Cape Union Mart International
Trainee Merchandiser – Green Thread
Company: Cape Union Mart International (Cape Union Mart Group)
Location: Cape Town, Western Cape
Job Type: Entry Level
Posted: 3 December 2025
Availability: Open until filled
Purpose
The Trainee Merchandiser role is an entry‑level position that works under the guidance of a Senior Merchandiser. You will support daily activities such as cost calculation, communication with buyers, and monitoring fabric and trim status. This position offers a graduate with a suitable background the chance to gain hands‑on experience in merchandising.
Key Responsibilities
Costing
- Create and manage cost jobs, estimate and finalise product costings.
- Keep the Bill of Materials (BOM) accurate by updating it with briefs, fits and PP seals.
- Log and maintain cost records in the merch tracker for both new and existing products.
- Understand labour costs, SMVs and MR to ensure cost accuracy as per PP seal.
Inventory Management
- Track stock levels and coordinate with production to ensure raw material and trim availability.
- Work with the Senior Merchandiser to manage lead times and replenish stock to avoid stockouts or excess inventory.
Market Research & Trend Analysis
- Stay current with fashion trends, competitor activities and customer preferences.
- Conduct competitor analysis and research market demand to guide purchasing and stocking decisions.
Collaboration & Communication
- Coordinate with design, production, and planning teams to align product availability with customer needs.
- Attend meetings with buyers, designers and sourcing staff.
- Maintain accurate purchase orders for all orders, adjusting for delivery, unit count and cost changes.
- Track critical path dates and update retail and internal production teams on order status.
- Support media sample requirements and coordinate fabric samples for the sample room.
- Create seasonal storyboards for retail briefings and communicate changes throughout development.
- Communicate effectively with customers, suppliers, manufacturers and internal teams.
Qualifications & Experience
- Diploma or degree in Textile Science, Fashion, Merchandising or a related field.
- Preferably a diploma or degree in Retail Management, Business or a related area.
- Completed an internship at a retail group or manufacturer.
- Experience in merchandising, inventory management, sales analysis or visual merchandising is highly desirable.
- Knowledge of market trends and customer preferences in retail.
Key Skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
- Practical knowledge of garment construction, fabrics and trims.
Behavioural Competencies
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines, especially during peak retail periods.
- Creative thinking and problem‑solving skills in product assortment and merchandising strategy.
- Strong planning and organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks.
- High attention to detail.
- Capacity to work independently and as part of a team.
- Service‑oriented mindset.
We are committed to transformation. Appointments and promotions will be made based on the best fit for the role. Preference will be given to candidates who enhance the diversity of our team, in line with our Employment Equity plan.
How to Apply
To apply for this position, please visit: