Retail merchandiser : Employers and vacancy sources

The retail industry employs just under three million people, which equates to 11% of the total UK workforce. By sector, it is the UK’s largest private employer. (UK Retail Futures 2011: Sector Summary, Datamonitor).

The types of employers most likely to recruit retail merchandisers include:

• fashion retailers;
• department stores;
• multiple high street chain stores;
• supermarkets;
• fast food/sandwich/coffee chains;
• larger independent high-street retailers;
• wholesale suppliers;
• manufacturers;
• mail order companies;
• internet shopping providers.

Merchandisers tend to work in head offices, many of which are based in London and the South East or in other large cities. For further details, see The Retail Directory of the UK .

There are also opportunities to work abroad, particularly with retail firms which have international outlets.

Sources of vacancies

• Search graduate jobs on this site.
• The Appointment   
• Drapers Jobs   
• Retail Week   
• InRetail  
• Retail Careers   
• Retail Moves   
• Retail Choice   
• Jobs in Retail  
• Total Jobs   
• University careers services.
• National newspapers.

Fashion and retail recruitment agencies frequently handle merchandising vacancies, for example:

• Success Appointments    
• Retail Human Resources   
• Fashion and Retail Personnel   
• Talisman Retail  

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