Merchandiser - Beauty & Cosmetics
Overview
Beauty Merchandisers maintain brand presence and product displays in retail environments, ensuring cosmetics and skincare products are attractively presented, properly stocked, and promoted according to brand standards while educating retail staff on product benefits.
- 1Maintain brand displays and fixtures according to planograms
- 2Ensure full stock availability and proper product placement
- 3Create eye-catching displays for new product launches and promotions
- 4Clean and organize testers, displays, and counter areas
- 5Train retail staff on product knowledge, benefits, and selling techniques
- 6Conduct product demonstrations for customers and staff
- 7Check expiry dates and remove expired or damaged products
- 8Monitor competitor activity and report market intelligence
- 9Install promotional materials and POS (point-of-sale) elements
- 10Photograph displays and complete visit reports using mobile apps
- 11Build relationships with store managers and beauty advisors
- 12Report out-of-stock situations and supply chain issues
Education
Matric/Grade 12; Beauty Therapy or Cosmetology qualification advantageous
Experience
1-2 years beauty retail or merchandising experience
Skills
- ✓Beauty and skincare product knowledge
- ✓Visual merchandising and display creation
- ✓Brand representation and presentation
- ✓Retail staff training and education
- ✓Photography for reporting and documentation
- ✓Relationship building with retail partners
- ✓Attention to detail and aesthetics
- ✓Territory planning and time management
Setting
Field-based visiting pharmacies, department stores, and beauty retailers
Hours
Monday to Friday with occasional Saturday store visits (8am-5pm)
Travel
60-70% - covering assigned territory with multiple store visits daily
Physical Demands
Moderate - standing, reaching, and carrying display materials
Salary Range
R7,500 - R14,000 per month
Structure
Salary plus fuel/travel allowance and mobile phone
Benefits
Product samples, brand discounts, fuel reimbursement, performance bonuses
Challenges
- •Managing multiple brand counters across different retailers
- •Educating high-turnover retail staff repeatedly
- •Dealing with limited counter space and competing brands
- •Maintaining premium brand image in varied retail environments
Opportunities
- •Career progression to area manager or brand ambassador
- •Transition to brand marketing or product development
- •Specialization in prestige or mass market beauty
- •Skills applicable to international beauty brands
Industry Trends
- •Clean beauty and sustainable packaging focus
- •Inclusive shade ranges and diverse representation
- •Experiential retail and beauty masterclasses
- •Digital integration with virtual try-on and AR experiences