1. Planning and developing merchandising strategies

2. Analyze sales figures, customers reactions and market trends to anticipate product needs and plan product ranges/stock

3. Maximize customer interest and sales levels by displaying products appropriately

4. Monitor stock movement and consider markdowns, promotions, price changes, clear outs etc

5. Analyzing every aspect of bestsellers (for example, the bestselling price points, colors or styles) and ensuring that they reach their full potential

6. Monitoring slow sellers and taking action to reduce prices or set promotions as necessary

7. Analyzing the previous season's sales and reporting on the current season's lines

8. Gathering information on customers' reactions to products

9. Maintaining a comprehensive library of appropriate data

10. Using Excel and other reporting software, for example to handle sales statistics, produce sales projections and present spreadsheets and graphs

11. Managing, training and supervising junior staff

12. Remain up to date with industry’s best practices

13. Strong analytical and numerical skills to work out budgets and understand sales figures

14. The ability to work under pressure in a dynamic environment and to quickly identify problems and recommend solutions

15. Sound decision-making skills and the ability to plan and prioritise

16. Excellent communication and negotiation skills