Merchandising and Buying Placement Review

In merchandising: Analyzing sales performance, ensuring there are no issues with products that are being shipped, making sure stores get enough products, team meetings to report on what is happening in my department. In buying: sitting in on vendor calls, preparing for upcoming strategies, looking at stock sheets from vendors.

I have learnt how to be more analytical when looking at data and prioritize its importance. To be able to put together strategies and present my ideas to my team and senior leaders. I learnt how to use a lot of new software to gather the data that I needed and to be able to complete tasks. I have had to build relationships almost completely virtually and make connections around the whole of the business.

Yes after training we were given a lot of responsibility. I was the sole analyst on my department so I was the one who knew the most detail on the departments performance and the upcoming stock. Therefore I would provide any information needed to the rest of the team. It was my job to ensure that all stores had enough of my departments products now and in the upcoming months.

There was so much support! Everyone was so happy to help with anything. Everyone was very approachable, as many people have been through the same training process they are more than happy to help and share their experiences. No one ever made me feel like a question which I asked was silly, everyone was happy to help and ensure that I felt confident in my role.

The atmosphere was great everyone is very friendly that came across even though we were all working virtually. Everyone has time to help and answer any questions. The culture allows for people to learn from their mistakes and always provides help whenever it is needed.

I really enjoyed it. I have no complaints I loved the amount of responsibility and how the role was always changing as we reacted to what the customer is telling us through sales data. Everyone was so friendly it was a great environment to work in. I have gained so much industry knowledge that will help me in my final year and in future roles. My team was so supportive.

Yes

Go to stores and see the range of products not only the different departments but also the range of brands within those departments. It you are interested in analytics and learning more about the business side of retail it is perfect.