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Associate Merchandise Planner Jobs in California

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 18, 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:

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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 Merchant - Remote

Harbor Freight Tools

Calabasas, CA • Remote

$87K - $131K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

The role of the Associate Merchant is to support the Merchant team's growth initiatives by developing strategies, project plans, and execution through project management, marketing, pricing, packaging, and product development. 
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Analyze, research, and support retail assortment and category reviews.
  • Coordinate promotional plans to drive gross profit, average basket, and increased sales per sq. ft. with key business leaders and stakeholders.
  • Responsible for refining and executing promotional plans including direct mail, digital, social, and in-store marketing.
  • Determine impacts of pricing, various promotions, store placement, off-shelf merchandising, and new product launches as it relates to the product category performance.
  • Analyze business trends to make strategic business recommendations to drive growth
  • Research and understand customer and market trends as it relates to optimizing category performance to make strategic business recommendations.
  • Assist Merchant team and Space Planning Department in roll out of new programs.
  • Collaborate with product development, brand, and packaging teams as well as with business partners within the Inventory Department for sales and promotional planning.
  • Ability to evaluate and build business plans as it relates to marketing, pricing, product development and product merchandising.
  • Participate and track transition process across all relative departments.
  • Develop, analyze, and draw conclusions and make recommendations to management team for process improvement opportunities, ideas to increase sales, and other ways to improve the business and organization.
  • Exercise judgment to prioritize and communicate to meet and exceed project deadlines and commitments.
  • Ability to multitask and direct multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Juggles competing deadlines and objectives.
  • Identify critical tasks and makes decisions on appropriate prioritization.
  • Comfortable presenting to business leaders and management.
  • Strong attention to detail.

Scope
  • Staff supervision and development -No
  • Decision Making - Provides data for decision support 
  • Travel -5-10%
  • Location - Remote | Anywhere 
The anticipated salary range for this position is $87,600 - $131,500 depending on location, knowledge, skills, education and experience. This position is also eligible for an annual discretionary bonus. In addition, we offer comprehensive and competitive benefits to Associates (and their families) such as medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability. Eligible Associates are able to enroll in our company's 401k plan. Associates will accrue paid time off up to 236 hours per year (inclusive of PTO, floating holidays, and paid holidays). Paid sick time up to 80 hours per year unless otherwise required by law.

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