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Retail Merchandise Planner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Merchandise Planner

Las Vegas, NV · On-site

$62K - $80K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

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

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$98K - $110K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$98K - $110K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

Columbus, OH · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Merchandise Planner

New York, NY

$98K - $110K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, finance, supply chain, operations, statistics, or a related field. * 1-3 years of experience in merchandise planning, inventory planning, or retail buying.

Merchandise Planner

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$80K - $103K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As the Merchandise Planner - Women's , you will be responsible for OTB planning and analysis ... Expertise in retail math and OTB planning * Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel * Excellent ...

Merchandise Planner

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$98K - $110K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Three or more years of corporate retail experience in merchandise planning, allocation, financial planning, product demand planning, or related merchandising analysis required. * Experience in ...

Merchandise Planner

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Merchandise Planner will lead inventory planning initiatives, establish forecasting ... retail, product or e-commerce company * Experience with attribute-based or commodity inventory ...

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Showing results 1-20

Retail Merchandise Planner information

See salary details

$33K

$76.9K

$111K

How much do retail merchandise planner jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 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 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 software, and focus on maximizing sales and profitability through effective stock management.

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.
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 65% Full Time, 33% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 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.

Merchandise Planner [AQ-11934]

Aquent Talent

Beaverton, OR • On-site

$36 - $40/hr

Temporary

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Merchandise Planner

We are seeking an experienced Merchandise Planner to support a high-visibility retail planning team responsible for managing product performance, inventory strategy, and seasonal business decisions. This role will partner closely with merchandising, business teams, ecommerce, and cross-functional partners to drive informed decisions through data and analytics.

The ideal candidate has experience in retail merchandise planning, strong Excel skills, and the ability to turn complex data into clear business recommendations. This person should be comfortable managing multiple priorities, working through ambiguity, and influencing decisions in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

  • Manage merchandise planning activities across seasonal product categories

  • Analyze sales, inventory, and product performance data to identify opportunities and risks

  • Support in-season business management, inventory actions, product transitions, and pricing decisions

  • Build reporting and analysis to communicate business insights and recommendations

  • Use data storytelling to influence cross-functional partners and support strategic decisions

  • Collaborate with merchandising, ecommerce, inventory, and business teams to optimize product performance

  • Monitor trends, identify opportunities, and recommend actions to improve business outcomes

  • Manage multiple projects and priorities while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail

Qualifications

  • 5+ years of experience in merchandise planning, retail planning, inventory planning, or a related field

  • Strong proficiency with Microsoft Excel and data analysis

  • Experience using data to make business recommendations and tell a clear story

  • Experience managing retail products through seasonal planning cycles

  • Strong analytical skills with attention to detail and accuracy

  • Ability to prioritize effectively and work independently in a dynamic environment

  • Strong communication and collaboration skills

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience supporting brick-and-mortar retail environments

  • Background in footwear, apparel, fashion, sporting goods, or consumer products

  • Experience working with large data sets or analytics tools

  • Familiarity with AI tools or automation to improve data analysis and planning processes

  • Experience with retail planning, forecasting, or inventory management systems

  • Bachelor’s degree preferred but not required

Why This Opportunity

This is an opportunity to join a collaborative team supporting impactful retail decisions for a globally recognized consumer brand. You will play a key role in shaping product strategies, optimizing inventory, and using data-driven insights to influence business outcomes.

#LI-BC1


Client Description

Global leader in athletic footwear, apparel, and equipment. Our client focuses on innovation, performance, and marketing, partnering with top athletes and teams. The company emphasizes sustainability and digital advancements to enhance the sports experience.

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