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Associate Merchandise Planner Jobs in Arkansas (NOW HIRING)

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Associate Merchandise Planner information

See Arkansas salary details

$48.8K

$58.3K

$71.1K

How much do associate merchandise planner jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate merchandise planner in Arkansas is $58,250.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,500.00 and $61,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an associate merchandise planner?

Associate Merchandise Planners are entry-level professionals in the retail industry responsible for assisting in the planning, forecasting, and allocation of products to maximize sales and minimize inventory costs. They analyze sales data, monitor inventory levels, and help develop strategies to ensure the right products are available at the right time and place. Working closely with buyers, merchandisers, and supply chain teams, Associate Merchandise Planners play a crucial role in supporting the merchandising process and achieving financial goals.

How does an associate merchandise planner typically collaborate with buyers and inventory teams?

An Associate Merchandise Planner works closely with buyers to analyze sales trends, forecast demand, and develop assortment plans that align with business goals. They regularly communicate with inventory teams to monitor stock levels, identify potential shortages or overages, and coordinate replenishment strategies. This collaborative approach ensures that the right products are available at the right time, helping to maximize sales and minimize excess inventory. Effective teamwork and strong communication skills are essential in this role, as decisions often require input from multiple departments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate merchandise planner, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Merchandise Planner, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a bachelor's degree in business, finance, or a related field. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, retail planning software (such as Oracle or JDA), and data analysis tools is typically required. Effective communication, problem-solving abilities, and collaboration skills help you work effectively with cross-functional teams. These competencies are crucial for making informed inventory decisions, optimizing sales, and supporting the overall merchandising strategy.

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

AspectAssociate Merchandise PlannerMerchandise Planner
ResponsibilitiesSupports merchandise planning, assists with inventory management, data analysisDevelops sales forecasts, manages inventory levels, creates merchandise plans
Required SkillsData analysis, basic forecasting, communication skillsAdvanced forecasting, strategic planning, analytical skills
ExperienceEntry-level or 1-2 years in retail or merchandising3+ years in merchandising or planning roles
Work EnvironmentRetail companies, fashion brands, department storesRetail chains, apparel companies, department stores

The main difference between an Associate Merchandise Planner and a Merchandise Planner lies in experience and scope. An Associate Merchandise Planner typically supports planning activities and handles more routine tasks, while a Merchandise Planner manages comprehensive forecasting and strategic inventory decisions. Both roles are essential in retail, with the Associate position serving as an entry point for those developing their planning careers.

What are the most commonly searched types of Merchandise Planner jobs in Arkansas?

The most popular types of Merchandise Planner jobs in Arkansas are:

What are popular job titles related to Associate Merchandise Planner jobs in Arkansas?

For Associate Merchandise Planner jobs in Arkansas, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Associate Merchandise Planner jobs in Arkansas look for?

The top searched job categories for Associate Merchandise Planner jobs in Arkansas are:

What cities in Arkansas are hiring for Associate Merchandise Planner jobs?

Cities in Arkansas with the most Associate Merchandise Planner job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Associate Merchandise Planner jobs in AR?

For Associate Merchandise Planner jobs in AR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Associate Merchandise Planner job openings in Arkansas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,250 per year, or $28 per hour.

Associate Merchant - Carbonated Soft Drinks

Walmart

Bella Vista, AR • On-site

$70K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Walmart rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 22,636 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

25th of 39 rated national retailers


Job description

Position Summary... What you'll do...Role summary:
As an Associate Merchant, you will support category management by facilitating supplier negotiations, managing purchase orders, and resolving supplier issues to ensure accurate product setup across channels. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance customer experience through effective communication and data-driven insights. This role involves supporting budgeting, forecasting, and promotional activities while leveraging analytical tools to inform decisions. Your contributions will help optimize assortment strategies and maintain operational excellence, driving value for customers and the business within a dynamic retail environment.
About the team:
Our team centers every merchant decision on understanding customer needs to deliver the right assortment, quality, value, and experience at the right time. By applying strong merchant fundamentals and leveraging customer insights, we aim to exceed expectations and build lasting trust. The team collaborates closely with suppliers and internal partners to manage product assortment and category strategy effectively. Focused on data analysis and supplier relationship management, we continuously enhance the shopping experience while supporting operational excellence and business growth.
What you'll do:
  • Support merchants in supplier negotiations and manage purchase orders for assigned categories.
  • Assist in resolving supplier issues and facilitate the setup of new suppliers for stores and online channels.
  • Own execution of customer communication and education programs, collaborating with cross-functional teams.
  • Ensure accuracy and quality of product page content, following taxonomy and search guidelines.
  • Analyze category performance data to support budgeting, forecasting, and sales reporting.
  • Contribute to feature and promotional planning across stores and online platforms.
  • Support modular assortment implementation and inventory decisions aligned with business objectives.

What you'll bring:
  • Proven experience in vendor relationship management and supplier negotiations within retail or related sectors.
  • Strong skills in category strategy development and product assortment planning to optimize sales and customer satisfaction.
  • Ability to analyze data effectively to support forecasting, budgeting, and performance tracking.
  • Proficiency in managing purchase orders and resolving supplier-related issues efficiently.
  • Experience collaborating cross-functionally to implement merchandising strategies and promotional features.
  • Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail in item setup and content accuracy.
  • Commitment to upholding company policies, ethical standards, and delivering customer-focused results.
At Walmart, we offer competitive pay as well as performance-based bonus awards and other great benefits for a happier mind, body, and wallet. Health benefits include medical, vision and dental coverage. Financial benefits include 401(k), stock purchase and company-paid life insurance. Paid time off benefits include PTO (including sick leave), parental leave, family care leave, bereavement, jury duty, and voting. Other benefits include short-term and long-term disability, company discounts, Military Leave Pay, adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, and more. You will also receive PTO and/or PPTO that can be used for vacation, sick leave, holidays, or other purposes. The amount you receive depends on your job classification and length of employment. It will meet or exceed the requirements of paid sick leave laws, where applicable. For information about PTO, see https://one.walmart.com/notices. Live Better U is a Walmart-paid education benefit program for full-time and part-time associates in Walmart and Sam's Club facilities. Programs range from high school completion to bachelor's degrees, including English Language Learning and short-form certificates. Tuition, books, and fees are completely paid for by Walmart.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to a specific plan or program terms.
For information about benefits and eligibility, see One.Walmart.
The annual salary range for this position is $70,000.00 - $130,000.00 Additional compensation includes annual or quarterly performance bonuses. Additional compensation for certain positions may also include :
- Stock

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Minimum Qualifications...

Outlined below are the required minimum qualifications for this position. If none are listed, there are no minimum qualifications.

2 years’ experience in merchandising, buying, financial planning, operations, or related area. Preferred Qualifications...

Outlined below are the optional preferred qualifications for this position. If none are listed, there are no preferred qualifications.

Microsoft Office, Negotiating with third-party suppliers, Pricing, site merchandising, planning or inventory, or related area Bachelors: Business, Bachelors: Merchandising Primary Location... 701 Respect Dr, Bentonville, AR 72716, United States of America Walmart and its subsidiaries are committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace and has a no tolerance policy regarding the use of illegal drugs and alcohol on the job. This policy applies to all employees and aims to create a safe and productive work environment.

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About Walmart

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

From our humble beginnings as a small discount retailer in Rogers, Ark., Walmart has opened thousands of stores in the U.S. and expanded internationally. Through innovation, we're creating a seamless experience to let customers shop anytime and anywhere online and in stores. We are creating opportunities and bringing value to customers and communities around the globe. Walmart operates approximately 10,500 stores and clubs in 19 countries and eCommerce websites. We employ 2.1 million associates around the world — nearly 1.6 million in the U.S. alone.

Industry

Retail and transportation and warehousing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Bentonville, AR, US

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