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Merchandise Planner Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Merchandise Planner

Hanover, MD · On-site

$60K - $75K/yr

The Merchandise Planner develops, executes, and maintains merchandise plans and forecasts for a specific merchandise category. The Merchandise Planner will develop plans and forecasts for future ...

Merchandise Planner - MFP

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$66K - $89K/yr

Merchandise Planner - MFP Reports to: Merchandise Financial Planning Manager - UGG Location: Remote - US Interested applicants must reside in one of the following approved states: Arizona, California ...

Job Title: Sr. Merchandise Planner - HOKA DTC Reports to: Assistant Manager, Merchandise Planning - HOKA Location: US Remote Interested applicants must reside in one of the following approved states:

Job Title: Sr. Merchandise Planner - DTC Teva Reports to: Sr. Manager, Marketplace Planning - Teva Location: US - CA Remote Goleta Interested applicants must reside in one of the following approved ...

Planner

Washington, DC · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Haalufa USA, Inc., is currently seeking a motivated, career and customer-oriented professional to fill a Planner Position for one of the largest rail service organizations in the DMV Area - District ...

New

Planner

Annapolis, MD

$85K - $115K/yr

Sales Order management and Planning * Work with Sales and Contracts teams in the review and acceptance of sales orders * Enter new orders into internal systems * Communicate with internal teams to ...

Planner

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$85K - $115K/yr

Sales Order management and Planning * Work with Sales and Contracts teams in the review and acceptance of sales orders * Enter new orders into internal systems * Communicate with internal teams to ...

Planner

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$85K - $115K/yr

Responsibilities Sales Order management and Planning * Work with Sales and Contracts teams in the review and acceptance of sales orders * Enter new orders into internal systems * Communicate with ...

Sales Planner - NA UGG

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$66K - $89K/yr

Sales Planner - NA UGG Reports to: Manager, Sales & Business Analysis - NA UGG Location: US - CA ... Communicate key sell-through insights and takeaways to Sales, Merchandising, and Retailer Partners ...

Planner

Vienna, VA · On-site

$75 - $110/hr

Capable of working without direct supervision and is able to provide coaching to junior planners. * Bachelor of Science (BS), Bachelor of Arts (BA), Master of Science (MS) or Master of Arts (MA ...

Medical Planner National multidisciplinary design firm is seeking a talented Medical Planner to join either their Minneapolis, Washington D.C., Virginia or Baltimore office. In this role, you will be ...

Medical Planner National multidisciplinary design firm is seeking a talented Medical Planner to join either their Minneapolis, Washington D.C., Virginia or Baltimore office. In this role, you will be ...

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Showing results 1-20

Merchandise Planner information

See Washington salary details

$37.4K

$87.1K

$125.7K

How much do merchandise planner jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for merchandise planner in Washington is $87,088.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,400.00 and $100,800.00 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 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.

How much do merchandise planners get paid?

Merchandise planners typically earn a median annual salary of around $60,000 to $80,000, depending on experience, location, and company size. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced planners or those in senior roles can earn over $100,000 annually. Compensation often includes benefits such as bonuses and health insurance, and proficiency in inventory management software is valuable.

What are the most commonly searched types of Merchandise Planner jobs in Washington?

The most popular types of Merchandise Planner jobs in Washington are:

What are popular job titles related to Merchandise Planner jobs in Washington?

For Merchandise Planner jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Merchandise Planner jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Merchandise Planner jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Merchandise Planner jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Merchandise Planner job openings:

Infographic showing various Merchandise Planner job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 61% Full Time, 36% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,088 per year, or $41.9 per hour.

Merchandise Planner

DTLR, Inc.

Hanover, MD • On-site

$60K - $75K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago


DTLR rating

4.1

Company rating: 4.1 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

The Merchandise Planner develops, executes, and maintains merchandise plans and forecasts for a specific merchandise category. The Merchandise Planner will develop plans and forecasts for future merchandise buys based on historical sales, receiving buys, and current inventory levels. The role helps ensure planned sales, planned gross margin, and planned markdowns are achieved in each product division. They will be able to identify risks to the business and develop action plans in cooperation with the Senior Merchandise Planner, the Director of Merchandise Planning, and Divisional Merchandise Managers to mitigate inventory issues and maximize profitability.


Duties/Responsibilities


• Create and maintain merchandise plans by department and class

• Manage OTB process for specific merchandise categories

• Adjust plans and forecasts as necessary to react to trends and sales

• Analyze historical data and current trends on a weekly basis to identify opportunities and risks by vendor, styles, and classifications. Present analysis and action plans to management

• Recap monthly and quarterly performance by class against plan to support DMM’s with action steps

• Create and maintain unit plans for specific merchandise categories

• Analyze sales and margin to identify opportunities and categories to divest

• Propose planned promotions based on profitability and sales goals

• Perform regional merchandise performance analysis

• Analyze aged inventory and propose liquidation strategies for specific merchandise categories • Daily, monthly, quarterly, and seasonal sales reporting

• Create Monday reports and recaps used to analyze business and direct actions for current week

• Collaborates on brand assortment planning process

• Ad hoc recaps as needed

• Other duties as assigned


Required Skills/Abilities


• Strong merchandising, product and analytical skills

• Demonstrated leadership and decision-making skills

• Proficiency in the use of desktop applications and Windows-based programs

• Retail math literacy and application of concepts to daily operations

• Work requires a solid knowledge of business and an excellent command of the English language to effectively communicate with management, associates and customers

• Proven ability to plan, organize, multi-task, set priorities effectively and efficiently to proactively respond to changing demands, from multiple sources

• Results driven with demonstrated critical and creative thinking skills

• Project management, time management, analytical and superior organizational skills required.

• Must be able to maintain an exemplary degree of professionalism in all situations

• The ability to execute directives with precision and consistency

• Proven ability to understand product presentation

• Must demonstrate an ability to think strategically, plan and organize effectively

• May require the ability to train and develop others

• Excellent customer service skills, in person, on the phone and in writing

• Comfortable with team-based work structure and, when needed, the ability to work independently

• Demonstrate flexibility on the job

• Ability to adapt quickly and react to business needs and change

• Detail oriented, excellent time management with strong sense of urgency

• Ability to identify and clearly communicate business opportunities and risks

• Proficiency in Planning systems and Microsoft Office

• Expertise in retail math with strong analytical skills

• Strong problem solving and decision-making skills

• Strong team player


Education and Experience


• 4-year degree required

• 3-5 years in related buying experience or 5-7 years with a mix of buying, planning and placement responsibilities


Physical Requirements


∙ While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and stand. The employee must frequently use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk; or hear.

∙ The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

∙ Specific vision abilities required by this job may include close vision, distance vision, and depth perception.

∙ The incumbent must be able to work in a fast-paced environment.


General Information


The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required of personnel so classified. DTLR, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.


Pay range:

$60,000 - $75,000 (Depending on Experience); This role will be eligible for medical, dental, vision, 401k, sick leave, parental leave, and company paid time off plan.


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