Market data for 2026 shows lower band salaries landing around £31,000

Market data for 2026 shows lower band salaries landing around £31,000, with the average sitting between £33,000 and £35,000. At the top end, roles are reaching £38,000–£40,000. The challenge for retailers is that expectations have shifted upward which means candidates are demanding more. For an assistant merchandiser role paying their lower range (£31,000), retailers often hope to hire someone with 18 months to 2 years’ experience already operating confidently at AM level, but the reality is a talent pool made up of strong senior MAA candidates ready to step up.

Outside London, hubs like Manchester and Leeds typically sit a few thousand pounds lower, though northern head offices with established buying and merchandising teams are becoming increasingly competitive.

Teams are leaner, and assistant merchandisers are being asked to take on broader responsibility than the title once suggested.

For employers, it’s worth noting that candidates at this level are weighing role clarity, realistic progression, hybrid flexibility, and the calibre of the team they’ll learn from just as heavily as the base salary. In a market where pay rises are modest but expectations continue to rise, the retailers offering a fair number and a visible path upward are the ones securing the strongest talent.

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