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Entry Level Merchandise Planning Allocation Jobs

AAFES

Buyer I

Dallas, TX · On-site

Assists buyer at the entry level in merchandising functions, including assortment planning/execution, financial planning/execution, merchandise allocation and replenishment. Has limited ...

TUMI

Omni Merchandise Planner, Men's Bags

Edison, NJ

... Tumi's North America Merchandise Planning & Allocation function as we build best-in-class ... capabilities. The Planner will collaborate with Merchant partners to drive the Men's Bags category ...

Rothy's

Inventory Strategy Planner

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$82K - $99K/yr

This role is a key connector across the organization, building relationships with Tech, Merchandising, Planning & Allocation and Data Analytics teams to ensure the tool and its processes evolve ...

Rothy's

Inventory Strategy Planner

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$82K - $99K/yr

This role is a key connector across the organization, building relationships with Tech, Merchandising, Planning & Allocation and Data Analytics teams to ensure the tool and its processes evolve ...

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Entry Level Merchandise Planning Allocation information

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$55.5K

$97.2K

$152K

How much do entry level merchandise planning allocation jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level merchandise planning allocation in the United States is $97,202.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,500.00 and $116,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Entry Level Merchandise Planning Allocation vs Entry Level Merchandiser?

AspectEntry Level Merchandise Planning AllocationEntry Level Merchandiser
Primary FocusAllocating inventory and planning merchandise distributionSelecting and presenting products to meet customer demand
Skills RequiredData analysis, inventory management, forecastingVisual merchandising, product knowledge, sales analysis
Work EnvironmentPlanning departments, retail or wholesale companiesStore floors, retail outlets, or online platforms
Common Industry UsageRetail, apparel, consumer goodsRetail, fashion, specialty stores

While both roles support retail operations, Entry Level Merchandise Planning Allocation focuses on inventory distribution and planning, whereas Entry Level Merchandiser emphasizes product presentation and sales support. Understanding these differences helps candidates choose the right career path in retail and merchandising.

What is entry level merchandise planning allocation?

Entry level merchandise planning allocation involves assisting with the distribution of products to stores or online channels based on sales data, inventory levels, and forecasted demand. Professionals in this role help analyze trends, monitor stock, and ensure the right products are in the right locations at the right times. They work closely with buyers, planners, and store teams to support sales goals and minimize excess inventory. This position is a starting point for a career in retail merchandising and provides valuable experience in supply chain and inventory management.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level merchandise planning allocation specialist?

To excel in Entry Level Merchandise Planning Allocation, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a bachelor's degree in business, finance, or a related field. Familiarity with Excel, inventory management systems, and retail planning software is typically required. Excellent communication, organizational skills, and adaptability help you work effectively with cross-functional teams and respond to shifting priorities. These capabilities ensure optimal inventory levels, efficient allocation of merchandise, and support for sales and profitability goals.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level merchandise planning allocation professionals, and how can they be addressed?

Entry-level merchandise planning allocation professionals often face challenges such as managing large volumes of data, learning how to forecast demand accurately, and adapting to fast-changing market trends. Balancing inventory levels to avoid overstock or stockouts can also be complex, especially when collaborating with various teams like buying, logistics, and store operations. These challenges can be addressed by developing strong analytical skills, becoming proficient with planning software, staying organized, and actively seeking support and feedback from more experienced team members.
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Entry Level Merchandise Planning Allocation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Merchandise Planning Allocation 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 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,202 per year, or $46.7 per hour.

Merchandise Planner - US Company

Anta International

Santa Monica, CA • On-site

Other

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Position Overview:

The Merchandise Planner is responsible for developing and executing merchandise plans that optimize sales, inventory, and profitability across retail and wholesale channels. This role partners closely with Merchandising, Retail Operations, Marketing, and Finance to translate business strategies into inventory and assortment plans, ensuring the right products are available at the right place and the right time. The ideal candidate combines strong analytical skills with commercial acumen to drive informed planning decisions, improve inventory productivity, and support sustainable business growth.


Key Responsibilities:

1. Merchandising Planning & Inventory Optimization:

  • Assortment & OTB: Assist in developing seasonal assortment plans and Open-to-Buy (OTB) structures aligned with financial targets.
  • Order & Launch Management: Oversee end-to-end order tracking and maintain the master product launch calendar across online and offline channels.
  • Commercial Strategy: Partner monthly with stakeholders to align sales targets and design responsive promotional/markdown plans to drive sell-through.
  • Inventory Control: Monitor stock levels to optimize Weeks of Supply (WOS), manage inventory health, and minimize aging stock.
  • HQ Alignment: Collaborate with Global/Regional HQ to ensure seasonal assortment and OTB plans are submitted on time.

2. Retail Merchandise Planning:

  • Store Assortment & Capacity: Build and maintain product assortment plans optimized for store physical capacity and local customer profiles.
  • Performance Reporting: Analyze weekly sales and inventory data to identify top-performing styles, slow movers, and emerging category trends.
  • Allocation & Replenishment: Manage new product intake and execute timely stock replenishment from the JDL warehouse to the sales floor.

3. Wholesale Planning & Business Support:

  • Goal Setting: Partner with the wholesale team monthly to establish realistic targets and proactively adjust sales projections based on business performance.
  • Sales Enablement: Regularly provide inventory availability reports and product insights to support client negotiations and order placements.
  • Performance Tracking: Maintain the monthly wholesale target tracker to ensure high visibility on budget pacing and order status.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Business, Merchandising, or related field
  • 3–7+ years of experience in retail merchandising, buying, or planning (sportswear/fashion preferred)
  • Strong experience in OTB planning, allocation, and in-season trading
  • Solid understanding of store operations and retail performance drivers
  • Advanced Excel skills; experience with merchandising/planning systems is a plus
  • Experience in multi-store retail environments preferred


Skills & Competencies

  • Strong analytical and commercial mindset
  • Ability to translate data into actionable merchandising decisions
  • Strong collaboration with retail, VM, and marketing teams
  • Detail-oriented with strong execution capability
  • Ability to manage multiple stores, categories, and timelines
  • Willingness to travel for store visits
  • Passion for sports and retail

Apply