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The daily work of a Divisional Merchandise Manager (DMM) in the merchandising field

 

🗓️ Daily Responsibilities of a Merchandising DMM

A DMM’s day is dynamic and involves both strategic oversight and hands-on management. Here's how their typical day might unfold:


1. Morning Review & Planning

  • Sales Performance Check: Review daily, weekly, and monthly sales reports to track performance against targets.
  • Inventory Status: Monitor stock levels, identify slow-moving items, and flag potential out-of-stock risks.
  • Team Briefing: Conduct quick meetings with buyers and planners to align on priorities and address urgent issues.

2. Vendor & Product Management

  • Supplier Communication: Negotiate pricing, delivery schedules, and promotional opportunities with vendors.
  • Product Selection: Evaluate new product proposals and finalize assortments for upcoming seasons.
  • Quality & Trend Analysis: Assess product quality and ensure alignment with current market trends and customer preferences.

3. Strategic Oversight

  • Category Strategy Development: Refine merchandising strategies for specific divisions (e.g., apparel, electronics).
  • Promotional Planning: Collaborate with marketing to plan campaigns, discounts, and in-store displays.
  • Budget Management: Track spending, adjust forecasts, and ensure profitability across categories.

4. Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Meetings with Executives: Present performance updates and strategic plans to senior leadership.
  • Coordination with Stores: Ensure store teams are aligned on product launches, visual merchandising, and inventory needs.
  • Digital Integration: Work with e-commerce teams to optimize online assortments and pricing.

5. End-of-Day Wrap-Up

  • Reporting: Finalize reports and dashboards for the next day’s review.
  • Follow-Ups: Send updates to vendors, confirm orders, and resolve any outstanding issues.
  • Team Check-In: Provide feedback and guidance to team members on performance and priorities.

🧠 Key Tools Used Daily

  • Retail analytics platforms (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)
  • Inventory management systems
  • ERP software
  • Communication tools (e.g., Slack, Teams)

Would you like this content turned into a visual daily planner or checklist for presentation or training purposes?

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