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Assistant Merchandise Planner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Merchandise Planner WORK LOCATION DETAILS Work Location: Home Office - Coppell, TX Work ... Provide coaching and development to other planners and assistant planners within the division About ...

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Assistant Merchandise Planner information

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How much do assistant merchandise planner jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant merchandise planner in the United States is $23.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $27.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a merchandise planner do?

A merchandise planner is responsible for analyzing sales data, forecasting demand, and developing inventory plans to ensure the right products are available at the right time. They collaborate with buying teams and use planning tools to optimize stock levels, maximize sales, and minimize excess inventory. Strong analytical skills and knowledge of retail systems are essential for this role.

What does an assistant merchandise planner do?

An assistant merchandise planner supports the development and execution of merchandise strategies by analyzing sales data, inventory levels, and market trends. They help create sales forecasts, coordinate with vendors, and assist in maintaining stock levels to meet business goals, often using planning software like Excel or specialized retail tools. This role requires strong analytical skills and attention to detail to ensure optimal product assortment and inventory management.

How does an Assistant Merchandise Planner typically collaborate with buyers and other teams to ensure optimal inventory levels?

Assistant Merchandise Planners work closely with buyers, allocators, and supply chain teams to analyze sales trends, forecast demand, and develop inventory plans. A key part of the role involves attending regular meetings to review product performance, discuss upcoming promotions, and adjust inventory strategies as needed. By sharing data-driven insights and maintaining open communication, Assistant Merchandise Planners help ensure that the right products are available at the right time, minimizing stockouts and overstock situations.

What is the difference between Assistant Merchandise Planner vs Merchandise Planner?

AspectAssistant Merchandise PlannerMerchandise Planner
ResponsibilitiesSupports inventory management, data analysis, and assists in planningDevelops and executes comprehensive merchandise strategies, oversees inventory levels
Required CredentialsAssociate's or Bachelor's degree in business, retail, or related field; familiarity with planning softwareBachelor's degree, experience in merchandise planning, advanced analytical skills
Work EnvironmentRetail or corporate office, collaborative team settingCorporate office, strategic planning environment
Industry UsageCommon entry-level or support role in retail companiesMid-level to senior role, often supervising assistants

The Assistant Merchandise Planner supports the merchandise planning team by handling data and assisting in inventory management, while the Merchandise Planner develops strategic plans and oversees overall merchandise performance. The assistant role is more support-focused and entry-level, whereas the merchandise planner takes on more responsibility and strategic decision-making.

What does a merchandising assistant do?

A merchandising assistant supports the planning and execution of product displays, inventory management, and sales strategies. They often work with merchandise planners to ensure products are well-stocked, visually appealing, and aligned with sales goals, using tools like spreadsheets and retail software. The role requires strong organizational skills and attention to detail in a retail or fashion environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Assistant Merchandise Planner, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Merchandise Planner, you need strong analytical abilities, attention to detail, and proficiency in retail math, usually supported by a bachelor's degree in business, merchandising, or a related field. Familiarity with inventory management software, Excel, and planning systems like Oracle or SAP is typically required. Excellent communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills help you collaborate effectively with buyers, vendors, and internal teams. These skills are crucial for optimizing inventory, maximizing sales, and supporting efficient merchandise planning processes.

How much do assistant merchandisers earn?

Assistant merchandisers typically earn between $40,000 and $60,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the company. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced assistants or those in high-cost areas can earn more. The role often requires skills in inventory management, data analysis, and familiarity with merchandising software.
More about Assistant Merchandise Planner jobs
What cities are hiring for Assistant Merchandise Planner jobs? Cities with the most Assistant Merchandise Planner job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Merchandise Planner jobs? The most popular types of Merchandise Planner jobs are:
What states have the most Assistant Merchandise Planner jobs? States with the most job openings for Assistant Merchandise Planner jobs include:
Infographic showing various Assistant Merchandise Planner job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 59% Full Time, 36% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,400 per year, or $23.8 per hour.
Merchandise Planner, Women's Swim, Outwear, & Layers

Merchandise Planner, Women's Swim, Outwear, & Layers

Vuori, Inc

Carlsbad, CA

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Vuori rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Company Description

Vuori is re-defining what athletic apparel looks like: built to move and sweat in but designed with a casual aesthetic to transition into everyday life. We draw inspiration from an active coastal California lifestyle; an integration of fitness, creative expression and life. Our high energy fast paced retail environment is reflected in the clothes we make. We aim to inspire others to take on all aspects of their lives with clarity, enthusiasm and purpose…while having a lot of fun along the way. We are proud to be an outlet for opportunity and for personal growth and success.

Job Description

The Merchandise Planner has the ability to influence both peers and leaders. Merchandise Planners are accountable for analysis of in-season business and the development of future financial strategies that support financial goals. Through their analysis and development of financial strategies, they will collaborate with Merchandising, Production and Inventory, & Allocation.   

  • Partner with merchants and planning leadership on strategy, building targets, KPIs, mark down strategy, optimizing sell through and forward planning  
  • Drives and owns the Pre-Season Planning - Connecting statistical analysis, assortment architecture, and merchant vision into a pre-season view of a merchandise plan.   
  • Seasonal Planning - Develop seasonal architecture aligned with Brand strategies and calendars; incorporate distortions, targets, and relationships of regular to promotion sales sensitivities and demand.   
  • Develop weekly sales, markdowns and receipt plans at the style level based on both trend and historical performance.   
  • Inventory Management - Manage monthly receipts to approved levels by analyzing buys and focus on optimal inventory turn, while taking into consideration the varying seasonal sales curves and receipt flow to facilitate new product launch set-up.   
  • Conduct hindsight of merchandise/planning strategy to inform future planning and execution activities.   
  • Analyze business performance and make recommendations that will maximize sales, profitability, and inventory and mitigate risk   
  • Support creation of financial decks with commentary for key business meetings   
  • Improve capabilities around analytics, conclusions, recommendations, to assist in driving key milestone meetings to conclusions with improved communication and influence.   
Qualifications

Who you are:

  • Bachelor’s degree in finance, operations, business, or supply chain or equivalent years of experience preferred. 
  • 2+ years of retail planning, inventory management, financial planning and / or production planning experience.   
  • Excellent technical skills in Microsoft Excel and/or related planning, finance, or analytical systems.   
  • Great business influence skills. Role is highly influential and requires input from various teams to be successful.   
  • Proven ability to meet deadlines, grow performance capabilities, and handle shifting priorities - able to thrive in a fast-paced environment.   
  • Able to identify and influence critical stakeholders, proactively problem solve, and recommend solutions.   
  • Extremely strong communication and presentation skills concisely presents complex information and recommendations in terms meaningful to a variety of audiences.   

Additional Information

Our investment in you:

At Vuori, we’re proud to offer the following to our employees: 

  • Health Insurance 
  • Savings and Retirement Plan  
  • Employee Assistance Program 
  • Generous Vuori Discount & Industry Perks 
  • Paid Time Off  
  • Wellness & Fitness benefits  

The salary range for this role is $75,000 per year - $96,000 per year. 

Vuori is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.  

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.


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