What is Apparel Merchandising? Organogram & 9 Role of Department

Md Mahedi Hasan

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In the garments industry apparel merchandising, organizational structure plays a pivotal role in orchestrating seamless operations. It ensures optimal efficiency. This article unveils the definition of Apparel Merchandising and its role according to a departmental organogram.

What is Apparel Merchandising?

The word merchandiser came from merchandise. Moreover, merchandise comes from the Old French word “merchandise,” from “Marchand,” which means “merchant.”

Image: What is Apparel Merchandising
Image: Apparel Merchandising

The connecting person between the merchant and the merchandiser and the job is the merchandising. 

There are two types of merchandisers in the garment industry. They are as follows:

  1. Factory merchandiser
  2. Buying merchandiser

Definition

Merchandising, according to the American Marketing Association (AMA)

“Planning involved in marketing the right merchandise or service at the  right place, at the right time, in the right quantities, and at the right place.”

American Marketing Association (AMA)

Mechanising is the activity of trying to sell goods or services by advertising them or displaying them alternatively. The person who does the merchandising job is called a merchandiser.

Organogram of Merchandising Department

The organogram of the merchandising department is as follows:

Executive Director
⬇️
Sr. General Manager
⬇️
General Manager (GM)
⬇️
Deputy General Merchandiser
⬇️
Sr. Manager
⬇️
Manager
⬇️
Sr. Merchandiser
⬇️
Assistant Merchandiser
⬇️
Trainee Merchandiser

Role of Merchandisers

The role of merchandisers, according to Organogram, are as follows

1. Executive Director:

  • Oversee the entire merchandising department, setting strategic goals and ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.
  • Provide leadership and direction to the senior management team.
  • Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, fostering collaboration and business growth.
Image: Executive Director
Image: Executive Director

2. Sr. General Manager:

  • Manage and coordinate merchandising activities at a senior level.
  • Contribute to the formulation of departmental policies and procedures.
  • Assist the Executive Director in strategic planning and decision-making.
Image: Sr. General Manager
Image: Sr. General Manager

3. General Manager (GM):

  • Supervise and lead the merchandising team, ensuring effective execution of departmental goals.
  • Implement and monitor merchandising strategies to enhance overall efficiency.
  • Liaise with other departments for cross-functional collaboration.
Image: General Manager (GM)
Image: General Manager (GM)

4. Deputy General Merchandiser:

  • Support the General Manager in overseeing merchandising operations.
  • Act as a bridge between senior management and the rest of the merchandising team.
  • Assist in decision-making processes and problem resolution.
Image: Deputy General Merchandiser
Image: Deputy General Merchandiser

5. Sr. Manager:

  • Manage a specific segment of merchandising activities or a specialized team.
  • Contribute to the development and implementation of merchandising strategies.
  • Provide guidance and mentorship to junior team members.
Image: Sr. Manager
Image: Sr. Manager

6. Manager:

  • Oversee day-to-day merchandising operations within a designated area.
  • Collaborate with the Sr. Manager to achieve departmental objectives.
  • Ensure efficient communication and coordination among team members.
  • Perform duties similar to the Manager role, focusing on a different aspect or segment of merchandising activities.
  • Work closely with other managers to maintain a cohesive approach to merchandising.
Image: Manager
Image: Manager

7. Sr. Merchandiser:

  • Lead merchandising projects and initiatives, ensuring successful implementation.
  • Analyze production problems and make informed buyers regarding merchandising decisions.
  • Guide Assistant Merchandisers and help to solve their problems.
Image: Sr. Merchandiser
Image: Sr. Merchandiser

8. Assistant Merchandiser:

  • Assisted in day-to-day merchandising tasks, handled a dedicated buyer, and completed activities.
  • Work closely with Sr. Merchandisers to support the execution of merchandising strategies.
  • Collaborate with other team members to ensure seamless apparel production operations.
Image: Assistant Merchandiser
Image: Assistant Merchandiser

9. Trainee Merchandiser:

  • An entry-level employee in the merchandising department. A graduate from the apparel engineering department always preferred the job.
  • Undergo training to understand the basics of merchandising processes and procedures.
  • Assist senior team members in various tasks to gain practical experience.
  • Contribute to the learning environment and actively participate in team activities.
Image: Trainee Merchandiser
Image: Trainee Merchandiser

Learn More: Qualities of a Good Merchandiser

About the Author

Md Mahedi Hasan

Mahedi Hasan working as an Executive in Fabric Marketing at Textile Suppliers Ltd. Graduated with B.Sc. in Textile Engineering. Before was a Top Rated content writer at Upwork, and Level 02 Seller at Fiverr, Level 02 Publisher at Ezoic. Very passionate about content writing, SEO practice, and fashion website designing. Highly Experienced fashion writer for the last 4+ years. Have extensive 7 years of experience in the wholesale clothing business.

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