How to Write a Merchandiser CV: Examples and Tips

Merchandisers play a vital role in ensuring products meet consumer demand and are presented to maximise sales. Working across industries like retail, fashion, design, and procurement, the role combines creativity, organisation, trend awareness, teamwork and problem-solving.

In today’s competitive market, a strong and modern CV is essential. Here we show you how to write a good CV with practical tips and examples tailored to becoming a merchandiser in the UK.

In this article, we cover:

• What to include in a merchandiser CV.

• Virtual merchandiser CV example UK.

• Writing a merchandiser CV in 5 steps.

• The best CV format for a merchandiser.

• Work experience and personal profile examples.

• Next steps in your job search.

Enhance your job application with CVMaker, the ultimate tool for creating a professional CV template tailored to your needs. 

Customise this merchandiser CV

Try now

Merchandiser CV example 

The Columbia template conveys Sadie's skills and expertise clearly and concisely. She is an experienced visual merchandiser with over 5 years' experience and an ability to combine effective communication with a strong sense of market trends and artistic flare.

Visual vs. retail merchandisers

There are two main types of merchandiser roles. Depending on whether you want to channel your skills as an artist or an operations manager, you should tailor your CV to reflect the unique focus of each:

• Visual merchandisers: Emphasise creativity, design skills and experience in visual presentation.

• Retail merchandisers: Highlight analytical skills, planning expertise, and supply chain management.

What to include in a merchandiser CV? 

Start the CV writing process with a master CV - a comprehensive document detailing all your experiences, skills and achievements. Although not sent out to employers, your master CV is a starting point for creating job-specific CVs and gives an idea of how long your CV should be.

Key CV sections to include

• Personal details: Include your full name, contact information and location. A full driving licence is a bonus, especially for roles requiring travel between locations. Read more about if you should include your address on a CV.

• Personal profile: A summary of your experience, strengths and career goals. Tailor this to highlight skills relevant to visual or retail merchandising, such as creativity, trend awareness or analytical planning.

• Work experience: List previous roles with achievements that demonstrate your impact. For visual merchandisers, focus on creative projects like store layouts. For retail merchandisers, highlight supply chain coordination, inventory planning and sales results.

• Skills: Include both technical and soft skills:

- Visual merchandisers: Design software proficiency, visual presentation and creativity.

- Retail merchandisers: Data analysis, supply chain management and organisational skills.

• Education: Mention relevant degrees, courses and certificates. Interior design, marketing or business analyst training are especially valuable for merchandiser roles.

Maximise your job opportunities with a tailored CV

Start now

How to write a merchandiser CV: 5 steps with examples 

1. How to write a personal profile for a merchandiser CV 

Merchandising is about making a great first impression in the shortest possible time. To ensure your CV does just that, craft an eye-catching CV personal profile to kick things off. This small but impactful merchandiser CV summary ection is a potted summary of your capabilities. It focuses on experience, key skills and personal attributes relevant to the role.

Top tips for writing a merchandiser personal profile:

• Showcase soft skills: Highlight communication, creativity and teamwork which are key merchandiser skills for a CV.

• Quantify achievements: Use numbers to show impact, e.g., “boosted sales by 20%.”

• Tailor to the role: Emphasise skills specific to visual or retail merchandising.

• Stay concise: Keep it clear, impactful and under 70 words.

• Include keywords: Align with the job advert and naturally weave in words used there.

Examples of personal summaries for merchandiser CV

Learn more about a fashion CV.

Applying for your first job? Explore the best CV examples for a first job to help get you started!

2. List key merchandiser CV skills 

Whether you're writing a merchandising manager CV or merchandising assistant CV, to effectively showcase your skills:

• Categorise your abilities: Divide them into soft skills, hard skills and technical skills.

• Place hard and technical skills: Under a dedicated section to highlight your proficiency in tools, software and processes like SAP Merchandising Software and Retail Pro.

• Showcase soft skills: In your profile and work experience, demonstrating how your creativity, communication and adaptability contributed to past successes.

• Cross-industry skills: Take inspiration from related roles - like warehouse workers (logistics), consultants (strategy), or sales (market trends) - to add value to your CV.

Plenty of professions have cross-over skills with merchandisers. Take inspiration from other fields such as warehouse worker, consultant or marketing professional to give your CV added depth.

8 essential skills for a merchandiser

• Trend analysis: Identifying and applying industry trends to select products that will sell well.

• Inventory management: Keeping track of stock levels to ensure optimal product availability.

• Visual merchandising: Creating product displays to enhance customer experience and sales.

• Negotiation: Effectively communicating with suppliers to secure the best prices and terms.

• Data analysis: Using sales data to inform decisions on product management and strategy.

• Financial forecasting: Predicting sales, inventory needs and budgets to align with company goals.

• Market research: Evaluating consumer preferences, competitor activity and market gaps to refine product selection.

• Supply chain coordination: Ensuring smooth product movement from suppliers to stores to meet consumer demand.

Easily update your existing CV in our easy-to-use builder

Start now

3. How to include relevant work experience 

Work experience on a merchandiser CV is your chance to demonstrate the skills and results that make you the right fit for the role. Keep these key points in mind when listing your experience:

• Showcase achievements: Go beyond listing responsibilities. Use quantifiable results to highlight your impact (e.g., "Increased sales by 15% through improved stock management").

• Use action verbs: Start each bullet point with dynamic verbs like developed, optimised, coordinated or implemented to convey confidence and proactivity.

• Highlight collaboration: Emphasise your experience working with suppliers, customer service teams and store managers.

• Tailor your experience: Focus on relevant tasks and accomplishments that align with the specific role - whether visual or retail merchandising.

Work experience for a merchandiser with little to no experience

The field of merchandising is open to individuals with little or no experience too. If you are entering the profession after a career change, as a student or recent graduate it is advisable to focus on your transferable soft skills and unpaid experience.

Merchandiser coordinator | Megahead UK Tour | Various Locations | June 2019 - August 2019

Handled merchandise operations for a touring UK band, overseeing the ordering, delivery and stock management of tour merchandise. Ensured availability of products at each venue, dynamically managing inventory to meet fluctuating demand. Set up merchandise stalls in optimal venue locations for visibility and sales, priced items competitively and managed sales transactions directly with fans (Megaheads).

• Successfully managed merchandise for 20+ tour dates, adapting inventory in real-time to prevent stock-outs.

• Increased merchandise sales by 30% through strategic placement and pricing, enhancing the tour's overall revenue.

Merchandiser CV work experience examples 

Display Manager | Flash Forward Retail, London | 2019 - Present

Lead the visual merchandising team in designing innovative window displays and in-store layouts, significantly enhancing customer engagement and sales. Working closely with sales representatives to develop store experience concepts that align with brand identity and promotional campaigns. Responsible for the training of staff on visual standards and product knowledge to ensure a cohesive customer experience across all touchpoints.

• Increased in-store foot traffic by 35% through strategic implementation of interactive display technologies and seasonal themes.

• Partnered with sales teams to generate a 25% uplift in average transaction value through targeted product placements and promotions.

Retail merchandiser | Four Mobile UK, Reading | 2017 - 2022

Managed the end-to-end supply chain for key product lines, optimising inventory levels across multiple stores to meet sales forecasts. Led negotiations with suppliers to secure cost-effective purchasing terms, directly impacting profitability. Implemented data-driven strategies for product placement and pricing, significantly improving sales performance and customer satisfaction.

• Enhanced supply chain efficiency by 15%, reducing stock shortages and overstock through improved forecasting models.

• Collaborated with marketing and sales teams to launch successful in-store promotions, resulting in a 12% year-on-year increase in sales for flagship products.

Fashion merchandiser | Xalando, Cheltenham | 2018 - 2020

Oversaw the selection and management of fashion lines, aligning inventory with current trends and customer preferences. Worked closely with designers and attended fashion shows to ensure the boutique's offerings remained on the cutting edge of fashion.

• Increased quarterly sales by 15% through strategic merchandise selections that capitalised on emerging fashion trends.

• Enhanced customer satisfaction ratings by 40% by diversifying product range to include eco-friendly and sustainable fashion options.

Assistant merchandiser | HomeGoods Retailers, Bristol | 2020 - 2023

Assisted in the planning and execution of merchandising strategies, contributing to product range selection, pricing, and promotional activities. Conducted market research to understand consumer preferences and competitive landscapes, supporting the merchandising team in making data-driven decisions.

• Contributed to a 5% year-over-year sales increase by supporting the introduction of a highly successful seasonal product line.

• Improved stock turnover by 10% through effective coordination with the logistics team, ensuring timely restocking of high-demand items.

4. How to include education on a merchandiser CV 

Effectively listing education on your CV is an opportunity to showcase your qualifications and demonstrate you have relevant formal training for the role.

• List qualifications: Start with your most recent achievements and work backwards in reverse chronological order.

• Include key details: Mention the full name of the certificate or degree, the issuing institution, and the year of completion.

• Tailor to the role: Highlight qualifications relevant to the specific merchandiser position - whether visual or retail.

Examples of education for a merchandiser CV

• Visual merchandisers: A college diploma or certification in design, fashion or visual merchandising. Example: Level 4 Diploma in Visual Merchandising, University of the Arts London, 2022

• Retail merchandisers: A university degree in business, marketing, or supply chain management. Example: BA (Hons) Retail Business Management, University of Bolton, 2021

It is also possible to work your way into the industry straight from school. In this case, include your highest level of formal education formatted as follows.

GCSEs qualifications:

Llewellyn College | Bangor, 2017 - 2022

Maths: Grade 4 (C), English: Grade 5 (B), Combined Science: Grade 4 (C), Computer Science: Grade 4 (C), English Language: Grade 6 (B)

National 5 certificates (Scotland):

Moore Valley School | Coldstream, 2017 - 2022

Scottish N5s: English C (4), Maths C (4), History B (6), Chemistry B (5), Art & Design C (4), Computing Science B (6) — GCSE level equivalent in brackets.

5. How to include additional sections on a merchandiser CV 

Merchandisers must demonstrate versatility, and adding relevant extra sections can give your CV a competitive edge. Here’s how to enhance your CV with additional information.

Think creatively about how to improve your CV. Explore other professions like customer service or estate agent where, like merchandising, personal skills meet effective staging and see how they provide an extra dimension to their applications.

Languages on a CV

• Listing languages - even those you’re still learning - shows your readiness to engage with international suppliers and teams.

• Use the European-wide CEFR scale to indicate your level or use a written clarification:

Spanish C2 (Fluent)

French B1 (Intermediate)

German A1 (Basic)

References on a CV

• Proactively including references adds real-world proof of your abilities. This section reassures hiring managers of your credibility.

• Format your references:

“Available on request” (if space is limited)

Include 1–2 referees’ names, job titles and contact details for a polished, professional touch.

Hobbies and Interests in a CV

• Adding hobbies provides a glimpse into your personality and creativity, aligning with the role’s demands.

• Choose interests that complement merchandising skills, such as:

Fine arts: Demonstrates creativity and an appreciation for visual design.

Travelling: Shows adaptability, cultural awareness and global perspective.

Blogging: Highlights communication skills and trend awareness.

Theatre: Reflects an interest in staging and presentation.

Music production: Indicates attention to detail and project management skills.

Key takeaways 

Creating the perfect example of a merchandiser CV can be a complex task. Let’s simplify and look at the key points to take away.

1. Start with a master CV: Begin your CV writing process by compiling a comprehensive master CV. This document should detail all your skills, experiences, and achievements, serving as a base for tailoring specific CVs for different merchandiser roles.

2. Craft a strong personal profile: Include a powerful personal profile that showcases your professional capabilities, personal attributes, soft skills, and years of experience. Begin with a strong statement and keep it concise.

3. Showcase relevant skills: List both soft and hard skills. For merchandisers, include abilities like trend analysis, inventory management, visual merchandising (for visual merchandisers), negotiation, data analysis and specific hard skills.

4. Include quantifiable work experience: Detail your work experience with short paragraphs and bullet points that highlight your responsibilities and achievements. For those with little to no work experience, focus on transferable soft skills.

5. Focus on relevant education: Choose courses that align with your desired merchandiser role. Visual merchandisers should highlight design-related qualifications, while retail merchandisers should emphasise business or retail management degrees.

Next steps?

Firstly, give your CV the introduction it deserves. Explore our cover letter templates and get step-by-step guidance on how to write a winning cover letter, especially if you plan on sending your CV via email.

Then, prepare for the next stage and benefit from our professional interview advice and tips. Collect several good questions to ask during an interview and calm your pre-interview nerves.

Leave nothing to chance and connect with our professional CV Writing Service for an expert seal of approval. Then check out our top tips for tracking your job applications. 

FAQs

How to tailor a CV for visual merchandising? 

For visual merchandising, emphasise design skills, creativity and experience with visual displays. Highlight relevant projects, design software proficiency and successful visual campaigns that increase sales or customer engagement. If you want to make your CV more visually appealing, read more about the best font for your CV.

How to structure a CV for merchandising? 

Structure your CV with a clear personal profile, a detailed work experience section showcasing relevant roles and achievements, a concise education section and a skills segment highlighting both hard and soft skills relevant to merchandising. Read more about how long a CV should be to make sure you check off all the important sections!

Is fashion merchandising a good career? 

Fashion merchandising offers a dynamic career with opportunities for creativity and business acumen. It's well-suited for those passionate about fashion, trends and retail management. Career prospects and salaries can be attractive, with paths to senior positions and various specialisations.

How do I start as a merchandiser? 

You can become a visual merchandiser through a variety of educational and practical pathways:

• College courses: Options range from Level 2 Certificates in Fashion Retail to Level 4 Diplomas in Visual Merchandising. Entry requirements often include GCSEs.

• Apprenticeships: Retail apprenticeships can lead to visual merchandising roles. Some apprenticeships require GCSEs, including English and Maths. This pathway is ideal for combining creativity with retail experience through hands-on learning.

• University degrees: Relevant degrees include marketing, fashion buying and merchandising, or retail business management. Typical entry requirements are two to three A Levels or equivalent.Gaining retail or office experience alongside your studies can significantly boost your prospects.

• Work experience: Direct experience in retail or visual merchandising can provide a practical route into the field.

How much does a merchandiser get paid?

Merchandiser salaries vary widely, with starting positions around £18,000 to £25,000 annually in the UK. Experienced merchandisers can earn between £25,000 and £45,000, while senior roles may offer upwards of £45,000 to £70,000, depending on the sector and location.