How to Spot Great Merchants

Adaptability

Business changes rapidly in our economy and culture. Products have short life spans, and customers continually demand something new. Brand or company loyalty is rare, and business ideas must get executed quickly.

For merchants to be successful, they must adapt to the marketplace, customers and internal company direction. If the candidates can’t stand to have someone “move their cheese,” then they probably will have a tough time with success. Category responsibility will change. New businesses will be launched, and old businesses closed. Pricing strategies will change, and merchandise and creative concepts will be tweaked. If the merchant can’t respond to these changes — and be a driver to create these changes — he or she will have a difficult time.