Allocator, New Store Openings

Skechers • Manhattan Beach, CA

3d • $28 - $32

About The Position

This role is responsible for preparing new store folders, understanding customer demographics and local market trends, and analyzing sales data to determine appropriate inventory levels and product mix for new store openings. The Allocator will develop merchandise assortments and allocations that align with store targets, performa, and store format, while optimizing inventory levels and ensuring adequate product availability across all categories. They will also confirm the final assortment to leave the Distribution Center and continuously seek opportunities for process improvement in new store allocations.

Requirements

• 1–3 years of experience in retail allocation, merchandise planning, inventory management, or a related field preferred
• Demonstrated ability to manage end-to-end project workflows with multiple concurrent deadlines in a fast-paced, high-volume environment
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, with advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, INDEX/MATCH, data validation)
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with the ability to translate data into actionable allocation decisions
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to present findings and recommendations clearly to cross-functional teams
• Detail-oriented with a high degree of accuracy in data management and reporting
• Ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities while maintaining quality and meeting deadlines
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Merchandising, Retail Management, or a related field preferred
• Experience in footwear retail is preferred but not required

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with allocation or planning systems (e.g., o9, JDA, Manhattan, or similar retail planning tools) is a plus

Responsibilities

• Prepare New Store folders – Floor Plans, Cover sheets.
• Understand customer demographics, and local market trends for new store locations.
• Analyze sales data, inventory levels, and product performance for existing stores in similar markets to determine appropriate inventory levels and product mix for new store openings.
• Develop merchandise assortment and allocation that aligns with store targets, Performa, and store format.
• Optimize inventory levels by ensuring adequate products across all categories available for assortment.
• Confirm final assortment to leave DC assuring all product allocated is part of initial shipment.
• Continuously seek opportunities for process improvement and implement best practices for new store allocations.
• Maintain and track NSO allocation timelines, ensuring all milestones are met according to the store opening calendar.
• Develop inventory targets by product category based on customer demographics, historical sales data, and recent product trends.
• Partner closely with Buying, Planning, Merchandising, Retail Operations, and Distribution Center teams.
• Develop and maintain trackers, status reports, and allocation summaries.
• Assess and plan for fluctuating NSO volumes, adjusting workload prioritization.
• Conduct post-opening inventory reviews to evaluate allocation accuracy, identify gaps, and apply learnings to future NSO strategies.
• Ensure accuracy of all allocation data entered into internal systems, maintaining clean and reliable records throughout the NSO lifecycle.

Benefits

• 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 may be made to enable individuals with disabilities, who are otherwise qualified for the job position, to perform the essential functions.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level