Season 3 Episode 2: What exactly is Merchandising? Our fave merchie joins to tell us all about it! We discuss how important a buyer/merch relationship is to the success of the department.

In our second episode of season 3 we have our first merchandiser on the show. As we discussed in episode 1, merchandisers are our partners in crime at most traditional retailers. The Buying & Merchandising department is made up of teams that mirror each other at most levels and share the responsibility of the product category ranges - although let's face it, it’s always the Buyer that's really in the firing line! So in this episode we chat with Nat, one of our favourite (if not the favourite) merchandisers of all time, about what exactly is merchandising, how did she get into the industry (following a stint on tv!), highlights of her career to date, her thoughts on how buyers and merchandisers work best together, and of course some retail therapy! 

Here are Nat’s 3 key takeaways - 

1. You wouldn't expect a merchandiser to say this, but it's don't be a slave to the numbers. It's not all about what has happened and the history of the numbers, it's also working with your buyers and your designer i.e. looking at trends, at what's coming through and using them together. It’s all about collaborative working, taking a punt when the numbers say otherwise and going with your gut!
2. Don't feel like you're pigeonholed into one product type. It has been said that you can't move between different categories, but it’s clear to see from many of our guests that you can move to polar opposites for example Nat went from fashion accessories, to homeware, to sports nutrition - and even Emma in a previous episode from Laptops to Beauty! 
3. Resist analysis paralysis! This is where you can just go down a rabbit hole with numbers, which Nat absolutely loves to do, it’s great to find those interesting nuggets of information, but you do also need to bring yourself back a little and try and work out exactly what that story is that you want to tell. Be concise, use the 80 20 rule and just really focusing on what your top sellers are as well. Be conscious of your analysis techniques and don’t go too deep if you don't need to! 

Join us for our next Retail Buyer Meet up in London on Wednesday 28th April! Go to www.jointhebuyersclub.co.uk or DM us @jointhebuyersclub

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