencies and Skills
A garment merchandiser must have strong communication, negotiation, and planning skills.They also need a technical understanding of fabric, trims, and production methods. They must monitor quality, maintain records, and manage time efficiently.
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