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Associate Merchant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Harbor Freight Tools

Associate Merchant

Calabasas, CA · On-site

$87K - $131K/yr

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 ...

New

SKIMS

Merchant- Clothing

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Merchant- Clothing Department: Merchandising Employment Type: Full Time Location: Los Angeles HQ Reporting To: Adrienne Cole Compensation: $90,000 - $110,000 / year Description SKIMS is a solutions ...

SKIMS

Merchant- Clothing

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

The Merchant - Clothing owns the category strategy and assortment architecture across ready-to-wear and apparel collections. This role partners cross-functionally to build commercially successful ...

Aquent

Associate Merchandise Planner

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$40.80 - $45.33/hr

You'll manage brand planning, optimize inventory, and serve as a core financial partner to the Merchant team, directly contributing to the growth of strategic brand partnerships and transforming ...

Harbor Freight Tools

Merchant

Calabasas, CA · On-site

$117K - $176K/yr

The Merchant is responsible for supporting the development of defined product categories, executing ... Associates will accrue paid time off up to 236 hours per year (inclusive of PTO, floating holidays ...

New

PacSun

Associate Merchandise Planner

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$71K/yr

Quantify in-season risks and opportunities and making the appropriate recommendations to merchant ... Generous associate discount of 30 - 50% off merchandise online and in-stores * On-site Cafe * On ...

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 ...

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All JobsAssociate Merchant JobsAssociate Merchant Jobs in California

Associate Merchant information

See California salary details

$13

$25

$42

How much do associate merchant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate merchant in California is $25.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $35.10 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an associate merchant?

To thrive as an Associate Merchant, you need a solid understanding of retail math, merchandising strategies, and inventory management, often supported by a bachelor's degree in business, merchandising, or a related field. Familiarity with merchandising software, POS systems, and data analytics tools is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, negotiation, and communication skills help you collaborate effectively with vendors and cross-functional teams. These competencies are crucial for optimizing product assortments, driving sales performance, and ensuring smooth product flow in a competitive retail environment.

What is an associate merchant?

Associate Merchants are entry- to mid-level professionals who assist in the planning, selection, and purchasing of products for retail stores or online platforms. They work closely with buyers, vendors, and other teams to analyze sales trends, manage inventory, and help develop merchandising strategies. Their responsibilities often include monitoring product performance, preparing sales reports, and supporting the overall merchandising process to maximize profitability and customer satisfaction.

How does an associate merchant collaborate with buyers and vendors?

As an Associate Merchant, you will work closely with buyers to analyze sales data, identify market trends, and recommend product assortments that align with customer preferences. Collaboration with vendors is frequent, often involving negotiations on pricing, product specifications, and delivery schedules to secure the best terms. This role requires strong communication and analytical skills to balance the needs of customers, the goals of the business, and the capabilities of suppliers. Regular meetings and cross-functional teamwork are essential to ensure product selections are competitive and profitable.

What is the difference between Associate Merchant vs Buyer?

AspectAssociate MerchantBuyer
Required CredentialsTypically a bachelor's degree in business, marketing, or related field; some experience in retail or e-commerceSimilar educational background; often requires experience in procurement or retail
Work EnvironmentOffice setting, collaborating with marketing, product teams, and suppliersOffice or retail environment, focusing on vendor negotiations and inventory management
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in retail, e-commerce, and consumer goods companiesWidely used in retail, wholesale, and manufacturing sectors

The main difference is that an Associate Merchant typically supports product selection, marketing, and sales strategies, while a Buyer focuses on purchasing, vendor negotiations, and inventory management. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and work environments, but their core responsibilities differ within the procurement and merchandising process.

What are the most commonly searched types of Merchant jobs in California? The most popular types of Merchant jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Merchant jobs in California? For Associate Merchant jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Associate Merchant jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Merchant jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Associate Merchant jobs? Cities in California with the most Associate Merchant job openings:
Associate Merchant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Merchant job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 54% Full Time, 42% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $52,373 per year, or $25.2 per hour.

Associate Merchant

Harbor Freight Tools

Calabasas, CA • On-site

$87K - $131K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New

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.
Requirements
Job Qualifications - Education and Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in Business or a related field required
  • Minimum 2 years of experience in product merchandising or product management, retail, or other job related experience
  • Proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel
  • Excellent written and verbal communications skills

Physical Requirements
General office environment requiring ability to:
  • stand, walk, sit for extended periods of time
  • speak and listen to others in person and over the phone
  • use keyboard and read from computer screen and reports
  • lift up to 15 lbs

About Harbor Freight Tools
We're a 45 year-old, $8 billion national tool retailer with the energy, enthusiasm, and growth potential of a start-up. We have over 1,600 stores in 48 states across the country and are opening several new locations every week. We offer our customers more than 7,000 tools and accessories, from hand tools and generators to air and power tools, from shop equipment to automotive tools. We provide our customers with the right tool for the right job at the right price, always delivering quality and value.

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