Job Title : Merchandise Planner

Location : Chennai

Company: Fashor Lifestyle Pvt. Ltd.

Overview :

As a Merchandise Planner in the apparel industry, your primary responsibility is to optimize inventory levels and maximize sales and profitability for our product range of ethnic & fusionwear. You will work closely with cross-functional teams including design, merchandising, warehousing and sales to develop and execute strategic plans that align with the company's financial goals and market trends.

Key Responsibilities :

- Inventory Management : Develop inventory strategies to ensure optimal stock levels across different product lines while minimizing overstock and stockouts.

- Assortment Planning : Collaborate with merchandising and buying teams to plan assortments for each season or collection based on sales forecasts, trend analysis, and customer preferences.

- Allocation and Replenishment : Allocate merchandise to stores or distribution centers based on demand forecasts, sales performance, and inventory levels. Implement replenishment strategies to maintain appropriate stock levels.

- Financial Analysis : Monitor sales performance, inventory turnover, and other key performance indicators (KPIs) to identify trends, opportunities, and risks. Develop action plans to address variances from financial targets.

- Seasonal Planning : Coordinate with merchandising and buying teams to develop seasonal merchandise plans, including product mix, pricing strategies, and promotional activities.

- Collaboration : Work closely with cross-functional teams, including business partners, merchandising, buying, sales, and marketing, to ensure alignment of merchandise plans with overall business objectives.

- Market Analysis : Stay informed about market trends, competitor activities, and consumer preferences to identify opportunities for product expansion or improvement.

- Assortment Optimization : Analyze sales performance by SKU, style, and category to optimize product assortments and identify opportunities for markdowns or clearance.

- Demand Forecasting : Utilize historical sales data, market trends, and seasonality patterns to accurately forecast demand for various apparel categories.

Qualifications :

- Bachelor's degree in business, finance, retail management, or related field. Master's degree preferred.

- Previous experience in merchandise planning, inventory management, or related roles within the apparel industry.

- Strong analytical skills with proficiency in Excel or other data analysis tools.

- Knowledge of retail math, including sales forecasting, inventory turnover, and gross margin calculations.

- Excellent communication and collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively in cross functional teams.

- Detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities in a fast-paced environment.

- Familiarity with merchandise planning software (e.g., Oracle Retail, JDA, SAP Retail) is a plus.

- Understanding of retail industry trends, consumer behavior, and competitive landscape.

- Ability to adapt to changing business needs and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

- The role of a Merchandise Planner in the apparel industry is critical for ensuring the right products are available at the right time and in the right quantities to meet customer demand while optimizing inventory levels and maximizing profitability.

- This position requires a blend of analytical skills, strategic thinking, and collaboration with various stakeholders to drive business success.