Apparel merchandising is a widely recognized job in the apparel supply chain. Merchandisers work in various settings such as buying offices, export houses, and fabricator's workshops. Even within the same organization, merchandisers may have different job roles based on their profile.

The merchandising department serves as a mediator between the factory and the buyers, making it a crucial component of the company. They coordinate with buyers to receive orders, send samples for approval, and handle comments and feedback. Additionally, the merchandiser is responsible for preparing the bill of materials (BOM), garment costing sheet, and ensuring efficient production processes are followed.

As an intermediary between the buying house and the manufacturing unit, the apparel merchandiser plays a crucial role in the smooth execution and timely delivery of orders. Some of the key responsibilities of an apparel merchandiser include:

1.Communication: Facilitating internal and external communication to ensure that information flows seamlessly throughout the order cycle, from order confirmation to shipment.

2.Coordination: Coordinating with various departments such as sourcing, sampling, production, quality assurance, and logistics to ensure that all aspects of the order are executed efficiently and on time.

3.Time & Action Calendar/Time Management: Preparing a Time and Action (T&A) calendar, which acts as a multitasking tool to keep track of different tasks, timelines, and deadlines.

4.Samples Approval: Obtaining sample approval from the buyer by getting the sample made by the product development department and ensuring that all necessary corrections are made before obtaining the final approval.

5.Cost Analysis: Conducting cost analysis to determine the win-win costing for both buyers and the manufacturing unit, and negotiating with buyers if the costing is too high.

6.On-time Delivery: Ensuring that the on-time delivery shipment percentage is as high as possible and tracking orders regularly to ensure timely delivery.

7.Sourcing: Dealing with the sourcing team for procurement of raw material in small factories, if required.

8.Bill Of Materials: Preparing a Bill of Materials (BOM) and entering the details in ERP to ensure that all departments work as per the BOM details.

9.Production File: Preparing a production file that includes all the details approved by the buyer, such as tech pack, purchase order, and 10-parameter report.

10.Approvals from Buyers: Obtaining approval from the buyer for any tested materials or changes made to the product, raw material, or trims and accessories.

11.Special precautions: Advising on special precautions that need to be taken in the production and quality departments.

12.Scheduling Meetings: Another crucial responsibility of the apparel merchandiser is to organize meetings after the pre-production samples are approved. This is to ensure that all stakeholders are well-informed of the production plan, and to discuss critical styles and how to break them down for efficient functioning in sewing lines.

13.Orders Follow Ups: Following up on running orders and upcoming orders to ensure that everything is on track for timely delivery.

14.Providing after sales services: Another key responsibility of the apparel merchandiser is to provide after-sales services. This involves addressing any post-shipment comments or feedback from the buyer, as well as resolving any issues that may arise after the delivery of the order. By providing excellent after-sales service, the merchandiser can build a long-term relationship with the buyer.