Merchandiser - Footwear

Apparel Group; Bahrain; On-site; BHD 6,000 - 18,000; Full time

Job summary

Apparel Group in Bahrain is hiring a Retail Merchandiser to support category planning and stock allocation. You will develop merchandise plans, analyze store performance, and collaborate with Brand Managers to optimize assortment.

The role requires 2–5 years in retail merchandising, proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint, and a strong sense of product strategy. Bachelor’s degree preferred. This position emphasizes driving inventory turns and successful seasonal markdowns.

Qualifications

• 2–5 years of experience in retail merchandising or related fashion/lifestyle role.
• Proficiency in MS Excel and PowerPoint.
• Strong understanding of product strategy, vendor coordination, range development, and trend analysis.
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Retail Operations, Merchandising, or related field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop merchandise plans for categories based on trends and brand input.
• Analyze store profiles to support allocation decisions with key reports.
• Execute in-season stock analysis, markdowns, and stock-versus-sales reviews.
• Plan merchandise mix and execute initial allocations and reserve management.
• Collaborate on seasonal assortment plans and size run books with Senior Merchandiser.
• Monitor competitor brands, product lines, pricing, and category developments.
• Ensure stock ageing standards and maintain stock turns per company policy.
• Support margin negotiations, order placements, and stock distribution decisions.
• Monitor bestsellers and slow movers, taking timely actions to drive performance.
• Track actual sales versus forecasts and coordinate replenishments based on needs and events.
• Conduct regular market visits with Brand Manager to assess store execution and gather competitor intelligence.
• Provide post-season feedback reports on product categories.
• Participate in seasonal markdown and sales planning with Category/Brand Manager.

Skills

Inventory management

Excel

PowerPoint

Product strategy

Vendor coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business or related field

Tools

MS Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

Key Responsibility:

• Assist in developing merchandise plans for categories based on historical trends, sales performance, and future outlooks provided by the brand team.
• Analyze store profiles using key reports such as stock weeks, sales blend, and inventory by grade to support allocation decisions.
• Execute in-season stock analysis and balancing, markdown management, and stock vs. sales performance reviews.
• Plan merchandise mix and execute initial allocations and reserve management based on pre-distribution plans.
• Finalize seasonal assortment plans and size run books in collaboration with the Senior Merchandiser.
• Monitor competitor brands product lines, pricing, and category developments.
• Ensure compliance with stock ageing standards and maintain stock turns in line with company policy.
• Support margin negotiations, order placements, and stock distribution decisions.
• Monitor bestsellers and slow movers, taking timely actions to drive performance.
• Track actual sales versus forecasts and coordinate inventory checks and replenishments based on store-level needs and upcoming events.
• Conduct regular market visits with the Brand Manager to assess store execution and gather competitor intelligence.
• Provide post-season feedback reports on product categories.
• Participate in seasonal markdown and sales planning in collaboration with the Category/Brand Manager.

Desired Expereince:

• 2-5 years of experience in retail merchandising or a similar role within the fashion or lifestyle industry.
• Proficient in inventory management systems, MS Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Strong understanding of product strategy, vendor coordination, range development, and trend analysis.
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Retail Operations, Merchandising, or a related field is preferred.