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Merchandise Planner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Dana-Co

Merchandise Planner

Manhattan, NY · On-site

The Merchandise Planner will partner closely with Sales, Production, Operations, and cross-functional teams to align demand, inventory strategy, and financial performance. The ideal candidate is ...

Dana-Co

Merchandise Planner

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$60K - $90K/yr

The Merchandise Planner will partner closely with Sales, Production, Operations, and cross-functional teams to align demand, inventory strategy, and financial performance. The ideal candidate is ...

Dunhams Sports

Merchandise Planner

Macomb, MI · On-site

We are seeking a Merchandise Planner to work out of our headquarters in Troy, MI (In-person not remote or hybrid) Responsibilities Responsibilities include but not limited to working with the Buyer ...

Big Lots

Merchandise Planner

Columbus, OH · On-site

The Merchandise Planner's responsibility includes but not limited to achieve sales and gross margin and turn objectives. Develop strategic merchandise plans at a detailed class level, integrating a ...

Dana-Co

Merchandise Planner

Manhattan, NY · On-site

The Merchandise Planner will partner closely with Sales, Production, Operations, and cross-functional teams to align demand, inventory strategy, and financial performance. The ideal candidate is ...

AKIRA

Merchandise Planner

Chicago, IL · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

AKIRA Merchandise Planner 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 States, as ...

Walgreens

Merchandise Planner

Deerfield, IL · On-site

$86.40K - $138.20K/yr

Job Summary The Merchandise Planner works in collaboration with the Category Management Team to deliver on the business strategy by leading the development and ongoing management of the annual and ...

Hill House Home

Merchandise Planner

New York, NY

$90K - $110K/yr

Hill House Home is seeking a strategic and results-driven Merchandise Planner, to join our New York team to support and expand the planning function across our growing direct-to-consumer business ...

Walgreens

Merchandise Planner

Deerfield, IL · On-site

$86.40K - $138.20K/yr

Job Summary The Merchandise Planner works in collaboration with the Category Management Team to deliver on the business strategy by leading the development and ongoing management of the annual and ...

Aquent

Merchandise Planner

Beaverton, OR · On-site

$31.80 - $36.55/hr

May 26, 2026 Overview We are seeking a Merchandise Planner II to support end-to-end planning and forecasting for a dynamic retail business within a globally recognized leader in the footwear and ...

Citi Trends

Merchandise Planner

Manhattan, NY · On-site

CITITRENDS is seeking a data-driven, strategic Merchandise Planner who thrives in a fast-paced retail environment and knows how to turn insights into action. This role is critical to driving business ...

Short Story

Merchandise Planner

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$65K - $150K/yr

The Role: The Merchandise Planner plays a pivotal role in driving the success of our merchandise assortment, focusing on maximizing sales and profitability. As the first hire in our planning ...

Free Fly Apparel

Merchandise Planner

Charleston, SC · On-site

The Merchandise Planner will gather necessary data and analysis to create efficient inventory plans and analyze in-season and historical data for future planning. The Merchandise Planner will create ...

Catbird

Merchandise Planner

New York, NY · Hybrid

Catbird is hiring for a Merchandise Planner to join the team. In this role, you'll oversee sales and inventory planning across our growing jewelry collection, helping us balance data-driven precision ...

Free Fly Apparel

Merchandise Planner

Charleston, SC · On-site

The Merchandise Planner will gather necessary data and analysis to create efficient inventory plans and analyze in-season and historical data for future planning. The Merchandise Planner will create ...

Catbird

Merchandise Planner

New York, NY · On-site

Catbird is hiring for a Merchandise Planner to join the team. In this role, you'll oversee sales and inventory planning across our growing jewelry collection, helping us balance data-driven precision ...

Catbird

Merchandise Planner

New York, NY · Hybrid

Catbird is hiring for a Merchandise Planner to join the team. In this role, you'll oversee sales and inventory planning across our growing jewelry collection, helping us balance data-driven precision ...

Ross Stores, Inc

Merchandise Planner

Manhattan, NY

$98K - $110K/yr

The Merchandise Planner is responsible for executing the strategic initiatives within their fast-growing division; while ensuring the accuracy and consistency of all plans, revisions and projects ...

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Merchandise Planner information

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$33K

$76.9K

$111K

How much do merchandise planner jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for merchandise planner in the United States is $76,893.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,000.00 and $89,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Is a Merchandise Planner?

A merchandise planner follows trends in product inventory to ensure that retail stores have the right amount of stock. Job duties include analyzing sales data to inform merchandising decisions, collaborating with the company buyer, interpreting past sales to identify trends, determining how much of an item to have in stock, and maximizing sales. You need a mathematical mind and strong analytical skills to be successful in this career.

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

To thrive as a Merchandise Planner, you need strong analytical abilities, proficiency in demand forecasting, and a solid understanding of retail math, often supported by a degree in business, finance, or merchandising. Familiarity with planning software such as Oracle Retail, SAP, or JDA, along with advanced Excel skills, is typically required. Excellent communication, attention to detail, and adaptability are crucial soft skills for collaborating with cross-functional teams and responding to market trends. These competencies ensure inventory is optimized, sales targets are met, and profitability is maximized in a dynamic retail environment.

How does a Merchandise Planner typically collaborate with buyers and inventory teams to ensure optimal product availability?

Merchandise Planners work closely with buyers to analyze sales data, forecast demand, and develop assortment strategies that align with business goals. They also partner with inventory teams to monitor stock levels, identify potential shortages or surpluses, and adjust replenishment plans accordingly. This collaboration helps ensure that the right products are available at the right time, reducing markdowns and maximizing sales opportunities. Regular meetings and open communication between these teams are essential for responding quickly to market trends and customer preferences.

What are merchandise planners?

Merchandise planners are professionals responsible for forecasting, planning, and managing the inventory levels of products in retail or e-commerce businesses. They analyze sales data, market trends, and customer demand to determine the right mix and quantity of products to purchase and stock. Merchandise planners work closely with buyers, suppliers, and store managers to ensure products are available at the right time, in the right place, and at optimal inventory levels to maximize sales and minimize markdowns.

What is the difference between Merchandise Planner vs Inventory Analyst?

AspectMerchandise PlannerInventory Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Business, Retail, or related field; experience in retail planningBachelor's degree in Business, Finance, or related field; analytical skills
Work EnvironmentRetail companies, fashion brands, department storesRetail, manufacturing, distribution centers
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by retail and apparel companies to plan product assortment and salesUsed across retail and supply chain sectors to monitor inventory levels

The main difference is that a Merchandise Planner focuses on developing sales forecasts and planning product assortments, while an Inventory Analyst concentrates on managing and optimizing inventory levels to prevent stockouts or overstock. Both roles require analytical skills and are essential in retail operations, but they serve different functions within the supply chain and sales planning process.

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Merchandise Planner jobs near you
Infographic showing various Merchandise Planner job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $76,893 per year, or $37 per hour.
Merchandise Planner

Merchandise Planner

Variety Wholesalers Inc

Westerville, OH

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

Variety Wholesalers rating

4.3

Company rating: 4.3 out of 10

Based on 46 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

677th of 712 rated retailers

Job description

Variety Wholesalers, Inc./Big Lots is looking for a Merchandise Planner to join our team! This position is responsible for merchandise planning and business management for multiple Merchandise Departments. The Merchandise Planner’s responsibility includes but not limited to achieve sales and gross margin and turn objectives. Develop strategic merchandise plans at a detailed class level, integrating a holistic approach, applying performance trends and lost sales opportunities to achieve the optimal merchandise assortment.

Qualifying individuals should be highly motivated for business success with an excellent math aptitude and dynamic attributes to perform within a Buying team unit. Must have the ability to act as a Business Manager with extensive interaction with Merchandise Managers, Buyers and Merchandise Analysts.

Position Requirements / Recommended Skills

· Bachelor’s Degree in Business related field.

· 3 – 5 years merchandise planning experience in a retail environment.

· Possess Microsoft Office skill set/awareness: Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Access.

· Must possess excellent written and verbal communication skills.

· Team player with a positive mental attitude; self-motivated, and energetic.

· Excellent retail math skills.

· Strong analytic skills and abstract thought process.

· Excellent systematic aptitude.

· Process oriented.

· Highly motivated for business success.

Company Benefits

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, 401k & Match, PTO--Holidays, Vacation, & Sick.

Salary commensurate with experience.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance

Schedule:

  • Monday to Friday

Education:

  • Bachelor's (Required)

Work Location: In person

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