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Entry Level Merchandise Planning Allocation Jobs

Minimum of 1-2 years of experience in merchandising or allocation background overseeing planning at an item level within a large specialty retailer (100+ stores) * Bachelor's Degree in a related ...

The Allocation Analyst is responsible for controllinginventories at the store and cluster level by ... merchant, planning, and sourcing partners on buy quantification and case pack guardrails for future ...

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 ...

Bachelor's degree * 1-2 years of experience in allocation, merchandise planning, or inventory management (retail or fashion industry preferred). What Tapestry can offer you: * Hybrid working (Tuesday ...

The Allocation Analyst is responsible for controlling inventories at the store and cluster level by ... merchant, planning, and sourcing partners on buy quantification and case pack guardrails for future ...

Bachelor's degree * 1-2 years of experience in allocation, merchandise planning, or inventory management (retail or fashion industry preferred). What Tapestry can offer you: * Hybrid working (Tuesday ...

Key Responsibilities Merchandising & Forecasting * Assist in forecasting demand ... and creating stock allocation plans to support sales and promotional activities. * Analyze ...

Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Economics, Supply Chain, or a related field 1-3 years of experience in allocation, planning, merchandising, or a related analytical role, preferably within ...

Working cross-functionally with Merchandising, Buying, and Planning teams, the Allocation Analyst helps shape assortment strategies, influence inventory flow, and identify opportunities to maximize ...

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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:
What are the most commonly searched types of Merchandise Planning Allocation jobs? The most popular types of Merchandise Planning Allocation jobs are:
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What job categories do people searching Entry Level Merchandise Planning Allocation jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Merchandise Planning Allocation jobs are:
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.
Merchandise Planner, Women's Retail Swim, Outerwear, & Layers

Merchandise Planner, Women's Retail Swim, Outerwear, & Layers

Vuori, Inc

Carlsbad, CA • On-site

$75K - $96K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago


Vuori rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Company Description

Vuori is re-defining what athletic apparel looks like: built to move and sweat in but designed with a casual aesthetic to transition into everyday life. We draw inspiration from an active coastal California lifestyle; an integration of fitness, creative expression and life. Our high energy fast paced retail environment is reflected in the clothes we make. We aim to inspire others to take on all aspects of their lives with clarity, enthusiasm and purpose...while having a lot of fun along the way. We are proud to be an outlet for opportunity and for personal growth and success.

Job Description

The Merchandise Planner has the ability to influence both peers and leaders. Merchandise Planners are accountable for analysis of in-season business and the development of future financial strategies that support financial goals. Through their analysis and development of financial strategies, they will collaborate with Merchandising, Production and Inventory & Allocation. 

What you'll get to do:

  • Partner with merchants and planning leadership on strategy, building targets, KPIs, mark down strategy, optimizing sell through and forward planning 
  • Drives and owns the Pre-Season Planning - Connecting statistical analysis, assortment architecture, and merchant vision into a pre-season view of a merchandise plan. 
  • Seasonal Planning - Develop seasonal architecture aligned with Brand strategies and calendars; incorporate distortions, targets, and relationships of regular to promotion sales sensitivities and demand. 
  • Develop weekly sales, markdowns and receipt plans at the style level based on both trend and historical performance. 
  • Inventory Management - Manage monthly receipts to approved levels by analyzing buys and focus on optimal inventory turn, while taking into consideration the varying seasonal sales curves and receipt flow to facilitate new product launch set-up. 
  • Conduct hindsight of merchandise/planning strategy to inform future planning and execution activities. 
  • Analyze business performance and make recommendations that will maximize sales, profitability, and inventory and mitigate risk 
  • Support creation of financial decks with commentary for key business meetings 
  • Improve capabilities around analytics, conclusions, recommendations, to assist in driving key milestone meetings to conclusions with improved communication and influence.
Qualifications

Who you are:

  • Bachelor's degree in finance, operations, business, or supply chain or equivalent years of experience preferred. 
  • 2+ years of retail planning, inventory management, financial planning and / or production planning experience. 
  • Excellent technical skills in Microsoft Excel and/or related planning, finance, or analytical systems. 
  • Great business influence skills. Role is highly influential and requires input from various teams to be successful. 
  • Proven ability to meet deadlines, grow performance capabilities, and handle shifting priorities - able to thrive in a fast-paced environment. 
  • Able to identify and influence critical stakeholders, proactively problem solve, and recommend solutions. 
  • Extremely strong communication and presentation skills concisely presents complex information and recommendations in terms meaningful to a variety of audiences. 
Additional Information

Our investment in you:

At Vuori, we're proud to offer the following to our employees: 

  • Health Insurance 
  • Savings and Retirement Plan  
  • Employee Assistance Program 
  • Generous Vuori Discount & Industry Perks 
  • Paid Time Off  
  • Wellness & Fitness benefits  

The salary range for this role is $75,000 per year - $96,000 per year. 

Vuori is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.  

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.


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