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Entry Level Merchandise Planning Allocation Jobs in Chicago, IL

Ashley Global Retail, LLC

Regional Merchant

Romeoville, IL · On-site

$60K - $100K/yr

Partner with Merchandise Planning & Supply Chain to adjust inventory allocation and replenishment strategies * Drive improvements in Sales Per Square Foot, Sku Productivity, Category Mix and Margin ...

Spar Group

Entry Level Retail Merchandiser

Naperville, IL · On-site

$13.75 - $17/hr

Tired of planning your day around a work schedule? Create your own schedule and start planning your ... Most of the merchandising work performed for clients is set around a client's window of time rather ...

Follett Corporation

Buyer Associate

Westchester, IL · On-site

Planning and Allocation Team Support: * Acts as the point person for special requests from Planners ... Marketing, or Merchandising. * 1-2 years of experience as an Assistant Buyer or equivalent ...

Follett Corporation

Buyer Associate

Westchester, IL · On-site

Planning and Allocation Team Support: * Acts as the point person for special requests from Planners ... Marketing, or Merchandising. * 1-2 years of experience as an Assistant Buyer or equivalent ...

Follett

Buyer Associate

Westchester, IL · On-site

Planning and Allocation Team Support: * Acts as the point person for special requests from Planners ... Marketing, or Merchandising. * 1-2 years of experience as an Assistant Buyer or equivalent ...

New

Follett Corporation

Buyer Associate

Westchester, IL · On-site

Planning and Allocation Team Support: * Acts as the point person for special requests from Planners ... Marketing, or Merchandising. * 1-2 years of experience as an Assistant Buyer or equivalent ...

Dyson

Sr. Analyst, Sales Operations

Chicago, IL · On-site

$87K - $109K/yr

Seek out decision makers and influencers to ensure a balanced approach to the allocation of ... Analyst, Merchandise Planner, Demand Planner, or Inventory Analyst * Prior Demand Planning and ...

Dyson

Sr. Analyst, Sales Operations

Chicago, IL · On-site

$87K - $109K/yr

Seek out decision makers and influencers to ensure a balanced approach to the allocation of ... Analyst, Merchandise Planner, Demand Planner, or Inventory Analyst * Prior Demand Planning and ...

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All JobsMerchandise Planning Allocation JobsEntry Level Merchandise Planning Allocation JobsEntry Level Merchandise Planning Allocation Jobs in Chicago, IL

Entry Level Merchandise Planning Allocation information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$57.2K

$100.1K

$156.6K

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

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level merchandise planning allocation in Chicago, IL is $100,133.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,700.00 and $120,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 are the most commonly searched types of Merchandise Planning Allocation jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Merchandise Planning Allocation jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Merchandise Planning Allocation jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Entry Level Merchandise Planning Allocation jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Merchandise Planning Allocation jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Merchandise Planning Allocation jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Entry Level Merchandise Planning Allocation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Merchandise Planning Allocation job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $100,133 per year, or $48.1 per hour.

Regional Merchant

Ashley Global Retail, LLC

Romeoville, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

Ashley Furniture rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 294 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

39th of 52 rated furniture manufacturers

Job description

Build Your Career with Ashley Furniture- Where Innovation Meets Comfort
Who We Are:
At Ashley, inspiring the love of home is at the heart of everything we do. As the world's largest manufacturer of home furnishings, we're more than a business - we're a family driven by innovation, competitiveness, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. We persevere through challenges, push beyond the status quo, and constantly seek better ways to deliver an exceptional customer experience. Our solutions-first mindset and dedication to growth are why Ashley remains #1 in our industry.
If you're ready to grow, you've come to the right place. With a true "Growth Mindset," Ashley Furniture invests in developing future leaders and helps every team member learn from the best in the business.
If you are a current Ashley employee: Please login to your UKG account and apply using the internal job board.
Summary:
  • The Regional Merchant is responsible for driving store-level product performance, assortment execution, and revenue growth across a defined group of retail stores with a territory of 10-20 Stores. This role serves as the critical bridge between National Merchandising strategy and in-store customer demand, ensuring that product assortments, inventory flow, pricing execution, and visual presentation align with regional customer demographics and sales opportunities.
  • Operating within a multibillion-dollar furniture retail environment, the Regional Merchant manages 10-20 stores within a defined geographic territory, partnering closely with National Merchandising, Merchandise Planning, Visual Merchandising, Store Operations, Store Sales, and Supply Chain to maximize product velocity, margin performance, and customer experience.
  • The Regional Merchant plays a pivotal role in ensuring that store assortments are optimized for local customer needs while maintaining alignment with national brand strategies.

Core Responsibilities:
Regional Assortment Optimization
  • Localize national assortments based on regional customer demographics, home styles, and buying behavior
  • Identify assortment gaps and regional opportunities within core categories such as Bedroom, Dining, Motion Upholstery, Stationary Upholstery and Occasional Furniture
  • Recommend product swaps, expansions, or exits to maximize sales productivity
  • Ensure store assortments reflect regional demand while maintaining brand consistency

Store Product Performance Management
  • Analyze store-level sales performance and product velocity trends across the region
  • Identify top performers, underperformers, and emerging trends
  • Partner with Merchandise Planning & Supply Chain to adjust inventory allocation and replenishment strategies
  • Drive improvements in Sales Per Square Foot, Sku Productivity, Category Mix and Margin Performance

In Store Product Execution
  • Conduct monthly store visits and velocity walks across assigned stores
  • Evaluate floor placement effectiveness, product storytelling, competitive positioning, price perception, and product adjacencies
  • Provide feedback and recommendations to improve visual merchandising and customer flow

New Store & Remodel Support
  • Lead product assortment planning and floor execution for new store openings, store relocations and major remodels
  • Partner with Visual Merchandising and Store Operations to ensure optimal product presentation and assortment mix
  • Validate that floor sets reflect regional sales opportunities and customer demographics

Cross Functional Partnership
  • National Merchandising - Provide regional insight to include future product development and assortment planning
  • Merchandise Planning - Align on inventory levels, allocation strategies, and demand signals
  • Visual Merchandising - Ensure product placement aligns with customer flow and storytelling
  • Store Operations - Support store teams with product knowledge and sales enablement
  • Retail Supply Chain - Identify supply issues impacting store availability and sales opportunities
  • Retail Sales Department - Partner on assortment with RSA's, Store Managers, and Regional Directors regarding assortment performance, assortment gaps as well as customer insight for assortment regionalization

Regional Market Intelligence
  • Monitor local market conditions and competitive positioning
  • Track competitor assortment strategies and pricing trends
  • Identify regional customer lifestyle trends and emerging product opportunities
  • Provide insights that inform national assortment strategies and product innovation

Qualifications
  • Bachelors Degree in Merchandising, Business, Retail Management, Supply Chain, Finance or related field
  • 5-10+ Years retail merchandising experience
  • Experience in furniture, home furnishings, or big ticket retail strongly preferred
  • Proven track record of improving store sales and product performance
  • Experience managing multi store retail environments
  • Core Competencies
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Customer Insight
  • Merchandising Judgement
  • Cross Functional Leadership
  • Store Execution Excellence
  • Communication Cross Functionally

Work Environment:
  • This position is located in a climate-controlled office environment with standard lighting and moderate noise levels typical of professional workspace settings. The role primarily involves sitting at a desk for extended periods while working with computers, phones, and other office equipment. The collaborative environment includes interaction with team members and may require attendance at meetings, conference calls, and cross-departmental communications during regular business hours.

Pay: $60,000- $100,000
Benefits We Offer:
  • Health, Dental, Vision, Employee Assistance Program
  • Paid Time Off; increases with years of service
  • Generous Employee Discount on home furnishings
  • Professional Development Opportunities
  • Tuition Assistance
  • Ashley Wellness Centers (location specific)
  • 401(k) and Profit Sharing
  • Life Insurance

Our Core Values:
  • Honesty & Integrity: Acts with transparency, discretion, and ethical judgment. Trusted to handle sensitive information and provide accurate, unbiased insights.
  • (Dirty Fingernail: Takes full accountability for outcomes, not just tasks. Inspects details, ensures data accuracy, and follows through to completion.
  • Continuous Improvement: Actively seeks better ways to improve templates, tools, and processes. Learns from prior initiatives and embeds lessons into standard work.
  • Growth & Results Focus: Understands how transformation initiatives drive growth, cost reduction, and profitability. Keeps work aligned to enterprise priorities.
  • Culture of Leadership: Leads through influence, reliability, and example. Builds trust across functions and supports leaders at every level.
  • Customer-Centric & Boundaryless: Works across silos for the greater good of the organization. Ensures outputs meet the needs of executives, initiative owners, and teams.
  • Operational Excellence: Demonstrates strong organizational discipline, attention to detail, and the ability to translate ambiguity into clear, executable tools.

Interested in learning more about Ashley Furniture's Community Engagement programs, Environmental Stewardship, or our Core Values, click the links below:
Corporate Social Responsibility
View Our Corporate Brochure
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and provide a drug-free working environment. While Ashley appreciates the interest of all candidates only those meeting specific position requirements may be contacted. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment. The company reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.
Notice to Search Firms: We are not seeking assistance or accepting unsolicited resumes from search firms. We will not pay any placement, referral or other fees to any search firms unless we have agreed otherwise in a valid, written agreement for the specific position posted and signed by an authorized representative of Ashley Furniture Industries.
* Please note this position is not eligible for current or future employment sponsorship. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship now or at any time in the future.

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