Find Retail Merchandising Work in YOUR AREA!
Looking for retail merchandising work in your area? There is a demand for your services even if you live in a rural or remote area! Wal-Mart, Kroger, Target, Walgreen, Costco, The Home Depot, CVS Caremark, Lowe's, Best Buy, Safeway, etc.-- Are any of these stores within driving distance of you? These are just a few of the Top 100 Stores where you may be able to find work as a merchandiser.
When you have no experience, consider taking one-time, temp labor or small projects. These jobs are an excellent way to gain work experience. With experience on your resume, you will have a better chance at securing major projects or ongoing work.
If there is considerable distance involved, consider accepting work that is in route for you. You can work your way through several different towns and with mileage compensation you might find it is worth your time. This is a business decision you will have to make for your particular circumstances.
Resources to Find Work in Your Area
Apply to Merchandising Companies
Apply online with as many merchandising companies as possible. The National Association for Retail Marketing Services (NARMS) offers an extensive Merchandising Company Directory and web addresses for you to apply. You can apply to any merchandising company regardless of where they are physically located. Their clients and stores are typically nationwide. Once they have work available in your area, the Merchandising Company will contact you directly.
Forums and Job Boards
There are many Forums and Job Boards where Merchandising Employers post their open positions online. Here are a few to jump start your job search: NARMS JobBank, Snagajob, E-bay Classifieds, Indeed.com, & Craigslist.
Temp Staffing Agencies and Databases
Getting listed with a Temporary Staffing or Labor Agency and databases is a great way to get leads delivered by email. Start by creating your profile with Set and Service Resources, which is only the staffing agency exclusively focused on the Retail Staffing Industry. Also, create a profile at the National Association for Retail Marketing Services (NARMS). You will be automatically notified by email of job opportunities in your area.
Newspaper Classifieds
Watch your newspaper--Sometimes the merchandising companies place ads. Many regional newspapers now carry their employment classifieds online. Find your hometown newspaper online at Newspapers.com.
Visit Local Retailers
Try going to any mass merchant stores in your area such as Walmart, Target, Shopko, and major grocery chains such as Safeway, Albertson's, Winn Dixie, etc. Ask the claims or receiving clerk, department managers (especially the Electronics or cosmetic) or store manager if they know of any merchandising companies with openings in their store. The store employees are usually helpful and know if their stores are missing a merchandiser.
Ask to see the stores vendors log and look for the companies that work in that store. They may currently have a merchandiser, but this can change quickly. They made need a merchandiser on short notice and if you have already contacted them letting them know you are ready, willing and able to work for them, you may be given first shot at the job.
Visit your local mass retail or grocery chain and find out the bread, beverage or snack food delivery schedule. Many of these companies deliver products to the store by truck. Between deliveries, they hire merchandisers to restock the products on the shelf. The delivery drivers will know if there is an opening in your area and how to apply.
Merchandising work is highly competitive and may take some time to build your workload to the level you desire. Create an outstanding reputation for being dependable and professional on even the smallest job and more work will come your way!