Merchandise Handling

Merchandise Handling refers to the complete process of receiving, storing, protecting, displaying, and maintaining merchandise in a retail store. Its goal is to ensure that products move smoothly from the supplier to the sales floor and finally to the customer, while minimizing damage, loss, and errors.

Key Steps in Merchandise Handling:

1. Receiving Goods
   • Checking delivered stock against invoices, purchase orders, and quantity.
   • Inspecting for damage, expiry, or missing items.
2. Unpacking & Sorting
   • Opening cartons carefully and sorting products by category, size, brand, or SKU.
3. Stocking & Storage
   • Placing merchandise in the stockroom with proper labeling.
   • Using FIFO (First In, First Out) to avoid expiry and aging of goods.
4. Pricing & Tagging
   • Adding price labels, barcodes, security tags, or promotional stickers.
5. Replenishment
   • Regularly refilling shelves to maintain availability and presentation.
   • Ensuring fast-moving items are always in stock.
6. Visual Merchandising Display
   • Arranging products attractively to improve sales.
   • Keeping displays clean, organized, and up to date.
7. Inventory Control
   • Checking stock levels, counting items, and preventing shrinkage.
   • Updating inventory records accurately.
8. Handling Returns & Damaged Goods
   • Processing customer returns, sending back defective items to suppliers, or marking down products.