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Retail Store Planner Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

This client is at the forefront of shaping the physical landscape of retail, managing a vast ... Lead comprehensive store design and planning processes, overseeing projects from initial scoping ...

Overview The Retail Design & New Store Development is responsible for the design, planning, development, and implementation of new retail store locations and remodel projects. This role combines ...

... Well-developed planning, analytical and problem-solving skills Familiarity with wireless ... Our Retail Store Manager-2 Regular jobs earn between $61,700.00 - $92,500.00 + commission $24,000

Retail Store Manager Job Type: Full Time The candidate must have open availability on weekdays ... for succession planning, and fostering a culture of continuous growth and improvement. A Store ...

Retail Store Manager Job Type: Full Time The candidate must have open availability on weekdays ... for succession planning, and fostering a culture of continuous growth and improvement. A Store ...

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Retail Store Manager Job Type: Full Time The candidate must have open availability on weekdays ... for succession planning, and fostering a culture of continuous growth and improvement. A Store ...

New

Retail Store Manager Job Type: Full Time The candidate must have open availability on weekdays ... for succession planning, and fostering a culture of continuous growth and improvement. A Store ...

New

Retail Store Manager  Job Type: Full Time The candidate must have open availability on weekdays ... for succession planning, and fostering a culture of continuous growth and improvement. A Store ...

New

Retail Store Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

Store Manager Location: Chicago, IL Whizz, a leader in innovative transportation solutions for ... Asset & ERP Accountability: Serve as the single point of responsibility for achieving 100% ERP ...

Retail Store Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

Store Manager Location: Chicago, IL Whizz, a leader in innovative transportation solutions for ... Asset & ERP Accountability: Serve as the single point of responsibility for achieving 100% ERP ...

Retail Store Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

Store Manager Location: Chicago, IL Whizz, a leader in innovative transportation solutions for ... Asset & ERP Accountability: Serve as the single point of responsibility for achieving 100% ERP ...

Retail Store Manager

Bolingbrook, IL · On-site

$67K - $116K/yr

Retail Store Manager About Life at PetSmart Our associates are the heart of Team PetSmart. Together ... mentoring and succession planning. * Delegates effectively and empowers others to succeed ...

Retail Store Manager

Matteson, IL · On-site

$67K - $116K/yr

Retail Store Manager About Life at PetSmart Our associates are the heart of Team PetSmart. Together ... mentoring and succession planning. * Delegates effectively and empowers others to succeed ...

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Showing results 1-20

Retail Store Planner information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$17

$33

$55

How much do retail store planner jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for retail store planner in Chicago, IL is $33.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.78 and $41.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a retail store planner?

Retail Store Planners are professionals responsible for designing and organizing the layout of retail stores to optimize space, enhance customer experience, and maximize sales. They work closely with store managers, merchandisers, and architects to develop floor plans, allocate space for different product categories, and ensure that the store's design aligns with brand standards. Their role often involves analyzing sales data, traffic patterns, and customer behaviors to inform their planning decisions. Retail Store Planners play a critical role in both new store openings and remodels, making sure that the physical environment supports business goals.

How does a retail store planner typically collaborate with merchandising and operations teams to optimize store layouts?

Retail Store Planners work closely with merchandising and operations teams to ensure that store layouts support both product visibility and operational efficiency. This collaboration often involves regular meetings to review sales data, discuss new product launches, and address logistical challenges. By integrating feedback from these teams, planners can adjust floor plans and fixture placements to enhance the customer experience while supporting inventory management and sales goals. Successful planners are proactive communicators who seek input and adjust their designs to align with the broader business objectives.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a retail store planner, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Retail Store Planner, you need strong analytical skills, proficiency in space planning, and a background in retail management or merchandising, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with planogram software (such as JDA or AutoCAD), retail analytics tools, and inventory management systems is common. Attention to detail, creativity, and effective communication are essential soft skills for collaborating with teams and optimizing store layouts. These competencies are crucial for maximizing sales, enhancing the customer shopping experience, and ensuring efficient use of retail space.

What is the difference between Retail Store Planner vs Visual Merchandiser?

AspectRetail Store PlannerVisual Merchandiser
Primary FocusStore layout, space planning, and store designProduct displays, window setups, and in-store visual presentation
Skills & CertificationsDesign software, spatial planning, retail operations knowledgeCreativity, design skills, knowledge of visual presentation
Work EnvironmentOffice-based with store visitsIn-store setup and display areas
Industry UsageRetail chains, department stores, shopping centersFashion, cosmetics, retail stores, and brand displays

While both roles involve visual aspects of retail, a Retail Store Planner focuses on overall store layout and space optimization, whereas a Visual Merchandiser concentrates on creating attractive product displays and visual presentations to enhance customer experience.

How to become a retail store planner?

To become a retail store planner, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in retail management, interior design, architecture, or a related field. Gaining experience in retail environments, developing skills in space planning and design software like AutoCAD or SketchUp, and understanding retail operations are important steps. Certifications in project management or design can also enhance prospects in this role.

What are popular job titles related to Retail Store Planner jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Retail Store Planner jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Retail Store Planner jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Retail Store Planner jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Infographic showing various Retail Store Planner job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, 31% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,683 per year, or $33.5 per hour.

Store Planner (On-Site)

Ace Hardware Corporation

Oak Brook, IL • On-site

$110K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago


Ace Hardware Corporation rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 1,486 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

36th of 51 rated home improvement retailers


Job description

About This Role

The Store Planner will be responsible for leveraging data-driven analytics to consult retailers and project management teams on developing store plans that deliver maximum productivity. The Store Planner is responsible for overall store design, including architectural and fixture layouts, merchandise planning (category space allocation and category placement), lighting placement and electrical needs, and execution of signage/decor and location code plans for new stores and store projects (remodels, relocations, expansions, and consolidations). Additionally, the Store Planner will ensure execution of Ace best practices related to department and category placement (including aisle side placement and adjacencies) while incorporating market intelligence and local needs to execute optimal, consumer-centric store layouts. Store Planner will also be responsible for developing store front elevations using Photoshop to produce concept and comprehensive store elevations for our retailers and prospective retailers.

Improving the store model is pillar of Ace's long-term retail strategy and developing the most productive and consumer-centric store layouts for our retailers is a key element of this pillar.

  • Scope: Store planner will have ownership over any store planning and design needs for new stores, remodels or conversions.

  • Leadership/Mentorship: Store planners are responsible for mentoring junior team members and leading through special projects as defined by Dept Manager.

What You'll Do:

  • Maximize retailer sales and profitability for Ace Retailers by building highly productive, consumer-relevant store plans that align with defined category strategies and best practices for layout and design. Independently manage all aspects of store plan recommendations, from analytics to consultation, execution and maintenance.

  • Consistently execute store planning/design and merchandising principles, namely department and category placement, aisle leadoffs, and adjacencies to drive retail performance. Identify shopper behavior and market changes that challenge or suggest modifications to store planning best practices and recommend to leadership to continue to drive improvement of store planning strategies and execution.

  • Provide consultation and insights to Project Manager and Retailer to develop store plan strategy, ensure sales/sf and gp/sf improvement and gain alignment to recommendations.

  • Leverage JDA Floor Planning and CKB to consistently to uphold high Floor Plan integrity and accuracy of floor plans. Lead discussions and influence cross-functional teams to accept recommendations.

  • Quickly become an expert or super-user in Ace Best Practices and JDA applications, acting as a mentor and trainer for new and less tenured team members.

  • Take leadership role in collaboration with multiple departments (e.g. Category Management, Visual Merchandising, Space Planning, Field Operations) ensure that programs that are new or involving footage changes and/or fixture changes or are "retail ready," aligned with overall best practices and communicated fully to field team.

  • Lead remodel, departmental and new store plan planning sessions cross-functionally by helping to identify key opportunities across the store with additional focus on providing macro space analysis and store design expertise that can help shape further evolution of our store model.

  • Proactively monitor category KPI's to track performance of completed remodels, track trends and identify opportunities make changes to adjacencies, space recommendations and category placement. Independently act on results and influence cross-functional and interdepartmental teams with recommendations.

  • Provide direct customer service to retailers as needed. Return phone calls and emails promptly exhibiting the willingness and expertise to answer questions and resolve issues as presented.

  • Identify and execute (with management support) potential special projects that will add value to the department or company.

What You Need To Succeed:

  • Bachelor's Degree with a minimum of 3 years of experience in architectural design and retail merchandise planning

  • Demonstrated understanding of interior retail/fixture design, electrical & lighting configuration, ADA requirements, building codes, & exterior design

  • Demonstrated understanding of retail industry trends, consumer purchase behavior, and basic merchandising techniques

  • Demonstrated innovative and forward-thinking enhancements to the design process

  • Desire to lead and progress a team to drive efficiency and minimize lead time in projects

  • Quality focused and detail-oriented

  • Creative and inspiring design strength

  • Ability to manage multiple projects with tight deadlines

  • Experience managing and coordinating with external consultants, including architectural, interior and others.

  • Ability to connect cross-functionally and influence others

  • Strong written/verbal communication skills with an aptitude for influencing and selling

  • Ability to work and think independently

WORK AUTHORIZATION: This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship now or in the future.

#LI-JK1

Compensation Details:

$88400 - $110700 per year

Why should you join our team?

We live our values - W.E.L.I.G.H.T (Winning, Excellence, Love, Integrity, Gratitude, Humility, and Teamwork). Gratitude. Humility. Love. You don't often see values like these in most corporate statements, but Ace is different. These things are important to us. They represent our commitment to the company, our employees, to Ace retailers and to the Ace brand.

In addition to providing our employees a great culture, Ace also offers competitive benefits* that address life's necessities and perks, many of which expand and improve year after year, including:

  • Incentive opportunities, based on role/grade level (company growth over the past 5 years resulted in incentives being paid out at an average of 122% of your target opportunity!)

  • Generous 401(k) retirement savings plan with a fully vested matching contribution the first year in addition to quarterly contributions and annual discretionary contribution (once eligibility requirements have been met). Over the past 5 years, company contributions (matching, quarterly & discretionary) for fully eligible employees have averaged 10% of total eligible compensation

  • Comprehensive health coverage (medical, dental, vision and disability - up to 26 weeks short-term disability and long-term disability) & life insurance benefits for you and your dependents

  • 21 days of vacation immediately available (prorated in the first year) and up to 6 paid holidays depending on the month of hire

  • Company Car, phone and fuel card are provided for field-based positions

  • Your career at Ace is more than just a job. It's a chance to be part of something meaningful. We help locally-owned businesses thrive and make an impact in their communities - and we support our employees in doing the same by offering an annual Ace Cares Week, 20 hours off work per year to volunteer at an organization of your choice, opportunities to help Children's Miracle Network Hospitals and the Ace Helpful Fund through the Ace Foundation

  • Ace invests in every employee we hire, with a key focus on development and coaching. We offer on-site classes, facilitator-led courses, and a generous tuition assistance program, plus a performance management approach that goes beyond the typical annual review

  • We know the work environment matters. That's why Ace holds frequent campus events like Employee Appreciation Week, vendor demos, cookouts, and merchandise sales

  • We bring them to you! Services such as mobile spas, auto maintenance, car wash and detailing, dry cleaning, dentists, eye doctors, flu shots, recycling and more!

  • Employee discounts on Ace merchandise (including top brands like Weber, Traeger, Yeti, Craftsman, DeWalt and more), travel, fitness, computers and thousands more

  • Birth/Adoption bonding paid time off

  • Adoption cost reimbursement

  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - access to free visits to therapists and lawyers, guidance on financial matters, elder and childcare, and assistance with tickets to entertainment events

  • Identity theft protection

* Benefits are provided in compliance with applicable policies.

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We want to hear from you!
When most people think of career opportunities with Ace Hardware, they often think of the helpful cashiers and sales associates at their local store. However, have you also considered the people behind the scenes who select, promote, ship and process the invoices for more than 75,000 products? Maybe you haven't, but we'd like you to. Because together we help our customers take care of their homes. Come find out why a career with the Ace Hardware Corporation is one of America's best kept secrets.

Equal Opportunity Employer
Ace Hardware Corporation is committed to a policy of promoting equal employment opportunities. The company recognizes the importance of diversity and leveraging the skills and talents of all people to the mutual advantage of each individual and the organization. The company is committed to the prevention of employment discrimination related to race, religion, color, sex (including sexual harassment), gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, disability and military or veteran status, sexual orientation or any other action covered by federal or applicable state/local laws.

Disclaimer

The pay range for this position starts as listed in the job posting, but could be higher based on education and experience. Please note, compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each opening. We take into consideration the minimum requirements outlined in the job description, such as an individual's education, training and experience, the position's work location, required travel (if any), and external market conditions when determining the final salary for potential new hires.

Be aware that salary estimates published via alternate online job boards may not be a true representation of the actual pay range offered for this position. Please refer to the Ace position description for the accurate starting pay range information and feel free to discuss this with a Talent Acquisition professional if you are chosen to move forward with an interview.

This written "Position Description" is not intended to cover all aspects of the position listed. It is meant to cover the basic/general essential job functions of a particular position. Ace Hardware Corporation reserves the right to change job duties, including essential job functions, according to business necessity.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.


What Ace Hardware Corporation employees say

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About Ace Hardware

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Ace Hardware is a renowned company in the retail sector, headquartered in Oak Brook, IL, US. Dating back to its foundation in 1924 by a group of businessmen, the company has grown from a single store in Chicago to a global hardware cooperative consisting of more than 5,000 stores in over 60 countries. It operates in the home improvement sector and specializes in hardware, home goods, local niche services, and select specialty retailers. As prevalent in its motto "The Helpful Place", Ace Hardware's mission is to provide customers with high-quality hardware products while delivering exemplary customer service.

Industry

Retail, hardware, plumbing and hvac wholesalers and construction materials wholesalers

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Oak Brook, IL, US