At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Merchandiser in optimising stock packages and managing store inventory.
- Company: Join END., a leading fashion retailer with a vibrant culture and community.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days holiday, flexible working, and generous staff discounts.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional development and career progression await you.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of retail merchandising.
- Qualifications: Retail merchandising knowledge and strong communication skills are essential.
Who We Are: Inspired by a shared love of fashion, sneakers and the surrounding culture, END. was founded in Newcastle upon Tyne back in 2005. Our first UK store brought together a curated mix of celebrated designers and emerging brands, many of which were previously hard to find outside of London. From day one, we’ve nurtured a community of like-minded individuals united by a love for this ever‑evolving culture. Today, END. serves over 2 million customers worldwide through a seamless blend of online and physical retail. Our industry‑leading stores in Newcastle, Glasgow, Manchester, London, and Milan reflect our commitment to innovation, influence, and inspiration. We offer a carefully curated selection of menswear, womenswear, sneakers, homeware, and lifestyle products to a global audience. At the heart of END. is our customer and it’s our people and culture that make the difference. With over 600 employees across our HQ, offices, and retail locations, our customer‑first mindset continues to guide everything we do.
The Role: The Allocator / Retail Admin will support the Merchandiser in optimising the stock packages by individual store in order to deliver the channel sales plans, and manage stock in the most profitable way. They will help shape the stock package, ensuring that the right products are available in stores in‑line with the seasonal range plan, topline department strategy and individual store targets. They will understand the needs of individual stores, and act as the point of liaison between Retail and Buying & Merchandising.
Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll be doing:
- Maximise both stock availability and stockturn through best use of replenishment and allocation
- Maintain bestselling and continuous product availability at individual store level
- Optimise stockturn by highlighting slow selling products and recommending actions to be taken
- Action transfer of stock between stores and DC once agreed and ensure that RTV deadlines are met
- Maintain an up‑to‑date knowledge of the department, individual performance, best and worst sellers, and competitor activity
- Action updates to replenishment settings inline with trading calendars, following guidance from the Merchandiser and Planning Manager
- Support in the preparation and distribution of launch allocations, ensuring accurate and timely stock movement for new product launches and campaigns
- Act as a key contact for stores, resolving stock queries promptly and escalating more complex issues as required
- Take part in regular store visits alongside Buying & Merchandising to review product execution, gather feedback and identify trading opportunities
- Work with the DC to resolve queries and to highlight any unresolved problems
- Provide weekly and seasonal analysis for the Buyers and Merchandiser to inform them of risks and opportunities
- Create ad hoc analysis and reports, to aid the both the merchandising team & wider business on decision making
- Produce and send Sales orders and Purchase orders to the Internal Delivery’s Team following each stock allocation.
- Maintain an up to date knowledge of the relevant systems and to attend training when required
Who we’re looking for:
- A solid understanding of the procedures and concepts within the retail merchandising function, with the ability to learn and apply technical knowledge under guidance.
- An understanding of how the merchandising department interacts with other teams within the company.
- Ability to complete tasks and projects as assigned while meeting deadlines.
- Capable of applying analytical skills to gather insights and contribute to merchandising strategies.
- Focus on resolving issues within defined responsibilities, working closely with senior team members for guidance on more complex challenges.
- Develop good working relationships with internal teams to positively impact the customer experience.
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain merchandising strategies to non‑technical audiences and assist in conveying complex information.
Besides a competitive salary and an engaging and inclusive work place we can offer you:
- 28 days holiday (including bank holidays)
- Flexible working, with 2 days WFH
- 40 Hours per week – Monday to Friday
- Holiday trading (Buy or sell 3 days)
- Your birthday off
- Access to Employee Assistance Programme
- Healthcare Cashback Plan
- Moments that matter gifts (Weddings and Babies)
- A pension that both you and the company contribute to
- Generous staff discount
- Opportunities for professional development and career progression
- And so much more…
We know that great talent comes in many forms. So even if you don’t meet every single criteria, we would still love to hear from you. If you’re passionate, driven, and believe you can contribute to our future success, we encourage you to apply. Please note: Employment is conditional upon having the legal right to work in the UK for the role offered.
Retail Merchandising Allocator employer: END.
At END., we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that celebrates creativity and collaboration. Located in the heart of London, our Retail Merchandising Allocator role provides not only competitive benefits such as flexible working arrangements and generous holiday allowances but also ample opportunities for professional growth within a dynamic team dedicated to innovation in the fashion retail industry. Join us and be part of a community that values your contributions and supports your career aspirations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Retail Merchandising Allocator
✨Get Your Retail Game On
Start by getting to know the local retail scene. Make a list of stores that align with your vibe and visit them. You'll be surprised at how many job openings come from chatting with staff or managers in-store. Plus, showing that you have a genuine interest in their brand can make you stand out when applying for that full-time role!
✨Join Retail Networks and Forums
Tap into retail-specific communities and forums, whether online or in-person. Platforms like Retail Week or local retail meetups can provide invaluable insights and connections. You never know who might drop a tip about an upcoming job at companies like END., so don’t miss out on building those relationships!
✨Be Ready for Busy Season Opportunities
Keep your eyes peeled for seasonal hiring windows, especially in the run-up to major shopping periods. Retailers often look for full-time staff to carry through busy times and may even keep you on after the season. Stay proactive by regularly checking in with your favourite retailers about their hiring plans.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail’s all about customer interactions, so make sure you showcase any relevant experience in your conversations and interviews. Share specific examples of your customer service skills and how they’ve led to positive outcomes. This is your moment to shine when applying to roles at places like END.!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, customer service is key! Make sure your CV highlights any experience where you've dealt with customers, whether it’s resolving issues or enhancing the shopping experience. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to handle difficult situations with ease.
Tailor Your CV for Retail:When applying for a full-time role like this one at END., customise your CV to reflect retail-specific buzzwords. Include any relevant skills such as inventory management or visual merchandising, and if you have experience with POS systems, shout about it! This will show you’re serious about joining the retail team.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Don’t just repeat your CV in your cover letter! Use it as a chance to explain why you're excited about the opportunity at END. and how your values align with their brand. Mention specific aspects of the company that resonate with you and let your enthusiasm shine through!
Highlight Your Adaptability:In retail, things can get busy and unpredictable, so demonstrate how adaptable and flexible you are. Share examples of times you've had to adjust your approach on the fly or take on new responsibilities. This will show END. that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at END.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail is all about providing an exceptional customer experience, so be ready to discuss your past customer service stories. We should have examples on hand of how we've handled difficult situations or gone above and beyond to meet a customer's needs. These anecdotes will bring your application to life!
✨Familiarity with Point of Sale Systems
Many retail roles require us to work with Point of Sale (POS) systems, so it's a good idea to brush up on any relevant software you’ve used before. If you’re familiar with systems like Shopify or Square, don’t forget to mention this during the interview. Highlighting technical proficiency can set us apart from other candidates!
✨Understand Product Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss the products that the store sells and how we can contribute to their sales. Showing enthusiasm for the products and a willingness to learn can impress interviewers. We should research popular items or trends in the industry before the interview, so we can speak confidently about them.
✨Be Ready for Role-Playing Scenarios
Many retail interviews include role-playing scenarios where we might have to deal with a difficult customer or upsell a product. Practising these scenarios with a friend or family member can help us feel more comfortable. The key here is to showcase our problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure!
