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Entry Level Merchandise Planning Allocation Jobs

Nautica

Associate Merchandise Planner

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$62K/yr

Responsible for providing the Store Planning Team with the necessary guidance and direction to help ... Create allocation strategies, incorporating the merchandise plan and flow strategy to meet store ...

Lids

Manager, Allocation

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

This role partners closely with Buying, Planning, and Merchandising teams to align distribution strategies with financial plans, sales performance, and inventory productivity goals. The Allocation ...

Vuori, Inc

Merchandise Planner, International

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$74K - $96K/yr

Through their analysis and development of financial strategies, they will collaborate with Merchandising, Production and Inventory, & Allocation. * Partner with International merchants and planning ...

TJX Companies

Merchandise Controller

Ashville, OH · On-site

Merchandise Controller C Shift, Monday-Thursday 5pm-3:30am Acts as a liaison between the ... Planning & Allocation, and Stores. Responsibilities are primarily performed on the receiving dock ...

Brooks Brothers

Store Planner

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$62K/yr

Allocation • Allocate merchandise at style/color/size level based on an assortment strategy using historical and current trend data • Collaborate cross functionally with Merchant Planners and ...

Tjx

Merchandise Controller

Ashville, OH · On-site

$20/hr

Merchandise Controller C Shift, Monday-Thursday 5pm-3:30am Acts as a liaison between the ... Planning & Allocation, and Stores. Responsibilities are primarily performed on the receiving dock ...

Lids

Allocation Analyst

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

... Merchandise Planners to align allocation flow strategies and inventory needs with Merchandising strategies. • Develop and apply knowledge of regional and store-attribute performance to inform ...

ALO

Associate Merchandise Planner

Beverly Hills, CA · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

This entry-level role is ideal for someone who is analytical, passionate about fashion, and eager ... Internship or retail experience in fashion buying, planning, or allocation. * Familiarity with ...

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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 Jul 14, 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, and why are they important?

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.
More about Entry Level Merchandise Planning Allocation jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Merchandise Planning Allocation jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Merchandise Planning Allocation job openings:
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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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% Locum Tenens, 87% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,202 per year, or $46.7 per hour.
Associate Merchandise Planner

Associate Merchandise Planner

Nautica

Manhattan, NY • On-site

$62K/yr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago

Nautica rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Overview
Associate Merchandise Planner
Nautica
POSITION SUMMARY
As an Associate Merchandise Planner you will be responsible for driving the merchandise strategy and optimizing inventory to meet and exceed financial goals. The Planner's key focus is generating an assortment architecture for a given area and creating a seasonal buy plan by classification and/or item while developing seasonal product strategies based on business opportunities and collaborating with cross-functional partners to execute their vision.
The Associate Merchandise Planner builds financial sales, gross margin and inventory plans for multiple departments at the item/classification level. Provides markdown strategies to drive departmental sales, inventory, profit and sell thru objectives and delivers in-season financial projections (OTB) and strategies identifying risks and opportunities to maximize profits. Responsible for providing the Store Planning Team with the necessary guidance and direction to help them achieve their objectives.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES
Build financial sales, gross margin and inventory plans at a weekly and item level
Create pricing strategy by item that maximizes sales and gross profit
Reforecast business in-season based on current performance, present revised projections and recommendations to cross functional partners and senior leadership
Create allocation strategies, incorporating the merchandise plan and flow strategy to meet store inventory needs.
Create and plan product assortments (item, color, size) for each product category
Review replenishment plans monthly by style/size with team to ensure optimal inventory which drive sales and turn goals.
Collaborate with cross functional departments to ensure success of product strategies
Other related duties to be assigned by direct supervisor
Frequent in person collaboration
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE & TECHNICAL PROFICIENCIES
Bachelor's Degree
Minimum of 1-2 years of Merchandise Planning or related financial/analytical experience
Business knowledge of retail, merchandising and price optimization concepts
Readily grasps numerical concepts and interprets financial information accurately
Ability to utilize retail math skills to analyze and drive business
Advanced excel skills necessary
Preferred:
• Knowledge of Financial Planning Applications (ie Microstrategy, Foresight)
• Ability to successfully collaborate with internal partners
• Strong problem solving and analytical skills
• Able to independently organize and prioritize broad workload to meet deadlines
• Strong written communication skills
• Outstanding verbal communication skills with the ability to influence
• Exhibits high standards and accountability; takes pride in accuracy
• Results-oriented and self-motivated with a strong sense of urgency
5-6 PERFORMANCE COMPETENCIES
• Proactivity and Drive
• Execution
• Collaborative Spirit
• Judgement
• Adopt and Embrace Change
Pay Range
USD $62,700.00 - USD $114,000.00 /Yr.

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