Unlocking the Potential of Merchandising in India

Miss India is a pageant that has showcased India’s beauty for decades. But behind the beauty of this event is the underlying potential of a highly competitive industry – merchandising in India. As one of the booming sectors in India’s economy, merchandising offers numerous opportunities to those ready to explore and take advantage of the industry’s potential. Here’s a look at the potential of Merchandising in India and how to unlock it.

Photo by Logistic Hookah on Unsplash

History and Growth Of Merchandising In India

The fashion industry in India is experiencing an unprecedented surge, finding new outlets apart from the Miss India pageant. Thanks to e-commerce platforms like Amazon, Myntra, and Flipkart, retailers now have more access to global markets. Merchandising in India is experiencing not only an unprecedented growth in luxury goods and sportswear but also a rising demand for standard, affordable clothing.

Statistics show that there has been a 96 percent increase in merchandising since 2018-2019, with a growth rate of 7.5 percent each year. Online retailers are making waves with their attractive discounts and smaller-scale designs than traditional brick-and-mortar outlets. Deals2020, a leading Indian retailer, saw a 20 percent growth in sales in the year 2020 alone. As a result, the industry is credited with providing enormous opportunities for job seekers.

Career Potential of Merchandising in India

Entering the fast-paced world of Merchandising in India offers numerous opportunities. The salary for merchandising professionals depends on the level of expertise. Generally, senior-level positions are significantly more compensated than entry-level positions. In India, merchandising roles are estimated to offer a salary of around ₹400,000–₹500,000 per annum.

For those with an eye for detail and an affinity for numbers, the role of a Merchandiser is an ideal fit. Merchandisers work on product development, new designs, pricing, distribution and promotion. They select items to be featured, analyze current trends and forecast future trends. In order to perform the job duties successfully, they must have an insightful knowledge of market information, such as promotional strategies, customer demands, pricing strategies and inventory management.

For visual merchandising professionals, creative vision is the most required trait. Visual merchandisers create cohesive, attractive displays to engage customers. Duties can include researching customer demand, setting up store displays, revising outdated displays and monitoring store's visual aesthetics. In addition, visual merchandisers should be familiar with the products being featured, lighting principles, and space management to effectively attract customers.

Tips To Transition Into A Career In Merchandising In India

As with most industries, landing a career in merchandising often requires a mix of skills, knowledge and experience. Below are a few tips on how to transition into a career in merchandising in India:

• Pursue the Right Course: Take courses in fashion marketing or merchandising or any related field to gain in-depth knowledge about the industry. Blogging or internships for websites related to fashion is also a great way to gain knowledge and experience.
• Network and Establish Connections: Make sure to build good contacts with individuals within the industry who can help you enter the field. Networking through social media, attending events and joining professional groups can help in this regard.
• Gain Practical Experience: Having prior experience in working with stores, fashion shows, and related events can give you an edge while applying for a merchandising position. One can even apply for freelance projects related to fashion and merchandising to gain practical experience.
• Display Resilience: Lastly, always remember that the fashion industry is ever-changing, and one should be mentally prepared for the changing dynamics of the field. Being resilient and having an ability to adapt to changes quickly is the key to success in merchandising.

Success Stories of People Who Transitioned Into Merchandising Career in India

A number of people have made successful transitions from other fields into a career in merchandising. Tara Sharma is one such success story. Tara started her career as a legal assistant with a few years of work experience in a corporate law firm. She felt passionate about the fashion industry, so she decided to explore the merchandising field. Tara eventually got a job as a buyer’s assistant with a leading e-commerce platform, where she works with a team of experienced professionals to curate the best deals and promotional offers.

Rahul, another successful story, is a full-time freelance visual merchandiser. Rahul started his career as a fashion designer, and within a few years, he realized the potential of visual merchandising and decided to switch his career path. Now, Rahul works with leading Indian brands, designing eye-catching displays for their stores and retail outlets. He also organizes fashion shows and other events. His experience in both fashion designing and merchandising has become an invaluable asset in his career.

Actionable Steps To Transition Into A Career In Merchandising In India

1. Research: Find out all you can about the industry by reading, attending workshops and speaking to qualified professionals in the field. Make sure to build an understanding of the technical and analytical aspects of the business.
2. Keep Learning: Take up extra classes or courses and get certified in the areas related to your career path. This will add up to your skillset and make you stand out from the competition.
3. Build Connections: Join newsletters, communities, or groups related to merchandising, or even follow influencers in the industry on social media. Establishing genuine relationships with mentors and career peers can put you in the right direction when applying for merchandising roles.
4. Gain Experience: Be open to try and explore various roles related to the field. Practical experience is a great way to get a thorough understanding of the industry.
5. Create A Professional Profile: Make sure to maintain a professional profile that is easily accessible and showcases your expertise. Having a good portfolio is also beneficial while applying for merchandising jobs.

Conclusion

The potential of merchandising in India is overwhelming, and there are numerous options available for those interested in entering the industry. It is a field that requires dedication, hard work and creativity but promises handsome rewards in return. It is also important to keep in mind the challenges and obstacles that come with transitioning into a new career and to be resilient when applying for jobs. With the right strategies and determination, anyone can unlock the potential of merchandising in India.