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Retail Merchandise Planner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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

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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The Planner's key focus is generating an assortment architecture for a given area and creating a ... retail, merchandising and price optimization concepts Readily grasps numerical concepts and ...

You'll collaborate closely with merchandising, retail, finance and operations teams to ensure the ... Planning, Projections: analyze sales, stock levels, margin and other key metrics. Own end to end ...

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 ...

Monitor competitive landscape and retail trends to ensure the assortment remains market-relevant ... planning, merchandise planning or a related retail planning role * NetSuite experience along with ...

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Merchandise Planner

Hanover, MD · On-site

$60K - $75K/yr

The Merchandise Planner develops, executes, and maintains merchandise plans and forecasts for a ... Retail math literacy and application of concepts to daily operations • Work requires a solid ...

You'll collaborate closely with merchandising, retail, finance and operations teams to ensure the ... Planning, Projections: analyze sales, stock levels, margin and other key metrics. Own end to end ...

You'll collaborate closely with merchandising, retail, finance and operations teams to ensure the ... Planning, Projections: analyze sales, stock levels, margin and other key metrics. Own end to end ...

Apply Early

Merchandise Planner

New York, NY · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Reporting to the Director of Merchandise Planning, the Merchandise Planner will own financial ... Naturally curious, with a strong interest in retail, consumer products, and the DTC landscape.

The company retails high-quality cannabis products at its High Profile locations in Connecticut ... We are looking for a detail-oriented, analytical, and strategic Merchandise Planner to manage ...

Merchandise Planner QVC GroupWest Chester, Ohio Working at QVC Group means joining a live social ... QVC Group, Inc. is a Fortune 500 company with six leading retail brands - QVC, HSN, and our four ...

Description Merchandise Planner About Our Company Lids Sports Group is the largest licensed sports ... Operating out of Indianapolis, IN, our retail stores offer officially licensed headwear and apparel ...

Merchandise Planner

Denver, CO · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

We bring together admissions, culinary, and retail with innovation and human connection to shape a ... Merchandise Planner SSA Group works with zoos, aquariums, museums, and other cultural attractions ...

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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 Jul 6, 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 highest paying merchandiser job?

The highest paying merchandiser roles are typically senior or executive positions such as Merchandising Director or Vice President of Merchandising, which can offer salaries exceeding $150,000 annually. These roles often require extensive experience, strategic planning skills, and leadership responsibilities within large retail organizations.

What is a merchandise planner's salary?

A retail merchandise planner's salary typically ranges from $50,000 to $85,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and company size. Senior planners or those in high-cost areas can earn over $100,000, often with skills in data analysis and inventory management.

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.

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.

How to become a merchandise planner?

To become a retail merchandise planner, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in business, marketing, or a related field. Relevant skills include data analysis, inventory management, and proficiency with planning software like Excel or specialized retail tools. Gaining experience in retail or merchandising roles can also help build the necessary expertise for this position.

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

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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 38% Full Time, and 62% Part Time. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,893 per year, or $37 per hour.
Merchandise Planner

Merchandise Planner

Ross Stores

Manhattan, NY • On-site

$98K - $110K/yr

Other

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Our values start with our people, join a team that values you. Bring your talents to Ross, our leading off-price retail chain with over 2,200 stores, and a strong track record of success and growth. Our focus has always been bringing our customers a constant stream of high-quality brands and on-trend merchandise at extraordinary savings.

All while providing a fun and exciting treasure hunt experience. As part of our team, you will experience: Success. Our winning team pursues excellence while learning and evolving Career growth.

We develop industry leading talent because Ross grows when our people grow Teamwork. We work together to solve the hard problems and find the right solution Our commitment to Diversity, Equality & Inclusion, and our community. We celebrate the backgrounds, identities, and ideas of those who work and shop with us because our differences make us stronger.

We strive to be a positive force in our community. Our Corporate headquarters are in Dublin, CA, we have 3 buying offices in key markets in New York City, Los Angeles, and Boston, and 8 distribution centers nationwide. With 2025 revenues of $22.8 billion, we are a Fortune 500 company who is committed to providing an inclusive work environment with continuous learning opportunities and development for our teams

About this opportunity... 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 developed. The Merchandise Planner effectively analyzes dynamic, multi-dimensional plans including sales trends, gross margin, inventory and OTB levels

They partner with the Buying, Location Planning teams and Planning Management to identify business opportunities/risks to sales/margin and make recommendations accordingly. The base salary range for this role is $98,000 - $110,000. The base salary range is dependent on factors including, but not limited to, experience, skills, qualifications, relevant education, certifications, seniority, and location.

The range listed is just one component of the total compensation package for employees. Other rewards vary by position and location. What you will do and what you will learn..

Responsible for developing seasonal business plans through partnership with Buying group and analysis of historical data to forecast trends Develop Pre-Season chain plans at the class level and In-Season forecasting of chain plans. Monitoring monthly performance to sales, inventory, and margin targets Manage weekly OTB, identifying opportunities as needed Identify Early Warning Callouts and recommend courses of action to drive profitable sales and margin. Perform independent analysis as needed to identify opportunities Collaborate closely and build trust among cross-functional partners to drive desired results Present and call out risks/opportunities to Planning Management and Senior Merchants What you need to be successful..

Strong communication skills: You can "read the situation" you actively listen, ask clarifying questions, confidently share your point of view, and demonstrate the ability to build relationships. Flexibility: You can pivot and are adaptable, and receptive to feedback. Results Driven: You are tenacious, and achievement focused.

You can prioritize your work and deliver it with accuracy. Intellectually curious: You can analyze and draw conclusions, are a critical thinker, and see the big picture. Resilient: You are persistent and persuasive.

You stay focused on your goals and finding creative solutions to problems. Highly proficient in Excel and have a thorough knowledge of planning systems, Arthur Planning is strongly desirable. Analytical Mindset: 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 two years' experience involving sales and inventory planning, sales forecasting and OTB. Perks and Benefits of joining our team... Our Associates are at the heart of everything we do and we're proud to offer a range of benefits that reflect how much we value their contributions

Here's a peek into what you can expect as an eligible Ross Associate: A broad range of affordable health insurance options & personal medical plan concierge 401(k) with employer match and Life insurance Ample PTO including accrued vacation, paid holidays, diversity day, summer Fridays and the ability to purchase additional vacation. Employee stock purchase plan Access to health and wellness benefits such as BetterHelp and Headspace Charitable donations matched by Ross Stores Foundation And more.... *benefits vary by level and position and are subject to change #LI-JW3 Apply