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Merchandise Manager Jobs in Burr Ridge, IL (NOW HIRING)

Merchandise Planning Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

AKIRA Merchandise Planning Manager In 2002, AKIRA opened the doors to its first women's clothing boutique in Chicago. Since then, the company has extended its reach to 40+ stores across the United ...

AKIRA Merchandise Planning Manager In 2002, AKIRA opened the doors to its first women's clothing boutique in Chicago. Since then, the company has extended its reach to 40+ stores across the United ...

Associate Merchandiser

Des Plaines, IL · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Completes assigned tasks within established deadlines and provides day-to-day support to the merchandise manager. * Performs other job-related duties as assigned. Education/License Requirements:

of Yards-Department Lead

Chicago, IL

$17.50 - $22.75/hr

Store Manager/CO manager/ ASM / Merchandise manager Department: Receiving FLSA: Non- Exempt Position Summary: The Department Lead is directly responsible for the completion of all Store Support ...

Retail business fundamentals including: department sales trends, inventory management, guest ... Support merchandise protection strategies across the total store; including ordering, storage and ...

Retail business fundamentals,includingdepartment sales trends, inventory management, guest shopping ... Support merchandise protection strategies across thetotalstore;including ordering, storage and ...

Retail business fundamentals,includingdepartment sales trends, inventory management, guest shopping ... Support merchandise protection strategies across thetotalstore;including ordering, storage and ...

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Merchandise Manager information

See Burr Ridge, IL salary details

$30.1K

$57.6K

$97.7K

How much do merchandise manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for merchandise manager in Burr Ridge, IL is $57,559.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,300.00 and $60,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Merchandise Manager vs Product Buyer?

AspectMerchandise ManagerProduct Buyer
ResponsibilitiesOversees product assortment, manages vendor relationships, develops sales strategiesSources and selects products to purchase, negotiates prices, manages inventory levels
Required SkillsMerchandising strategy, leadership, data analysisNegotiation, market research, vendor management
Work EnvironmentRetail stores, e-commerce, wholesaleRetail, wholesale, online marketplaces
Common UsageIn larger retail organizations, responsible for overall product presentationIn retail, focused on product selection and procurement

The main difference between a Merchandise Manager and a Product Buyer lies in scope. Merchandise Managers oversee the entire merchandising strategy, including vendor relationships and sales goals, while Product Buyers focus specifically on selecting and purchasing products. Both roles require negotiation skills and industry knowledge, but Merchandise Managers typically have broader responsibilities in retail operations.

What does a Merchandise Manager do?

A Merchandise Manager is responsible for selecting and purchasing the products that a retail store or company sells. They analyze market trends, manage inventory levels, and negotiate with suppliers to ensure that the right products are available at the right time and price. Additionally, they collaborate with marketing and sales teams to develop promotional strategies and monitor product performance to maximize profitability. Their role is crucial in aligning product offerings with customer demand and company goals.

What is the role of a merchandising manager?

A merchandising manager oversees the selection, pricing, and presentation of products to maximize sales and profitability. They analyze sales data, coordinate with suppliers, and develop strategies to ensure the merchandise aligns with customer preferences and company goals. Strong organizational and analytical skills are essential for success in this role.

What does a merchandising manager do?

A merchandising manager oversees the selection, pricing, and presentation of products to maximize sales and profitability. They analyze sales data, coordinate with suppliers, and develop strategies to ensure attractive and effective product displays, often using tools like inventory management software. Strong organizational and communication skills are essential for success in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Merchandise Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Merchandise Manager, you need strong analytical skills, experience in inventory control, and a background in retail management or merchandising, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with merchandising software, retail analytics platforms, and inventory management systems is typically required. Excellent negotiation, leadership, and communication skills help foster vendor relationships and lead teams effectively. These skills ensure optimal product assortment, profitability, and alignment with market trends in a competitive retail environment.

What are some typical challenges Merchandise Managers face when balancing inventory levels and sales forecasts?

Merchandise Managers often encounter the challenge of accurately aligning inventory levels with fluctuating sales forecasts. This requires analyzing sales data, market trends, and seasonal demand, all while minimizing excess stock and avoiding out-of-stocks. Collaborating closely with buyers, planners, and store teams is essential to make timely decisions and adapt to changes in consumer behavior. Successfully managing these challenges not only impacts profitability but also helps build strong supplier relationships and ensures customer satisfaction.

What are the 7 rules of merchandising?

For a Merchandise Manager, the 7 rules of merchandising include understanding customer preferences, maintaining visual appeal, ensuring product availability, pricing appropriately, managing inventory efficiently, analyzing sales data, and staying current with market trends. These principles help optimize sales and improve store performance. Strong organizational skills and knowledge of merchandising tools are essential for effective implementation.

What is the highest paying merchandiser job?

The highest paying merchandiser roles are often senior or executive positions such as Merchandising Director or Vice President of Merchandising, which can offer salaries exceeding $150,000 annually. These roles typically require extensive experience, strategic planning skills, and leadership responsibilities within retail or manufacturing companies.
What cities near Burr Ridge, IL are hiring for Merchandise Manager jobs? Cities near Burr Ridge, IL with the most Merchandise Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Merchandise Manager job openings in Burr Ridge, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,559 per year, or $27.7 per hour.
Merchandise Allocator

$70K - $90K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 28 days ago


Wilson Sporting Goods rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 55 rated fashion and textile manufacturers


Job description

Overview

Merchandise Allocator | Chicago, IL (Hybrid)

At Wilson, we are here to empower every human to live like an athlete. Passion. Creativity. Integrity. Teamwork. Ambition. Innovation. These are the qualities that have made Wilson Sporting Goods Co. the number one sports equipment brand in the world. We come together to win, grow, and celebrate. We all play for Team Wilson. We all have a role to play within our organization and are working towards the same goal. One team, one dream.

We believe that being an athlete isn't something you do, it's who you are. It's a universal code of conduct, a way of seeing the world and how you show up every day. We seek out diverse voices and welcome all perspectives. Our team is composed of individuals with unique backgrounds, points of view and experiences. These perspectives create a rich and diverse culture in which we learn from one another through empathy and inclusion.

Evolving the sports world and being the best partner for players, athletes, and our community is no small task. We are continually looking to add enthusiastic, ambitious, team-first individuals who desire to make a difference - and who love to help others win. Together, we will create a better world through sport. Join us.

What You'll Do

We are seeking a detail-oriented and analytical Merchandise Allocator who will be responsible for allocations to physical retail stores and retail activations. As part of the broader Merchandising team, this role plays a key part in bringing the product strategy to life and ensuring the right product is in the right place at the right time to drive sales and enhance the consumer experience.

The Merchandise Allocator will blend analytical thinking with a passion for product by analyzing sales trends, monitoring inventory levels, and making data-driven allocation decisions that maximize sales, optimize inventory productivity, and minimize stockouts.

Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Replenishment & Inventory Management:
    • Manage SKU-level replenishment using min/max inventory tools to optimize in-store product levels
    • Monitor inventory performance and recommend actions to support sell-through and minimize stockouts
    • Develop and execute exit strategies for end-of-life products
  • Allocation & Inventory Strategy
    • Support allocation processes to ensure timely and accurate product flow to stores and retail activations
    • Secure inventory systematically by material to support demand
    • Partner with Merchandise Planning, Retail Operations, Supply Chain, and Warehouse teams to identify and resolve allocation and order flow challenges
  • Data & Sales Analysis
    • Analyze sales trends, inventory levels, and weekly store feedback to identify opportunities and risks
    • Track and determine optimal size curves by product category
  • Cross-Functional Communication
    • Communicate allocation strategies, inventory timing, and execution plans with key cross-functional partners
    • Provide visibility into inventory availability and product flow to support business needs
What We're Looking For

The Merchandise Allocator is an important part of the broader Merchandising team and plays a key role in bringing the product strategy to life at retail. Success in this role requires a genuine passion for product, an understanding of the consumer, and excitement about excel analysis of sales and inventory. The ideal candidate is energized by product, trends, and retail performance, and takes pride in ensuring the right product reaches the right consumer at the right time.

Other qualifications include:

  • Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Merchandising, or a related field
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
  • Self-motivated, adaptable, and proactive
  • Effective communicator and collaborative team player
  • Passion for retail, sporting goods, athletic apparel, and delivering an exceptional consumer experience
  • Positive, can/do attitude
  • Strong computer proficiency in MS Office Suite, specifically Excel.

What We'll Provide

A reasonable estimate of the pay range is $70,000 - $90,000 per year at the time of this posting. Within the range, individual pay is determined by factors such as job-related skills, relevant experience, education, and/or training. Please note that the range details reflect the base pay only and does not include our competitive bonus program.

Located in the vibrant, sports-centric city of Chicago, Wilson Sporting Goods Co. global headquarters sits along the lakefront with first-class access to a burgeoning creative, innovative, energetic and active professional community. We offer an open, collaborative, high tech work environment with best in class amenities and perks, including:

  • Medical, dental and vision
  • Pre-tax transit discounts
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Life insurance
  • Paid maternity/paternity leave
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Volunteering programs
  • Team building outings
  • Discounts on Wilson and Amer Sports products
  • On-site health club
  • Summer hours
  • Company-sponsored sports leagues/teams
  • Fun, active company outings around major sports events

Wilson Sporting Goods Co. is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, protected veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected characteristics.

Employment Type: OTHER