Merchandise Handler in Arkansas Career Overview
As a Merchandise Handler, you play an essential role in the supply chain and retail sectors. Your responsibilities include the receipt, organization, and distribution of products within warehouses or retail environments.
Key elements of your role include:
Inventory Management: You ensure that merchandise is stored properly and can be accessed efficiently, contributing to streamlined operations and helping to prevent stock discrepancies.
Order Fulfillment: You assist in picking and packing goods for shipment or display, ensuring that customer orders are filled accurately and promptly.
Quality Control: By inspecting products for damage or defects, you help maintain high standards of quality, which is vital for customer satisfaction and brand reputation.
Safety Compliance: You adhere to safety regulations and protocols, which protect not only the merchandise but also the workers within the environment.
Collaboration with Teams: Often working alongside other staff, you coordinate with different departments, such as sales and logistics, to ensure smooth workflows and address any issues that arise.
Your position as a Merchandise Handler is integral to maintaining the flow of products from manufacturers to consumers, influencing efficiency and reliability within the retail and distribution networks.
Merchandise Handler Salary in Arkansas
Data sourced from Career One Stop, provided by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics wage estimates.
Required Education To Become a Merchandise Handler in Arkansas
To become a Merchandise Handler in Arkansas, specific educational qualifications and training can enhance your prospects in this field. Here are the recommended college degree programs:
Apparel and Accessories Marketing Operations
- Focuses on the marketing aspects of apparel and accessory sales.
Consumer Retail Management
- Covers retail management principles, consumer behavior, and sales strategies.
Fashion Merchandising
- Encompasses various aspects of the fashion industry, including marketing and product promotion.
General Merchandising
- Provides fundamental knowledge of merchandising practices across various product categories.
Sales and Related Marketing Operations
- Offers insight into sales techniques and marketing strategies appropriate for merchandise handling.
Retailing and Retail Operations
- Emphasizes the operations and management within a retail context, essential for effective merchandise handling.
Pursuing one of these programs can significantly benefit your understanding of the industry and may be advantageous when seeking employment as a Merchandise Handler.
Best Schools to become a Merchandise Handler in Arkansas 2024
Fashion Institute of Technology
CUNY Bernard M Baruch College
New York University
Texas A & M University-College Station
Kent State University at Kent
West Chester University of Pennsylvania
- Receive, store, and issue merchandise, materials, equipment, and other items from stockroom, warehouse, or storage yard to fill shelves, racks, tables, or customers' orders.
- May operate power equipment to fill orders.
- May mark prices on merchandise and set up sales displays.
Merchandise Handler Required Skills and Competencies in Arkansas
Attention to Detail: You must carefully inspect merchandise for quality and accuracy, ensuring that items are undamaged and correctly labeled.
Physical Stamina: The role often involves lifting heavy items, standing for long periods, and performing repetitive tasks. Maintaining physical endurance is essential.
Organizational Skills: You need to efficiently manage inventory, keep track of stock levels, and arrange items in a logical system to facilitate easy retrieval and storage.
Time Management: Prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines and efficiently handling multiple responsibilities is essential for maintaining productivity in fast-paced environments.
Communication Skills: Having the ability to communicate effectively with team members and supervisors helps in addressing issues, coordinating efforts, and delivering customer service.
Basic Numerical Skills: Comfort with numbers is important for counting merchandise, managing inventory levels, and ensuring accurate order fulfillment.
Problem-Solving Skills: You should be able to identify issues quickly and think critically to develop effective solutions, especially when it comes to inventory discrepancies or damaged goods.
Teamwork: Collaborating with colleagues to streamline processes and improve efficiency requires a strong sense of cooperation and the ability to work well within a team dynamic.
Safety Awareness: Understanding and adhering to safety guidelines and protocols helps to prevent accidents and ensure a safe working environment for yourself and others.
Adaptability: Being flexible and open to change enables you to adjust to new processes, technology, or shifts in inventory levels and operational demands.
Basic Computer Skills: Familiarity with inventory management systems and other relevant technology enhances your capability in logging and tracking merchandise effectively.
Job Duties for Merchandise Handlers
Answer customers' questions about merchandise and advise customers on merchandise selection.
Complete order receipts.
Issue or distribute materials, products, parts, and supplies to customers or coworkers, based on information from incoming requisitions.
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
- Oracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOne
- SAP software
Inventory management software
- Inventory tracking software
- Ordering software
Word processing software
- Google Docs
- Microsoft Word
Basic Skills
- Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
- Reading work related information
Social
- Looking for ways to help people
Job Market and Opportunities for Merchandise Handler in Arkansas
The job market for Merchandise Handlers in Arkansas reflects a number of trends influenced by the state’s economic activities and distribution networks. Here are some key aspects to consider:
Demand for Merchandise Handlers: The need for Merchandise Handlers is robust, driven by the growth of retail, e-commerce, and logistics sectors. As businesses continue to adapt to consumer demands for swift and efficient service, the roles of Merchandise Handlers remain pivotal in maintaining supply chain efficiency.
Growth Potential: The logistics and distribution industry is projected to expand, suggesting favorable growth opportunities for Merchandise Handlers. As companies increase their focus on inventory management and streamlined operations, there will likely be an ongoing demand for qualified personnel in this field.
Geographical Hotspots: Certain regions within Arkansas present significant opportunities for Merchandise Handlers. Areas such as Little Rock, Fort Smith, and Springdale feature multiple warehouses, distribution centers, and retail hubs. The proximity to major highways and transportation infrastructure enhances job availability in these regions.
Industry Sectors: Merchandise Handlers find employment across various sectors. Retail chains, grocery stores, and e-commerce companies are among the primary employers in Arkansas. The growth of online shopping has particularly amplified the need for skilled workers who can manage and fulfill inventory demands.
Local Economic Initiatives: State initiatives aimed at boosting the supply chain and logistics sectors may also contribute to the job market for Merchandise Handlers. The Arkansas Economic Development Commission actively promotes investments in infrastructure that could lead to more job openings.
Seasonal Opportunities: The retail industry often experiences seasonal fluctuations, especially during holidays and special sales events. This can lead to temporary but significant job openings for Merchandise Handlers during peak shopping seasons.
Understanding these dynamics will give you better insights into your potential career path as a Merchandise Handler in Arkansas and help you identify the most opportune locations and sectors for employment.
Top Related Careers to Merchandise Handler 2024
Additional Resources To Help You Become a Merchandise Handler in Arkansas
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
- An essential resource for understanding safety regulations and guidelines relevant to merchandise handling.
- Website: osha.gov
American Warehouse Association (AWA)
- A professional organization that offers resources, training, and networking opportunities for those involved in warehousing and logistics.
- Website: awa.keepus.com
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
- Provides research and recommendations for safe workplace practices, including physical demands related to merchandise handling.
- Website: cdc.gov/niosh
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
- A valuable source for job outlook, salary data, and employment statistics directly related to merchandise handlers.
- Website: bls.gov
Arkansas Department of Workforce Services (ADWS)
- Offers labor market information, resources for job seekers, and training programs available in Arkansas.
- Website: dol.arkansas.gov
SkillsUSA
- A national organization that provides training resources, contests, and recognition for skills, perfect for individuals looking to enhance their professional capabilities as merchandise handlers.
- Website: skillsusa.org
LinkedIn Learning
- Online courses and tutorials that can enhance skills relevant to warehouse operations, safety protocols, and inventory management.
- Website: linkedin.com/learning
Amazon Career Choice Program
- Offers funding for employees pursuing education in high-demand fields which can include logistics and merchandise handling training.
- Website: amazon.com/careers
Local Community Colleges and Technical Schools
- Many institutions in Arkansas provide courses and certificates in logistics and material handling. Research local options to find relevant programs.
- Example: North Arkansas College
YouTube
- A variety of instructional videos related to merchandise handling, safety procedures, and operational best practices can be found here.
- Website: youtube.com
NPTC (National Private Truck Council)
- Offers resources and training related to transportation and logistics, which are essential for merchandise handlers.
- Website: nptc.org
These resources can significantly assist in gaining knowledge, professional skills, and industry best practices related to a successful career as a merchandise handler in Arkansas.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Merchandise Handler in Arkansas
What does a Merchandise Handler do?
As a Merchandise Handler, you are responsible for receiving, sorting, and moving products and materials in a warehouse or retail environment. You will typically handle inventory, prepare items for shipping, and maintain order in storage areas.What skills are required to be a successful Merchandise Handler?
Key skills include:- Strong attention to detail for inventory accuracy
- Physical stamina for lifting and moving goods
- Basic math skills for counting and tracking inventory
- Ability to operate equipment like forklifts (if certified)
- Good communication skills for teamwork in a warehouse setting
What are the typical working hours for a Merchandise Handler?
Working hours may vary based on the employer, but common shifts include early mornings, late evenings, and weekends. Many positions may require flexibility to accommodate busy seasons and demands.Is prior experience necessary for becoming a Merchandise Handler?
While previous experience in warehousing or logistics can be beneficial, it is not always required. Many employers offer on-the-job training for new hires, especially for entry-level positions.What are the physical demands of the job?
The role typically requires lifting, bending, standing for long periods, and repeated movements. It's essential to maintain good physical health to meet these demands safely.Are there opportunities for advancement in this field?
Yes, there is potential for advancement. Successful Merchandise Handlers may move up to supervisory roles, logistics coordinators, or warehouse management positions as they gain experience and demonstrate leadership abilities.What type of employers hire Merchandise Handlers in Arkansas?
Employers can range from large retail chains and distribution centers to smaller local businesses and warehouses. Industries include retail, e-commerce, and manufacturing.What salary can I expect as a Merchandise Handler in Arkansas?
Salaries can vary based on location, experience, and the specific employer. On average, you can expect to earn between $30,000 to $40,000 annually or an hourly wage in the range of $12 to $18, depending on your experience and the employer’s location.Do Merchandise Handlers need to be certified?
Certification is not typically required for all positions. However, if you will be operating heavy machinery, obtaining a forklift certification through a recognized program may be necessary.How can I find job openings for Merchandise Handlers in Arkansas?
Job openings can be found on various job search websites, local classifieds, and through networking with industry professionals. Additionally, checking company career pages and attending job fairs can help uncover opportunities.