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Associate Merchandise Planner Jobs in California

ALO

Associate Merchandise Planner

Beverly Hills, CA

$75K - $85K/yr

OVERVIEW We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Associate Merchandise Planner to support the planning team in developing and executing merchandise strategies that drive sales and ...

ALO

Associate Merchandise Planner

Beverly Hills, CA · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

OVERVIEW We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Associate Merchandise Planner to support the planning team in developing and executing merchandise strategies that drive sales and ...

PacSun

Associate Merchandise Planner

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$71K/yr

Pre-season topside merchandise planning at a department/class level/style-color level, as well as ... Generous associate discount of 30 - 50% off merchandise online and in-stores * On-site Cafe * On ...

Aquent

Associate Merchandise Planner

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$40.80 - $45.33/hr

What You'll Bring * 4+ years of professional experience in merchandise planning, inventory management, or retail demand planning. * Advanced proficiency in MS Office, with intermediate-to-expert ...

ALO

Planning Manager, International

Beverly Hills, CA · On-site

$140K - $150K/yr

OVERVIEW The International Planning Manager leads a team of Planners and Associate Planners to develop and execute merchandise strategies that deliver sales, margin, and inventory productivity goals ...

Dollar Tree

Merchandise Manager

Los Angeles, CA

$53K - $66K/yr

As a Manager, Assortment Planning at Dollar Tree's corporate office, you'll provide guidance ... Our associates play an important role in this commitment by embracing change and showing up for ...

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All JobsAssociate Merchandise Planner JobsAssociate Merchandise Planner Jobs in California

Associate Merchandise Planner information

See California salary details

$58.2K

$69.5K

$84.9K

How much do associate merchandise planner jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate merchandise planner in California is $69,521.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,700.00 and $73,500.00 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 California?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Associate Merchandise Planner jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Merchandise Planner job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 50% In-person, and 50% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $69,521 per year, or $33.4 per hour.

Associate Merchandise Planner

ALO

Beverly Hills, CA

$75K - $85K/yr

Full-time

PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

OVERVIEW

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Associate Merchandise Planner to support the planning team in developing and executing merchandise strategies that drive sales and profitability. This entry-level role is ideal for someone who is analytical, passionate about fashion, and eager to learn the ins and outs of inventory planning, trend analysis, and retail strategy. 

As an Associate Planner, you'll assist with reporting, forecasting, and inventory analysis to help ensure the right products are available at the right time across our retail and/or e-commerce channels. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Assist in the development of seasonal merchandise plans and weekly performance tracking. 
  • Analyze sales trends, inventory levels, and stock performance to identify risks and opportunities. 
  • Support the Planner or Manager in maintaining Open-to-Buy (OTB) and forecasting tools. 
  • Partner with the buying, allocation, and merchandising teams to align on key strategies and execution. 
  • Prepare weekly and monthly reports on sales, stock levels, and KPIs such as sell-through and turn. 
  • Help monitor product flow and delivery timelines to ensure stock availability. 
  • Contribute to markdown recommendations and promotional planning analysis. 
  • Assist with post-season reviews and data analysis for future planning cycles 

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor's degree in Economics, Business, Retail Management, or a related field. 
  • 1-2 years of experience in retail, planning, merchandising, or an analytical internship (fashion industry experience a plus). 
  • Strong interest in the fashion industry and retail operations. 
  • Solid Excel skills and comfort working with numbers, formulas, and reports. 
  • Excellent attention to detail, organizational skills, and a proactive mindset. 
  • Strong communication skills and ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment. 
  • Internship or retail experience in fashion buying, planning, or allocation. 
  • Familiarity with planning tools or ERP systems (e.g., Anaplan, SAP, JDA, or similar) is a plus. 
  • Understanding of retail metrics such as sell-through, gross margin, and inventory turn. 

The base salary range for this position is $75,000-$85,000 per year which represents the current range for the base salary for this exempt position. Please note that actual salaries will vary based on factors including but not limited to location, experience, and performance. As such, on occasion and when applicable, there is the possibility that the final, agreed-upon base salary may be outside of the upper end of the range. Please also note the range listed is just one component of the company's total rewards package for exempt employees. Other rewards may include performance bonuses, long term incentives, a PTO policy, and many other progressive benefits.

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