Retail Merchandise Planner Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of omnichannel retail, the role of retail merchandise planners has never been more critical.

The retail landscape continues to evolve, and with each change, the demand for strategic minds who can analyze, plan, and optimize our retail merchandise offerings grows stronger.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a retail merchandise planner?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager defining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply intrigued by the intricacies of retail merchandise planning,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable retail merchandise planner job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s get started.

Retail Merchandise Planner Duties and Responsibilities

Retail Merchandise Planners play a crucial role in retail operations, helping to maximize profitability by predicting and monitoring sales trends and inventory levels.

They are responsible for planning and predicting the product needs of a retail store or chain.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Analyzing sales figures, customer reactions, and market trends to anticipate product needs
• Collaborating with buyers, suppliers, distributors, and analysts to negotiate prices, quantities, and delivery time-scales
• Preparing and maintaining detailed sales and inventory reports
• Creating comprehensive merchandise plans and forecasts to allocate resources effectively
• Monitoring stock movement, consider markdowns, inter-branch transfers, promotions or clear outs
• Identifying production and supply difficulties and dealing with any delays
• Overseeing delivery of merchandise to outlets and ensure optimal distribution
• Working closely with visual display staff and department heads to decide how goods should be displayed to maximize sales
• Reviewing historical sales trends, researching demand drivers and preparing forecast data
• Implementing retail policies and procedures, and communicate with store managers to ensure compliance

 

Retail Merchandise Planner Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for an experienced and dedicated Retail Merchandise Planner to join our team.

This professional will be responsible for forecasting market trends, buying merchandise, and planning inventories.

Retail Merchandise Planner responsibilities include tracking changes in inventory, analyzing sales reports, and making purchase recommendations.

You should also have excellent analytical skills and the ability to create and present detailed reports.

Ultimately, the role of the Retail Merchandise Planner is to ensure our store’s merchandise meets customer demand and contributes to the financial growth of our business.

 

Responsibilities

• Forecast and track market trends to inform buying decisions
• Analyze sales reports and inventory levels to predict product needs
• Collaborate with buyers and merchandisers to plan and implement effective purchasing strategies
• Maintain updated records of invoices and contracts
• Follow market trends and competitor activity
• Prepare and present analytical and trend reports
• Develop promotional and markdown strategies to ensure inventory turnover
• Negotiate terms of purchase with vendors
• Manage and allocate inventory effectively

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Retail Merchandise Planner or similar role
• Good understanding of market research and data analysis methods
• Ability to accurately predict market trends
• Familiarity with inventory management software
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills
• Organizational and planning skills
• BSc degree in Business, Economics, Logistics, or relevant field

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Retail Merchandise Planner
• Work Environment: Office setting with occasional store visits. Some travel may be required for market research and vendor meetings.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Merchandising Manager or Director of Merchandising.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $65,000 minimum to $85,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Retail Merchandise Planner Do?

Retail Merchandise Planners play a key role in retail operations, working closely with buyers and merchandisers to determine the types of products to purchase and how to display them to maximize sales.

Their main responsibility is to forecast consumer buying patterns and product trends to ensure that the right quantity of the right product is available at the right time and place.

They conduct market research, competitor analysis and constantly monitor sales data to make informed decisions about product selection and inventory levels.

Retail Merchandise Planners also work on budget management.

They set financial targets and manage the open-to-buy budgets (the amount of money left for a buyer to order new merchandise), ensuring that the company’s financial goals are met without overstocking or understocking.

They also collaborate with marketing and sales teams to develop strategies for promotions, seasonal sales and clearance sales, and to determine the pricing of products.

In addition to this, they play a vital role in supply chain management, coordinating with suppliers and logistics teams to ensure timely delivery of products.

Therefore, a Retail Merchandise Planner’s role is a combination of data analysis, financial planning, and strategy development, all with the aim of improving sales and customer satisfaction.

 

Retail Merchandise Planner Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Retail Merchandise Planner should have the skills and qualifications that align with your job description, such as:

• Strong analytical skills to evaluate sales data and inventory levels, and to forecast future merchandising needs.
• Understanding of retail operations and supply chain management to ensure efficient movement of merchandise from supplier to store.
• Excellent communication skills to liaise with various departments, including purchasing, marketing, and operations, and to present buying strategies to management.
• Ability to work collaboratively with other members of the retail team, using effective interpersonal skills.
• Problem-solving skills to identify and address issues that may affect merchandise availability or sales performance.
• Proficiency in using retail planning software to manage inventory, create merchandise plans, and analyze sales trends.
• Strong mathematical skills for creating budgets, analyzing sales data, and making financial forecasts.
• Attention to detail to ensure accurate tracking of inventory, pricing, and sales data.
• Knowledge of current market trends to predict customer buying patterns and make effective merchandising decisions.

 

Retail Merchandise Planner Experience Requirements

Entry-level Retail Merchandise Planners are often required to have 1 to 2 years of experience in a retail or merchandising role.

This experience can be gained through internships or part-time roles in a retail setting.

This provides practical experience in areas such as customer service, stock control, and in-store displays.

Candidates with 2 to 5 years of experience often have a solid understanding of retail operations and are familiar with planning and allocating merchandise for a retail outlet.

They might have experience in roles such as Assistant Merchandiser or Inventory Analyst.

Those with over 5 years of experience often have a comprehensive knowledge of retail merchandise planning and may have held roles such as Senior Merchandise Planner.

At this level, they may have managerial experience and are capable of overseeing a team and making strategic decisions about merchandise planning for a chain of stores.

In addition to these experience levels, Retail Merchandise Planners often require a bachelor’s degree in business, retail management, or a related field.

Candidates with a master’s degree in a related field may have an advantage, especially for senior roles.

 

Retail Merchandise Planner Education and Training Requirements

Retail Merchandise Planners typically have a bachelor’s degree in business, retail management, finance, or a related field.

They are expected to have a strong foundation in mathematics, statistics, and analytical thinking, often gained through coursework during their undergraduate studies.

Knowledge in inventory management systems, data analysis, and forecasting tools is highly beneficial for this role.

Experience with software like Microsoft Excel is also often required.

Some roles may prefer candidates with a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) or a related field, particularly for higher-level planning or managerial positions.

In addition to formal education, on-the-job training is a critical part of a Retail Merchandise Planner’s career development.

This training typically involves understanding the company’s specific planning systems, processes, and strategies.

Certifications in supply chain management, inventory management, or related areas can also be beneficial for career advancement.

These certifications demonstrate a candidate’s specialized knowledge and commitment to professional development in the field.

Continuing education and staying updated with the latest trends in retail and consumer behavior is crucial for success in this role.

 

Retail Merchandise Planner Salary Expectations

A Retail Merchandise Planner earns an average salary of $71,489 (USD) per year.

The actual income can fluctuate based on factors such as experience, the size and location of the retail store, and the company’s pay structure.

 

Retail Merchandise Planner Job Description FAQs

What skills does a retail merchandise planner need?

Retail merchandise planners should possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills as they will need to analyze sales data and consumer trends regularly.

They should have excellent communication and negotiation skills for dealing with suppliers and other members of the supply chain.

Proficiency in software related to inventory management and demand forecasting is also essential.

 

Do retail merchandise planners need a degree?

Most retail merchandise planners have a bachelor’s degree in areas such as business, finance, economics, or a related field.

However, relevant work experience in retail planning, buying, or inventory management can also be considered.

Some companies may prefer candidates with an advanced degree or certification in supply chain management or similar.

 

What should you look for in a retail merchandise planner’s resume?

Look for a combination of education and experience in retail planning, buying, or related areas.

Familiarity with data analysis, forecasting, and inventory management software is a big plus.

Also, consider their achievements in previous roles such as improving sales performance, reducing stockouts, or enhancing supplier relationships.

 

What qualities make a good retail merchandise planner?

A good retail merchandise planner is highly analytical, detail-oriented, and can anticipate market trends.

They’re proficient at multitasking and managing multiple projects concurrently.

Strong negotiation skills are also essential as they often deal with vendors and suppliers.

They should have a customer-focused mindset and the ability to collaborate effectively with different teams within the organization.

 

Is it difficult to hire retail merchandise planners?

Hiring retail merchandise planners can be challenging due to the specific skill set required.

Candidates must possess a strong understanding of retail operations, excellent analytical skills, and a knack for trend forecasting.

Therefore, attracting the right candidates might require offering competitive salaries, growth opportunities, and a dynamic work environment.

 

Conclusion

So, there you have it.

Today, we’ve lifted the veil on what it truly means to be a Retail Merchandise Planner.

And guess what?

It’s not just about juggling stock.

It’s about orchestrating the retail landscape, one product at a time.

With our handy Retail Merchandise Planner job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take your next step.

But why stop there?

Delve further with our job description generator. It’s your ideal tool to create precision-crafted job listings or to refine your resume to retail perfection.

Remember:

Every product placed is part of a larger retail strategy.

Let’s shape that retail future. Together.

How to Become a Retail Merchandise Planner (Complete Guide)

Find Your Calm Career: Jobs That Avoid the Anxiety Trap

Bored of the Hustle? Try These Easy Jobs for a Stress-Free Payday!

The Wild World of Work: Bizarre Jobs You’ve Never Heard Of

The AI Job Heist: Which Professions Are on the Brink of Automation?