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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 ...

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 ...

Brand Merchandising - Onsite

Beaverton, OR · On-site

$17.75 - $20.75/hr

The successful candidate will partner closely with Planning, Allocation, Operations, and Merchandising teams to make data-driven buying decisions that optimize inventory, pricing, promotions, and ...

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 ...

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

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 ...

Showing results 41-60

Entry Level Merchandise Planning Allocation information

See salary details

$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.
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:
What states have the most Entry Level Merchandise Planning Allocation jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Merchandise Planning Allocation jobs include:
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 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.

Associate Merchandise Planner

PacSun

Anaheim, CA • On-site

$71K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 23 days ago


PacSun rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 107 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

61st of 104 rated fashion retailers


Job description

Co-created in Los Angeles, Pacsun exists at the intersection of fashion, music, art, and sport. We're a lifestyle brand built with and for the next generation, bringing together the culture, creativity, and self-expression that define youth today.
Our curated assortment features some of the most relevant brands and styles in the world, including adidas, Brandy Melville, Fear of God Essentials, alongside Pacsun's own labels and exclusive collaborations.
But Pacsun is more than what we sell. It's the community we build.
This is Pacsun. Built with culture. Powered by community.
About the Job:
Execute and make departmental merchandise financial recommendations and strategies that support the merchandising and financial objectives of multiple classifications for both retail stores and ecommerce.
A day in the life, what you'll be doing:
  • Maintain strategic financial plans tied to merchandising strategies for both retail stores and ecommerce
  • Make recommendations for planning sales, inventory, markdowns and margins at a department/class and/or program level
  • Pre-season topside merchandise planning at a department/class level/style-color level, as well as in-season planning adjusting forecasts to trend.
  • Responsible for recommending pre-season class plans at the price type (regular and markdown) and weekly level
  • Review analysis of business around risk and opportunities at division, class and/or program level
  • Quantify in-season risks and opportunities and making the appropriate recommendations to merchant teams and management
  • Partner with management, merchants and allocation in order to strategically move business toward increasing profit
  • Review and generate monthly Open-to-Buy forecasts & supporting action plans as well as presentation of this data to Management and Cross Functional teams
  • Recap and analyze actual sales results to plan and forecast in-season sales and inventories on a weekly, monthly, quarterly basis and ad hoc basis
  • Work with merchants and allocation to determine and manage exit strategies recommending items for clearance and controlling aged inventory
  • Develop and maintain effective working relationships with Cross Functional team members; i.e., Merchandising, Allocation, Product Development, Store Operations, Visual and Finance
  • Review historical data to determine pattern for future forecasting
  • Performs other related duties as assigned

What it takes to Join:
  • 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 field
  • Demonstrated logical analysis and problem-solving skills
  • Solid understanding of financial measurements including sales, gross margin, GMROI, inventory turn, weeks of supply and how to impact them
  • Flexible and adaptive to changing priorities; ability to organize and prioritize workload to meet deadlines
  • Ability to build and maintain productive relationships with peers and cross-functional teams

Salary Range: $71,500
Pac Perks:
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits
  • Competitive short-term incentive program
  • Immediate 100% vested 401K contributions and employer match
  • Dog friendly office environment
  • $1,000 referral incentive program
  • Generous associate discount of 30 - 50% off merchandise online and in-stores
  • On-site Cafe
  • On-site Gym with Fitness Classes
  • Ample parking
  • Weekly Car Wash Service and more!

Physical Requirements:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that are required by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the associate is regularly required to talk or hear. The associate is frequently required to sit; stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; as well as reach with hands and arms.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
  • Ability to work in open environment with fluctuating temperatures and standard lighting.
  • Ability to work on computer and mobile phone for multiple hours; with frequent interruptions.
  • Required to travel in elevator or stairwells to attend meetings and engage with associates on multiple floors throughout building.
  • Hotel, Airplane, and Car Travel may be required.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:
This is a full-time position. As a National Retailer, occasional evening and/or weekend work may be required during periods of high volume. This role operates in a professional office environment and routinely uses standard office equipment.
Other Considerations:
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the associate for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Reasonable accommodations may be made to qualified individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform the essential functions of the role.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

What PacSun employees say

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About Pacsun

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Pacsun is dedicated to delivering an exclusive collection of the most relevant brands and styles to a community of inspired youth. Through partnerships with brands such as adidas, Brandy Melville, Essentials Fear of God, our own brands, and many more, we offer a unique range of product that all youth can express themselves through. We have worked with celebrities such Emma Chamberlain, Storm Reid, Jules LeBlanc, and A$AP Rocky to curate exclusive product. Pacsun ranks #3 as a favorite apparel brand amongst teens - #1 amongst women and #4 amongst men. We have a reach of 1.6M followers on TikTok, 2.5M followers on Instagram and over 380K followers on Twitter.

Industry

Retail

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Anaheim, CA, US