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Retail Merchandise Planner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$90 - $110/hr

Minimum of 2 years of merchandise planning, inventory management, buying or finance in a retail environment- preferably Footwear * Bachelor's Degree preferred or equivalent experience * Proficient in ...

Job Summary The Merchandise Planner works in collaboration with the Category Management Team to ... Partners with various areas within Retail Products and cross functional project teams to drive key ...

Merchandise Planner

Las Vegas, NV · On-site

$62K - $80K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Economics, or related field; MBA or advanced degree preferred. * 3+ years of experience in retail merchandise planning, allocation, or inventory management ...

Merchandise Planner

New York, NY · On-site

$98K - $110K/yr

Driving a business depends on strong analytical, conceptual, and retail math skills. * Bachelor's Degree required and a minimum of three years retail merchandise planning experience and a minimum of ...

Driving a business depends on strong analytical, conceptual, and retail math skills. * Bachelor's Degree required and a minimum of three years retail merchandise planning experience and a minimum of ...

Merchandise Planner

New York, NY · On-site

$98K - $110K/yr

Driving a business depends on strong analytical, conceptual, and retail math skills. * Bachelor's Degree required and a minimum of three years retail merchandise planning experience and a minimum of ...

Merchandise Planner

New York, NY · On-site

$98K - $110K/yr

Bring your talents to Ross, our leading off-price retail chain with over 2,200 stores, and a strong ... The Merchandise Planner is responsible for executing the strategic initiatives within their fast ...

Merchandise Planner

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$98K - $110K/yr

Bring your talents to Ross, our leading off-price retail chain with over 2,200 stores, and a strong ... The Merchandise Planner is responsible for executing the strategic initiatives within their fast ...

Experience using merchandise planning and retail ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle Retail, Blue Yonder, or similar). * Demonstrated ability to develop financial plans, sales forecasts, inventory ...

Experience using merchandise planning and retail ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle Retail, Blue Yonder, or similar). * Demonstrated ability to develop financial plans, sales forecasts, inventory ...

... retail math Experience with financial metrics, inventory planning, and forecasting Ability to ... in merchandise planning, inventory management, buying, or finance within a retail environment ...

Merchandise Planner - Remote USA Role Overview: The Merchandise Planner will be a key member of ... retail, product or e-commerce company * Experience with attribute-based or commodity inventory ...

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Retail Merchandise Planner information

See salary details

$33K

$76.9K

$111K

How much do retail merchandise planner jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for retail 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a retail merchandise planner?

To thrive as a Retail Merchandise Planner, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a background in business, finance, or merchandising, often with a relevant degree. Familiarity with inventory management systems, data analysis tools like Excel, and planning software such as Oracle Retail or JDA is typically required. Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving abilities set top performers apart in this role. These skills are vital for optimizing inventory, maximizing sales, and ensuring the right products are available to meet customer demand.

What are some common challenges retail merchandise planners face in balancing inventory levels and sales targets?

Retail Merchandise Planners often navigate the delicate balance between maintaining optimal inventory levels and achieving sales targets. A key challenge is accurately forecasting demand for various products, especially in the face of changing consumer trends and seasonal fluctuations. Planners must also coordinate closely with buyers, suppliers, and store managers to ensure timely stock replenishment while minimizing overstock and markdown risks. Effective communication and data analysis skills are essential for making informed decisions that support both profitability and customer satisfaction.

What is the difference between Retail Merchandise Planner vs Retail Buyer?

AspectRetail Merchandise PlannerRetail Buyer
Primary FocusForecasting sales, inventory management, and merchandise planningSelecting and purchasing products to meet customer demand
Skills & CertificationsAnalytical skills, inventory management, retail software proficiencyNegotiation, product knowledge, vendor relations
Work EnvironmentOffice-based, collaborating with planning and merchandising teamsStore visits, vendor meetings, purchasing decisions
Industry UsageCommonly used in retail chains, department stores, and e-commerceUsed across retail sectors including apparel, electronics, and specialty stores

While both roles are essential in retail operations, the Retail Merchandise Planner primarily focuses on sales forecasting and inventory management, ensuring the right products are available at the right time. The Retail Buyer concentrates on selecting and purchasing products, building relationships with vendors, and curating merchandise to attract customers. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and hiring needs within retail organizations.

How much do retail merchandise planners get paid?

Retail 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 with advanced skills can earn over $100,000 annually.

What does a retail merchandise planner do?

A retail merchandise planner is responsible for analyzing sales data, forecasting demand, and developing inventory plans to ensure the right products are available at the right time. They collaborate with buyers and store teams, use planning tools like spreadsheets or specialized software, and focus on maximizing sales and profitability through effective stock management.
More about Retail Merchandise Planner jobs

Who are the top companies hiring for Retail Merchandise Planner jobs?

The top employers for Retail Merchandise Planner jobs are:

What states have the most Retail Merchandise Planner jobs?

States with the most job openings for Retail Merchandise Planner jobs include:

Infographic showing various Retail Merchandise Planner job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, 33% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,893 per year, or $37 per hour.

Retail Merchandise Planner

Skechers U.S.A., Inc.

Manhattan Beach, CA • On-site

$90 - $110/hr

Other

Posted 4 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Create and manage open-to-buy (OTB) plans at the brand level to meet merchandise targets on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis.

  • Monitor receipt flow and sales performance to analyze trends, identify risks and opportunities, and develop action plans to optimize sales and inventory.

  • Lead monthly OTB meetings with cross-functional partners and develop seasonal plans including category, style, color, and material to ensure purchases align with the plan.


Skechers rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 177 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

39th of 62 rated fashion and textile manufacturers


Job description

WHO WE ARE

Headquartered in Southern California, Skechers—the Comfort Technology Company®—has spent over 30 years helping men, women, and kids everywhere look and feel good. Comfort innovation is at the core of everything we do, driving the development of stylish, high-quality products at a great value. From our diverse footwear collections to our expanding range of apparel and accessories, Skechers is a complete lifestyle brand.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Merchandise Planner is responsible for successful development and execution of top-down and bottom-up merchandise plans that support company objectives and goals. This includes pre-season planning and in-season Open-to-Buy management. They will monitor receipt flow and sales performance to provide analysis and action plans to optimize sales and inventory.

WHAT YOU'LL DO
  • Create and manage OTB’s at the brand level and ensure that the merchandise targets will be met on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis.
  • Communicate with the merchandising team the OTB plan and assess any inventory risks. Ensure the receipt plans are filled according to the write schedule. Participate in weekly/monthly in-season forecast and OTB meetings.
  • Reforecast sales monthly and communicate results and critical issues to the manager. Develop an action plan to increase or decrease inventory as needed to reconcile the OTB.
  • Provide seasonal plans by gender/brand/sub-class pre- season. Included are category, style, color, type and material. Ensure the purchases meet the plan.
  • Drive sales by analyzing trends, forecasting sales and reviewing inventory position; identify risks and opportunities in sales and inventory; provide action plans on a weekly basis.
  • Partner with merchandisers to actively manage the lifecycle and flow of inventory.Develop exit strategies and transition strategies for major product platforms; provide guidance on cancelations, markdown needs, and in-store inventory plans.
  • Lead monthly OTB meetings with cross functional partners.
WHAT YOU'LL BRING
  • Strong aptitude for numbers and clear understanding of retail math.
  • Proficiency in using financial metrics and reports to measure the performance of the business. Understand how decisions impact financial results.
  • Experience in SKU level and category level planning, financial planning process and report/modeling building.
  • Strong analytical skills with the ability to compile and analyze large sets of data.
  • Strong organizational skills – ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize, and meet deadlines.
  • Ability to communicate persuasively, influentially, and responsibly across a cross-functional team.
  • Excels in team environments and in building/developing strong interpersonal relationships, while maintaining an individual determination to accomplish goals.
  • Passionate about customer service.
  • Driven to excel and succeed, taking full ownership of his or her success.
  • Ability to travel 0-10% of time.
REQUIREMENTS
  • Minimum of 2 years of merchandise planning, inventory management, buying or finance in a retail environment- preferably Footwear
  • Bachelor’s Degree preferred or equivalent experience
  • Proficient in Excel (includes v-look ups and pivot tables)

The pay range for this role is $90,000-$110,000/yr USD.

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About Skechers

Skechers, a global Fortune 500® company, developsand markets a diverse range of lifestyle and performance footwear, apparel, and accessories. Serving over 180 countries and territories, Skechers connects customers to products through department and specialty stores, e-commerce and digital stores, and through our more than 5,300 Skechers retail locations.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Skechers is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and respectful work environment. Skechers provides equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants for employment without regard race, color, religion, gender, gender identification and expression, national origin, marital status, age, disability, genetic information, military status, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic established by local, state or federal law.

Reasonable Accommodation

Applicants for employment who require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job should request appropriate accommodation by emailing benefits@skechers.com. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each job responsibility satisfactorily. The skills, abilities and physical demands described are representative of those duties that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities, who are otherwise qualified for the job position, to perform the essential functions.

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