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Assistant Merchandise Planning Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Arhaus

Planning Analyst

Boston Heights, OH · On-site

Analyze historical and current trends to identify risks and opportunities; partner with Manager to develop action plan to achieve department goals. * Assist Merchandise Planner with executing ...

Big Lots

Merchandise Planner

Columbus, OH · On-site

... and analysis to assist with higher level strategies and forecasting. * Reviews open-to-buy ... Develops and maintains a positive relationship with planning, merchandise, allocation ...

Big Lots

Merchandise Planner

Henderson, NC · On-site

... and analysis to assist with higher level strategies and forecasting. * Reviews open-to-buy ... Develops and maintains a positive relationship with planning, merchandise, allocation ...

Fashion Nova

Merchandise Planner

Beverly Hills, CA · On-site

... product planning across categories and support growth initiatives. You will have eCommerce ... * Assist in the execution and distribution of weekly, monthly, and quarterly reporting for the ...

Torrid

Senior Merchandise Planner

$101K - $123K/yr

Actively participate in new hire training and assist in peer development. * Oversee the career and skill development of a Merchandise Planning Planner in a way that drives job satisfaction and ...

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Assistant Merchandise Planning information

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How much do assistant merchandise planning jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant merchandise planning 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 is the difference between Assistant Merchandise Planning vs Assistant Buying?

AspectAssistant Merchandise PlanningAssistant Buying
Primary FocusDeveloping sales forecasts, inventory plans, and assortment strategiesSelecting and purchasing products to meet store or online demand
ResponsibilitiesAnalyzing sales data, managing stock levels, coordinating with vendorsNegotiating with suppliers, selecting products, placing orders
Skills & CredentialsAnalytical skills, understanding of inventory management, relevant certificationsNegotiation skills, product knowledge, vendor relations experience

Assistant Merchandise Planning and Assistant Buying roles are closely related within retail. While both support the product lifecycle, merchandise planning focuses on forecasting and inventory strategies, whereas buying emphasizes product selection and procurement. Understanding these differences helps candidates target the right roles based on their skills and career goals.

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Assistant Merchandise Planning jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assistant Merchandise Planning job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,400 per year, or $23.8 per hour.

Associate Planner

Variety Wholesalers Inc

Henderson, NC

Full-time

Posted yesterday

New

Variety Wholesalers rating

4.3

Company rating: 4.3 out of 10

Based on 46 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

695th of 733 rated retailers

Job description

Key Responsibilities

1. Assist in developing seasonal merchandise plans at the department and class level in partnership with Buyers and Merchandise Planners, balancing close-out and non-close-out business opportunities.

2. Support the development and maintenance of sales, inventory, and margin forecasts through analysis of historical performance, trends, and business opportunities.

3. Participate in ongoing business reviews and provide observations, recommendations, and analysis to support planning decisions.

4. Assist in creating and maintaining subclass and SKU-level forecasts, ladder plans, and inventory projections.

5. Support Open-to-Buy (OTB) management by reviewing inventory levels, sales performance, receipt timing, and forecasted demand.

6. Analyze business results and identify trends, risks, and opportunities that impact sales, margin, and inventory productivity.

7. Assist in developing promotional forecasts and inventory recommendations to support marketing and merchandising strategies.

8. Support assortment planning efforts to ensure appropriate inventory levels and product mix across categories and stores.

9. Partner with Buyers, Allocation Analysts, and Merchandise Planners to support execution of merchandising and inventory strategies.

10. Prepare reports, presentations, and analyses that communicate business performance, trends, and opportunities.

11. Collaborate with Planning, Merchandising, Allocation, Replenishment, and Marketing teams to develop a broad understanding of the retail business.

12. Visit stores periodically to gain knowledge of merchandising strategies, customer shopping behaviors, inventory flow, and market trends.

13. Contribute to process improvements by learning and utilizing planning tools, systems, and best practices.

14. Demonstrate continuous growth in planning, forecasting, inventory management, and analytical capabilities.

Qualifications

1. Bachelor’s degree required.

2. Retail, planning, allocation, merchandising, or business analysis internship or work experience preferred.

3. Strong analytical aptitude with the ability to interpret data and identify trends.

4. Demonstrated retail math and problem-solving capabilities.

5. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

6. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

7. Ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment.

8. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other business software applications.

9. Willingness and ability to learn merchandising, planning, forecasting, and inventory management processes.

10. Ability to quickly learn new systems, tools, and technologies.

11. Demonstrated initiative, curiosity, and desire to develop a career in Merchandise Planning.

Success Measures

1. Demonstrates increasing proficiency in merchandise planning and forecasting concepts.

2. Provides accurate and timely analysis to support business decisions.

3. Contributes to achievement of sales, margin, inventory, and productivity goals.

4. Develops strong partnerships with Merchandising, Allocation, Replenishment, and Planning teams.

5. Successfully progresses toward independent ownership of planning functions and responsibilities.

6. Continuously expands knowledge of retail planning strategies, systems, and best practices.

What Variety Wholesalers employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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