Associate Merchandise Planner

Guitar Center • Frederick, MD

9d

About The Position

The Associate Merchandise Planner is an entry-level role supporting the merchandise planning team in driving sales, inventory, and profitability across assigned categories. The position analyzes sales and inventory performance, maintains reporting, supports forecasting and planning, and identifies opportunities to optimize inventory and maximize sales. The role works with cross-functional partners to turn data into business insights and recommendations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in Business, Finance, Supply Chain, Merchandising, Analytics, or a related field.
• 0–2 years of relevant experience; internships or academic experience in retail, analytics, finance, or merchandising are welcome.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including formulas, pivot tables, and basic data analysis.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Curiosity and willingness to learn in a fast-paced retail environment.

Nice To Haves

• Previous retail, merchandising, planning, buying, allocation, or e-commerce experience.
• Familiarity with retail KPIs such as sales, gross margin, sell-through, weeks of supply, inventory turnover, and markdowns.
• Experience with reporting or business intelligence tools.
• Basic understanding of forecasting and inventory planning.

Responsibilities

• Analyze weekly and monthly sales, inventory, and product performance.
• Assist with open-to-buy sales, inventory, and gross margin forecasting.
• Prepare and maintain recurring reports, dashboards, and business analyses.
• Analyze sales trends and historical performance to support future plans.
• Partner with Category Merchants, Replenishment, and Operations teams.
• Help identify opportunities to improve inventory productivity, sell-through, and profitability.
• Support seasonal planning, promotional analysis, and post-season reporting.
• Maintain accurate planning files and ensure data integrity across reporting tools.
• Present findings and recommendations to planning and merchandising leadership as needed.
• Complete ad hoc analyses and projects that support business priorities.

Benefits

• Gig leave for employee musicians to take time off to perform on tour.
• Medical insurance.
• Dental insurance.
• Vision insurance.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Mental health support.
• Paid sick time.
• Paid holidays.
• Paid vacation time.
• Employee discount program.
• Tuition reimbursement options.

What This Job Offers

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