Merchandise Handler in New Jersey Career Overview
As a Merchandise Handler, you play a vital role in the supply chain process. Your responsibilities primarily involve the movement, storage, and handling of merchandise within various retail and warehouse environments. The efficiency with which you perform these tasks significantly impacts inventory management, product availability, and overall customer satisfaction.
Key aspects of the Merchandise Handler role include:
Product Handling: You manage the receipt, sorting, and organization of incoming inventory, ensuring that products are stored in an orderly manner for easy access.
Inventory Management: Keeping accurate records of stock levels is a critical part of your job. This allows for timely restocking and helps prevent shortages that could affect sales.
Quality Control: You assess the condition of merchandise, ensuring that only products meeting quality standards are available for sale, thus maintaining the reputation of the retailer or warehouse.
Safety and Compliance: Adhering to safety protocols and regulations is essential. You play a key role in promoting a safe working environment by using proper techniques and equipment for handling products.
Collaboration: You often work alongside other team members, including supervisors and logistics personnel, to coordinate the flow of goods and optimize operational processes.
The role of a Merchandise Handler is integral to the retail and supply chain industries. By ensuring that products are efficiently managed and readily available, you contribute directly to the overall success of the business and customer satisfaction.
Merchandise Handler Salary in New Jersey
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 New Jersey
To become a Merchandise Handler in New Jersey, specific educational qualifications can be beneficial. While many employers may not require formal education beyond a high school diploma, possessing a related degree can enhance your knowledge of the retail environment and improve your hiring prospects. Consider the following college degree programs:
Apparel and Accessories Marketing Operations: This program focuses on the marketing aspects of apparel and accessories, including product analysis, sales strategies, and inventory management.
Consumer Retail Management: This degree prepares you for understanding consumer behavior, retail strategies, and effective management practices in a retail setting.
Fashion Merchandising: This program offers insights into trends, marketing, and the overall merchandising process within the fashion sector, which can be advantageous in a merchandise handling role.
General Merchandising: With a focus on the broad aspects of merchandising in various retail fields, this degree provides a foundational understanding of product selection, inventory management, and merchandising strategies.
Sales and Related Marketing Operations: This curriculum emphasizes sales techniques and marketing strategies, equipping you with skills transferable to merchandise handling.
Retailing and Retail Operations: This program covers the essential functions of retail operations, including supply chain management, customer service, and store management practices.
While formal education can be beneficial, on-the-job training is often crucial. Many employers offer hands-on training programs to familiarize new employees with their specific operations and protocols.
Best Schools to become a Merchandise Handler in New Jersey 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 New Jersey
Physical Stamina: Ability to perform manual labor for extended periods, including lifting, bending, and moving heavy merchandise.
Attention to Detail: Ensuring that items are correctly identified, counted, and stored. Accuracy in handling inventory prevents errors in stock levels and fulfills orders accurately.
Time Management: Skill in prioritizing tasks efficiently to meet deadlines and maintain workflow in fast-paced environments.
Team Collaboration: Working effectively with colleagues to accomplish shared goals, especially in warehouse settings or stockrooms.
Problem-Solving Skills: Identifying and addressing issues that may arise during the handling of merchandise. This includes finding quick solutions to obstacles such as misplaced items or inventory discrepancies.
Basic Technology Proficiency: Familiarity with warehouse management systems, barcode scanners, and other technology used in inventory management is important for effective operations.
Safety Awareness: Knowledge of and adherence to safety protocols and regulations in a warehouse or retail environment to prevent accidents and injuries.
Communication Skills: Ability to clearly convey information and instructions, and to listen effectively to coworkers and supervisors.
Organizational Skills: Proficiency in organizing merchandise efficiently to enhance accessibility and optimize space in storage areas.
Adaptability: Flexibility to adjust to changing priorities, tasks, and schedules, particularly in response to seasonal demands or sales promotions.
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 New Jersey
The job market for Merchandise Handlers in New Jersey is exhibiting a robust demand fueled by the growth of the retail and logistics sectors. Here are some key insights into the current landscape:
High Demand: The rise of e-commerce and distribution centers has significantly increased the need for merchandise handlers. Retailers and logistics companies are actively seeking skilled individuals to manage the flow of goods efficiently.
Growth Potential: The growth potential for merchandise handlers is promising. Many companies are expanding their operations, which directly translates to more job openings. As New Jersey continues to be a hub for warehouses and fulfillment centers, opportunities are likely to increase.
Geographical Hotspots:
- Northern New Jersey: Areas such as Bergen and Passaic counties are home to numerous warehouses and retail distribution centers.
- Central New Jersey: Middlesex County, especially around Edison, has seen significant growth in logistics operations.
- Southern New Jersey: Camden and Gloucester counties are also emerging as key locations with increasing numbers of retail and distribution facilities.
Industry Sectors: Merchandise handlers can find opportunities across various sectors, including:
- Retail: Both brick-and-mortar and online retailers require merchandise handlers to assist with inventory management and product movement.
- Warehousing and Logistics: Companies specializing in storage and distribution services are continually hiring handlers to meet increasing consumer demands.
- Manufacturing: Some manufacturing facilities also seek merchandise handlers for tasks related to inventory control.
Seasonal Opportunities: The holiday season presents additional opportunities for merchandise handlers, as many businesses ramp up hiring to manage increased inventory and shipping demands.
With the continuous evolution of retail practices and distribution methods, the outlook for merchandise handlers in New Jersey remains positive, providing individuals with multiple pathways for career advancement and stability in a dynamic environment.
Top Related Careers to Merchandise Handler 2024
Additional Resources To Help You Become a Merchandise Handler in New Jersey
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) - Cargo and Freight Agents
Provides national employment statistics, wage information, and job outlook in the logistics field, including roles similar to Merchandise Handlers.
BLS Cargo and Freight AgentsNew Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development
Offers resources specific to employment in New Jersey, including job training programs, labor market information, and workforce development initiatives.
NJ Department of LaborNational Retail Federation (NRF)
A key organization for retail professionals, offering resources on industry trends, career development, and networking opportunities.
National Retail FederationCareerOneStop
Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, this resource provides tools for job search, resumes, and interview techniques, tailored to positions such as Merchandise Handlers.
CareerOneStopAmerican Warehouse Association (AWA)
Focuses on promoting best practices in warehouse management and operations. A resource for networking among industry professionals.
American Warehouse AssociationOccupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Essential for understanding workplace safety standards, particularly relevant in environments like warehouses where Merchandise Handlers typically work.
OSHATrade Publications
Subscribe to industry-specific publications such as "Materials Handling & Logistics" to keep updated with the latest trends, technologies, and practices in merchandise handling.
Materials Handling & LogisticsLinkedIn Learning
Offers various online courses related to logistics, supply chain management, and warehouse operations which can enhance your skills as a Merchandise Handler.
LinkedIn LearningLocal Community Colleges
Look for programs in logistics or supply chain management at community colleges in New Jersey for skill development and certification opportunities. For example, check out:
New Jersey Community College Directory
These resources will help you gain valuable insights, connect with professionals in your field, and enhance your career as a Merchandise Handler in New Jersey.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Merchandise Handler in New Jersey
What is a Merchandise Handler?
A Merchandise Handler is responsible for receiving, organizing, and distributing products within a warehouse or retail environment. This role involves various tasks, including loading and unloading shipments, managing inventory, and ensuring that merchandise is stored properly.What qualifications do I need to become a Merchandise Handler?
Generally, a high school diploma or equivalent is sufficient for this role. Employers often prefer candidates with experience in warehousing or retail. Certifications in forklift operation or other equipment may also be beneficial.What skills are important for a Merchandise Handler?
Key skills include physical stamina, attention to detail, basic math skills for inventory management, and the ability to operate machinery. Good communication and teamwork skills are also essential since you'll work closely with other staff members.What is the typical work environment for a Merchandise Handler?
You can expect to work in warehouses, distribution centers, or retail stores. These environments may be physically demanding, requiring you to stand for long periods, lift heavy items, and work in various weather conditions if it involves outdoor tasks.What hours do Merchandise Handlers typically work?
Work hours can vary widely. Some positions require night or early morning shifts, particularly in warehouses that operate around the clock. Overtime may also be common during peak seasons.Is there room for advancement in this career?
Yes, there is potential for advancement. With experience, you could move into supervisory or managerial roles within the warehouse or distribution center. Additional training or education can open doors to roles in logistics, supply chain management, or operations.What are the physical demands of being a Merchandise Handler?
The job requires lifting, pushing, and pulling heavy items regularly. You may also need to stand, bend, or kneel for extended periods. It’s important to maintain physical fitness to meet these demands.What safety measures should I be aware of?
Merchandise Handlers should follow standard safety protocols, such as wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), following proper lifting techniques, and adhering to warehouse safety guidelines to prevent accidents or injuries.How much can I expect to earn as a Merchandise Handler in New Jersey?
Salaries can vary based on location and experience but generally range from $28,000 to $45,000 annually. Some positions may offer benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and overtime pay.Where can I find job opportunities for Merchandise Handlers in New Jersey?
Job opportunities are available on various job boards, company websites, and local employment agencies. Networking within the industry or attending job fairs may also help you find openings.