How Roxanne became a Fashion Merchandiser with Shop Direct

How Roxanne became a Fashion Merchandiser with Shop Direct by Michael Cheary Have an eye for fashion, and a head for business? Merchandising could be for you… Merchandisers are an integral part of the retail industry, helping to influence everything from the trends we buy into, through to the stock we see in stores. But how do you break into such a competitive industry â€" and what skills and experience do you really need to stand out to employers?We spoke to Roxanne Doyle, a Fashion Merchandiser at Shop Direct, to see what the role is really like and find out how she got started in the fashion industry.  The InterviewHi Roxanne. Can you tell us how you first got into the fashion merchandising career?My mum has always loved fashion, so I grew up seeing Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar magazines around the house.   I’d spend my weekends in Liverpool and Manchester city centre going from store to store with her, so my love of fashion started at a really young age.In school I enjoyed dance and art, however I also loved maths and history, and how analytical those subjects allowed me to be.   After college I couldn’t decide what I wanted to study at university, so I took a year out and got a job working in retail.Within two years I’d progressed from my role as a coach, training new and existing staff, to Assistant Manager.   It was whilst I was working on opening a new outlet store that I met some of the head office team, who told me that there was a position available as an Assistant Merchandiser that they thought I should apply for.I did and two weeks later I made the move.   I spent a year and a half in London learning a lot, not just about the role but also about how this industry works.   Eighteen months later I moved back home to Liverpool and joined Shop Direct, and I’ve been here since.What exactly does your job entail?Analysing performance across all of our products to understand lessons learnt and possible opportunities. This also means working with the design and buying teams to build future ranges and accurately forecast new trends across our brands within womenswear, which includes Very and also Littlewoods.I’m then responsible for planning stock levels, ensuring product availability at the relevant time and monitoring performance all with the aim of ensuring the best possible shopping experience for our customers.What’s a typical working day like for you?Every day is different but they all start in the same way: checking performance.That could be analysing sales and returns, checking stock and online availability, negotiating with suppliers on delivery dates and quantities, reflecting any forecasts in the weekly sales, stock and intake system (WSSI) and ensuring that the website is in order.All of this helps create my priority list for the day, and the rest of the week.What’s the best bit about being a merchandiser?The variation, and how closely we work with other areas of the business.We need to be involved in what’s happening in design, buying and quality assuran ce (QA) as that influences how we rank, estimate, buy and trade.   We also work closely with other teams across the business too, including online merchandising, central merchandising, shipping, finance and our insight team.Working cross-functionally allows you to gain different perspectives, which I think leads to better decision making.   Shop Direct really encourages it, which is great for me personally as I constantly feel like I’m learning and developing.How would you recommend someone to dress for an interview in the fashion industry?I think it depends on the retailer that you’re interviewing for, so I‘d always recommend doing your research before you apply.However, I’d always aim to look professional, whilst still maintaining a sense of your own personal style and individuality.If you were hiring an assistant what key skills would you look for?Definitely a positive attitude and a good work ethic; I think they’re the key things.Also, someone who enjoys and takes prid e in their work, who wants to learn and is willing to work as a team, even if that means stepping outside of their role.   Everything else can be taught.   Obviously, some people learn and develop more quickly than others, but you can’t teach someone to have a great attitude.Aside from that, ideally I’d want someone who is organised, efficient and thorough, as accuracy and attention to detail are essential in merchandising. I’d also look for someone who asks questions, as that gives me confidence that they’re thinking about what they’re doing, is innovative and is not afraid to challenge in a constructive way.Retail experience is a really good added bonus too, as I think it helps you to think about things differently, especially in regards to the customer.   Some of the best people I’ve worked for have started on a shop floor and worked their way up.How to become a MerchandiserJobs in the retail industryInterested in becoming a Merchandiser? View all available Merchandis ing jobs now.