If you're a graduate looking to get into merchandising and need to get a feel for the kind of questions employers might ask at interview, then make sure you research these graduate merchandising interview questions below. These questions and answers are taken from real graduate interviews, and compiled to give you an idea of what to expect and how to prepare your answers.
Example Merchandising Interview Questions:
1. What is the most creative thing you have done over the past year?
Interviewer Expectation: The interviewer seeks to understand your creativity and initiative. They are interested in examples that showcase original thinking and problem-solving abilities.
Example Answer: "(Situation) During my final year at university, I participated in a student-led fashion show. (Task) I was responsible for designing and creating a unique outfit using sustainable materials. (Action) I researched eco-friendly fabrics and experimented with various designs, ultimately crafting a dress from recycled textiles. (Result) The outfit received positive feedback for its innovation, and I was awarded 'Best Sustainable Design' at the event."
2. What is the most important aspect of successful merchandising?
Interviewer Expectation: This question assesses your understanding of merchandising principles. The interviewer is looking for a well-reasoned answer that highlights key factors contributing to merchandising success.
Example Answer: "(Situation) In a university project analysing retail store layouts, (Task) I examined how product placement affected sales. (Action) I observed that strategically placing high-demand items at eye level and complementary products nearby enhanced customer engagement. (Result) Our findings suggested that thoughtful product placement significantly boosts sales and improves the shopping experience."
3. What aspect of a product makes you want to buy it?
Interviewer Expectation: The interviewer wants insight into your consumer behavior and understanding of product appeal.
Example Answer: "(Situation) While working on a marketing assignment, (Task) I analysed factors influencing my purchasing decisions. (Action) I realised that packaging design and color schemes greatly attracted me to products, as they conveyed brand identity and quality. (Result) This understanding helped me appreciate the importance of visual appeal in consumer choices."
4. What do you know about merchandising?
Interviewer Expectation: This question evaluates your knowledge of the merchandising field and its various facets.
Example Answer: "(Situation) During my Retail Management course, (Task) I studied both head office and in-store merchandising strategies. (Action) I learned that head office merchandising involves planning and buying, while in-store focuses on product presentation and displays. (Result) This comprehensive understanding highlighted the collaborative efforts required to optimise product sales and customer satisfaction."
5. What changes would you make to our store?
Interviewer Expectation: The interviewer is assessing your analytical skills and understanding of their brand.
Example Answer: "(Situation) After visiting your flagship store, (Task) I noticed that the lighting in certain sections was dimmer, potentially affecting product visibility. (Action) I would recommend enhancing the lighting to highlight key product areas and create a more inviting atmosphere. (Result) Improved lighting could lead to increased customer engagement and sales."
6. What customer service experience do you have?
Interviewer Expectation: They are looking for examples of your interpersonal skills and ability to handle customer interactions.
Example Answer: "(Situation) As a volunteer at the university's open day, (Task) I was assigned to assist prospective students and their families. (Action) I provided directions, answered questions about courses, and addressed any concerns they had. (Result) Many visitors expressed appreciation for the helpful guidance, contributing to a positive impression of the university."
7. Who do we target as customers? If you had a store, who would you target?
Interviewer Expectation: This question assesses your market research skills and understanding of customer demographics.
Example Answer: "(Situation) Researching your brand, (Task) I identified that your primary target market consists of young professionals aged 25-35 who value quality and contemporary design. (Action) If I had a store, I would similarly target this demographic by curating a product range that aligns with their preferences and lifestyle. (Result) This approach would likely attract a loyal customer base appreciative of tailored offerings."
8. Role Play - We want to see how you would handle a difficult customer situation.
Interviewer Expectation: The interviewer is evaluating your problem-solving and communication skills under pressure.
Your interviewer(s) might pretend to be an unhappy customer or ask difficult to answer questions about a product to see how you respond under pressure. Keep a cool, calm and collected head in this situation. Listen to the information you are given carefully, and try not to feel hurried or under pressure. Interviewers are usually looking at what you can do with the information you are provided, and how you handle pressure. Ensure you keep an eye on timings and how long you have to go over things. You will sometimes not have all the information you need to make a decision, so make an informed decision with what you can. Take this exercise seriously, and get involved as much as possible.
9. How would you approach planning a seasonal product range?
Interviewer Expectation: The interviewer is looking for evidence of planning ability, commercial awareness, and an understanding of seasonality in retail. They want to see how you link consumer demand with product strategy.
Example Answer: "(Situation) As part of a university merchandising project, we were tasked with planning a summer product range. (Task) My role was to identify key seasonal trends and plan a balanced range. (Action) I researched past seasonal sales data, reviewed trend forecasts, and created a mix of staple and trend-led pieces. (Result) Our range was praised for its strong product logic and ability to meet both demand and trend relevance."
10. How would you react if one of your top-selling products suddenly became unavailable?
Interviewer Expectation: This question assesses your problem-solving and adaptability. The interviewer wants to see how you would handle supply issues while maintaining sales and customer satisfaction.
Example Answer: "(Situation) In a case study during my degree, we were given a scenario where a key product was out of stock. (Task) I had to suggest a quick solution to minimise impact. (Action) I proposed promoting a similar item as a substitute and adjusting visual merchandising to focus on available alternatives. I also recommended monitoring customer feedback. (Result) This approach helped maintain the product category’s sales in our simulated retail environment."