Are you ready for a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most exciting jobs in retail? Welcome to the wild world of retail merchandise planning!
For those who don’t know, retail merchandise planners are responsible for deciding what products should be in stores, when they should arrive, and how much of each product should be ordered. It’s a big responsibility, but someone’s gotta do it.
Here’s what a typical day looks like for a retail merchandise planner:
8:00am Morning coffee and spreadsheets:
No day in the life of a retail merchandise planner can start without a strong cup of coffee and a healthy dose of spreadsheets. Whether it’s analyzing sales data or adjusting inventory projections, there’s always something to be done.
9:00am Meeting with the team:
Time to huddle up with the rest of the merchandise planning fam, which includes planners, buyers, inventory and supply chain folks as well as marketing and category managers. Whether it’s discussing the latest trends or figuring out how to avoid stock shortages, there’s never a dull moment.
10:00am Checking in with suppliers:
It’s time to touch base with suppliers to make sure everything’s on track. Retail merchandise planners are like coaches, constantly checking in with their players to make sure the game is going according to plan.
Retail merchandise planning software to the rescue: Time to break out the big guns – retail merchandise planning software. With real-time data and insights, retail merchandise planning software makes it easy for planners to make informed decisions and keep operations running smoothly.
11:00-3:00pm More meetings:
Just when you thought you were done with meetings, more meetings appear! Whether it’s with the buying team or the logistics team, there’s always someone to talk to in the world of retail merchandise planning.
5:00pm Time for some fun:
After a long day of spreadsheets, meetings, and software, it’s time for a little bit of fun. Retail merchandise planners know how to unwind, whether it’s playing some office ping-pong or having a laugh with colleagues over a few cocktails.
TL;DR -, being a retail merchandise planner is not just counting sheep. It’s a fast-paced, exciting job that requires a keen eye for detail, a love of spreadsheets, and a sense of humor. With the help of retail merchandise planning software, it’s a job that’s only getting easier, and more fun!
