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Merchandise Planning Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Big Lots

Merchandise Planner

Columbus, OH · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Big Lots

Merchandise Planner

Columbus, OH · On-site

Identify opportunities to enhance planning processes, tools and systems to drive efficiency and accuracy. * Collaborate with teams across Merchandising, Allocation, Supply Chain, Finance, Marketing ...

Roses Discount Stores

Merchandise Planner

Columbus, OH · On-site

Identify opportunities to enhance planning processes, tools and systems to drive efficiency and accuracy. * Collaborate with teams across Merchandising, Allocation, Supply Chain, Finance, Marketing ...

Big Lots

Merchandise Planner

Columbus, OH · On-site

Develops and maintains a positive relationship with planning, merchandise, allocation, replenishment and marketing team members through a collaborative team atmosphere and active communication.

7-ELEVEN

Merchandise Planner

Enon, OH · On-site

$85K - $127K/yr

... merchandise categories ... Acting as the Business Partner for the Category Managers, this role leads financial planning ...

Aquent

Merchandise Planner

Reynoldsburg, OH · On-site +1

$30.41 - $33.79/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Support critical product launches, refine assortment planning, and contribute to pricing and ... Foster strong partnerships with merchandising, digital, and supply chain teams to align on ...

Big Lots

Sr. Space Planning Analyst

Columbus, OH · On-site

Partners with supervisor, Buyers, Merchandise Presentation, and Marketing to develop visual ... Leverages space planning and analytics tools to ensure that product placement on floor plans ...

Designer Brands

Associate Merchandise Planner

Columbus, OH · On-site +1

  • Medical

  • Vision

  • Retirement

What You'll Be Doing Planning & Strategy • Build and manage weekly sales, markdown, and receipt ... merchant vision Performance Analysis & Insights • Analyze in-season performance and identify ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsMerchandise Planning JobsMerchandise Planning Jobs in Ohio

Merchandise Planning information

See Ohio salary details

$52.8K

$92.4K

$144.5K

How much do merchandise planning jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for merchandise planning in Ohio is $92,410.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,900.00 and $110,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is merchandise planning?

Merchandise planning is the process used by retailers and brands to ensure that the right products are available at the right time, place, and quantity to meet customer demand while maximizing sales and minimizing markdowns. It involves forecasting sales, managing inventory, and developing buying strategies based on historical data and market trends. Effective merchandise planning helps businesses achieve financial goals, improve stock efficiency, and respond quickly to changes in consumer preferences.

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 skills, proficiency in forecasting, inventory management, and a background in business or related fields. Familiarity with retail planning software like Oracle Retail, SAP, or JDA, as well as advanced Excel skills, is typically required. Excellent communication, problem-solving, and adaptability help you collaborate effectively with buyers, vendors, and cross-functional teams. These skills are essential to optimize inventory levels, maximize sales, and ensure profitability in a dynamic retail environment.

What are some common challenges faced in merchandise planning and how can they be addressed?

Merchandise Planning professionals often encounter challenges such as forecasting demand accurately, balancing inventory levels, and adapting to rapidly changing consumer trends. These challenges can be addressed by leveraging data analytics tools, maintaining close collaboration with buying and sales teams, and regularly reviewing sales performance to make timely adjustments. Additionally, strong communication and negotiation skills are essential for aligning stakeholders and ensuring that inventory decisions support both short-term goals and long-term business objectives.

What is the difference between Merchandise Planning vs Inventory Planning?

AspectMerchandise PlanningInventory Planning
FocusDeveloping strategies for product assortment, assortment mix, and sales forecastsManaging stock levels, replenishment, and stock turnover
ResponsibilitiesSelecting products, analyzing sales trends, and planning merchandise assortmentsMonitoring inventory levels, reducing stockouts, and optimizing stock costs
Skills & CredentialsAnalytical skills, retail industry knowledge, forecasting experienceData analysis, supply chain understanding, inventory management certifications

While both roles involve planning and analysis within retail, Merchandise Planning focuses on product assortment and sales forecasting, whereas Inventory Planning centers on stock levels and replenishment strategies. Understanding these differences helps retailers optimize both product offerings and inventory efficiency.

How to get into merchandise planning?

To enter merchandise planning, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in business, retail, or a related field, along with strong analytical skills and experience with inventory management software. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level roles in retail or supply chain management can also be valuable. Developing skills in data analysis, forecasting, and understanding market trends is essential for success in this role.

What does a merchandise planning do?

A merchandise planner is responsible for analyzing sales data, forecasting demand, and developing inventory strategies to ensure the right products are available at the right time. They collaborate with buying teams and use tools like spreadsheets and inventory management software to optimize stock levels and maximize sales profitability.

What are the most commonly searched types of Merchandise Planning jobs in Ohio?

The most popular types of Merchandise Planning jobs in Ohio are:

What are popular job titles related to Merchandise Planning jobs in Ohio?

For Merchandise Planning jobs in Ohio, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Merchandise Planning jobs in Ohio look for?

The top searched job categories for Merchandise Planning jobs in Ohio are:

What cities in Ohio are hiring for Merchandise Planning jobs?

Cities in Ohio with the most Merchandise Planning job openings:

Merchandise Planning jobs near you
Infographic showing various Merchandise Planning job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,410 per year, or $44.4 per hour.

Merchandise Planner

Variety Wholesalers Inc

Westerville, OH • On-site

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Variety Wholesalers rating

4.2

Company rating: 4.2 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

707th of 734 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

What Variety Wholesalers employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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