A Merchandiser assists with marketing or promoting merchandise in a retail store. Advises on trends and styles; designs and creates merchandise displays in a store, to generate or improve customer sales. Works with sales associates, merchandise managers and product vendors. Monitors customer preferences and sales data.
Sales Make us your BEST Choice! The primary responsibility of this role is to increase Center Store sales through effective shelf management and selling tools in our AWG members stores. All activities will be directed towards achieving the goals and objectives of the member stores within the assigned territory for the Center Store portfolio to include Grocery, Health, Beauty, Wellness, General Merchandise, Specialty Foods (HGS) and AWG Brands. This position is in Iowa City/Davenport area. The candidate must remain within 30 miles of the location they are assigned.
Description of Work Essential Functions:
Selling members on new items, conversions, filling voids with proper shelf placement of all items within AWG Center Store portfolio, emphasizing AWG Brands and HGS items. Execute category shelf work via planogram. Assist with new store tagging and resets as necessary Execute assigned monthly focus objective work from Center store team. Includes all of Center store portfolio of new items, conversions, distribution voids, selling in promotional opportunities, pallets, shippers, etc. Work with brokers and vendors to accomplish assigned store resets, new stores, remodels, new equipment and shelving projects. Recommend category layouts and shelf allocations, focusing on AWG Brands and HGS. Provide insights and key recommendations to enhance the placement of AWG Brands and HGS items and other key center store items within planograms as customers make assortment and planogram decisions. Suggest products, product lines, and promotional activities, and analyze slow-moving items to encourage orders. Responsible for sales number within the assigned territory. Assist in member training of all AWG center store retail programs, emphasizing AWG Brands and HGS. Provide additional merchandising ideas and support opportunities (i.e.; end cap programs, supplemental ads, digital coupons, demo programs) within the Center Store portfolio. Complete in a timely fashion the required reporting for the territory as required by the Center Store Sales Manager. Qualifications Bachelor's degree Preferred/High School Graduate 5 years in the Grocery Industry Marketing/Sales Background Team focused Strong customer service skills Strong merchandising skills Ability to use screwdriver, hammer, power drill, saw etc. Valid driver's license- daily travel and overnights required Able to lift 40 lbs. or more- Bending, standing, and sitting for long periods of time
Knowledge:
Exceptional understanding of the retail grocery industry Sales experience calling on
Key Accounts Managing People Abilities:
Exceptional communication skills-communicate with all levels of retail management Attention to detail and time management skills. Fact based decisions skills on item placement with supported sales data Self-motivated, able to accomplish established goals with minimal supervision Effective relationship building skills to create and grow professional relationships with AWG Divisional Leadership and Key Equity Groups. Highly adaptable and able to manage various tasks while meeting multiple deadlines. Proficient with
Power Point, Excel and Word Working Environment:
60-80% Travel, some overnight Associated Wholesale Grocers, Inc. (AWG) is the nation's largest cooperative food wholesaler to independently owned supermarkets, serving 1,100 member companies and 3,500 locations throughout 33 states from 9 wholesale division support centers. Consolidated sales for AWG in 2025 were $12.2 billion. In addition to its cooperative wholesale operations, the company also operates subsidiary companies that provide certain real estate and supermarket development services, and pharmaceutical products. For more information, visit AWGinc.com .
Benefits:
Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance Health Savings Account Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account Paid Vacation, Holiday, and Sick Time 401(k) with 4% match along with 3 other contributions Tuition Reimbursement Basic & Supplemental Life and AD&D Employee Assistance Program Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Wellness Program Yearly Holiday Bonus
