Apparel merchandisers play an important role in the fashion industry, responsible for buying and selling clothing products to consumers. However, their role goes beyond just negotiating prices and placing orders. As key stakeholders in the fashion supply chain, apparel merchandisers have a significant impact on the entire process, from design to delivery. In this blog post, i'll explore the responsibilities of apparel merchandisers and why they're essential to the success of fashion brands.
Design and Product Development
One of the most significant responsibilities of apparel merchandisers is ensuring that products meet the brand's design and quality standards. This involves working closely with designers, pattern makers, and manufacturers to develop garments that are both fashionable and functional. Merchandisers must also stay up-to-date with the latest trends and consumer preferences to ensure that products are relevant and appealing to target markets.
Supply Chain Management
Apparel merchandisers are responsible for managing the entire supply chain, from sourcing raw materials to final product delivery. This includes negotiating with suppliers, monitoring production schedules, and ensuring that products are shipped on time and in good condition. Merchandisers must also be aware of any potential issues or disruptions that could impact product availability, such as natural disasters or labor strikes.
Quality Control
Another critical responsibility of apparel merchandisers is ensuring that products meet quality standards. This involves inspecting products at various stages of production, from fabric selection to finished goods, to identify any defects or issues. Merchandisers must also work with manufacturers to resolve any quality issues that may arise during production.
Inventory Management
Apparel merchandisers are responsible for managing inventory levels, ensuring that products are stocked at the right levels to meet consumer demand without overstocking or understocking. This involves analyzing sales data, tracking inventory levels, and making adjustments to inventory levels as needed.
Pricing and Profitability
Merchandisers must also consider pricing strategies to ensure that products are profitable for the brand. This involves analyzing costs, including raw materials, labor, and overheads, to determine the optimal price point for each product. Merchandisers must also stay competitive with pricing while ensuring that products are priced correctly to maintain profitability.
Sustainability
Apparel merchandisers have a significant responsibility to promote sustainability in the fashion industry. This involves sourcing materials from environmentally responsible suppliers, reducing waste and energy consumption during production, and promoting sustainable packaging practices.
The Role of Garment Merchandisers in Today's Market
Garment merchandising is an unconventional field, where flexibility and adaptability are essential. Without a set playbook, merchandisers must be able to think creatively and make decisions on the fly. When an export order arrives, they must quickly assess priorities, optimize production schedules, and ensure timely delivery to meet customer demands. This requires a unique blend of business acumen, problem-solving skills, and attention to detail – all hallmarks of a successful garment merchandiser.
Most of them follow a set of steps to execute the order perfectly in time:
Fabric requirement calculation
⇓
Accessories (thread, button, interlining, poly bag, cartoon) requirement calculation.
⇓
Fabric sourcing.
⇓
Sourcing of accessories.
⇓
Production follows up with fabric and accessories by possible date of arrival of fabric and accessories in garment factory.
⇓
Costing of garment.
⇓
Garment production planning.
⇓
Pre- shipment inspection schedule.
⇓
Shipment documents.
⇓
Have to prepare proper time action plan.
Conclusion
In conclusion, apparel merchandisers play a vital role in the fashion industry, responsible for designing, sourcing, producing, marketing, and selling clothing products. Their responsibilities go beyond just buying and selling clothes; they must also manage supply chains, ensure quality control, manage inventory levels, consider pricing strategies, and promote sustainability. By understanding the role of apparel merchandisers, consumers can appreciate the complexity and importance of this critical function in the fashion industry.
