Forever 21 has been a leader in the global fast fashion market since its humble beginnings in Downtown LA. Today we operate 350+ stores across the USA and a robust e-commerce platform. Forever 21 is a powerhouse. Our mission is to inspire individual self-expression through amazing fashion and our DNA is rooted in Inclusivity, Customer-Centricity, and Accessibility.
With a renewed focus on the customer experience, we offer high-style designs and fashion basics with compelling values and a dynamic store environment. Whether we’re collaborating with your favorite brands and influencers or setting trends - we are always striving to make Forever 21 your go-to fashion destination to shop, work, and play!
Join us – tomorrow is yours to define… Forever!
The Merchandise Planner intern will develop strategic merchandise plans for an assigned group of product categories to maximize sales and to meet financial objectives through the analysis of sales trends and forecasts. The Planner will lead open-to-buy meetings with Divisional Merchandise Managers and Senior Buyers, providing strategic and analytical support to ensure the achievement of sales, gross margin, and key financial goals.
Responsibilities
- Manage the development of annual, seasonal, monthly, and weekly merchandise plans for assigned product categories.
- Partner with merchants to develop and propose business tactics in response to current business trends, advising them on open-to-buy, optimum unit purchasing, etc.
- Develop multiple class level pricing recommendations and strategies in alignment with company financial objectives.
- Forecast the sales levels of store clusters based on historical sales trends and insights on fashion trends received from Buying groups.
- Develop and evaluate unit plans, projections, inventory flow, and seasonal sell-off plans.
- Develop projections and inventory flow for key items and collections.
- Analyze and assess the sales performance of assigned product categories; revise in-season plans accordingly to maximize sales and profitability.
- Partner with the Allocation team to develop and implement seasonal strategies according to region, climate, and other associated variables.
- Routinely present recommendations and other analysis to senior leadership and executive management related to driving short and long-term business goals including hind-sights, color/pattern selling, etc.
Qualifications
- Must have a BABS degree; Finance, Operations, Retail Management, Business Management or an analytical focus is strongly preferred.
- Must have 5-7 years of experience in retail merchandise planning; 2-3 years of experience in a lead or supervisory role is preferred.
- Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Excel required, including v-lookups, pivot tables, and basic macros; Must be able to manipulate large quantities of data in Microsoft Excel to drive business decisions.
- Must have excellent time-management and organization skills.
- Must be able to effectively communicate, written and orally, with all levels of employees.
- Hybrid work schedule (Mon. & Fri. remote with Tues - Thurs onsite/in-office).
Why we think you’ll love it here…
At Forever 21, we foster an inclusive culture where everyone feels they belong. In addition to our comprehensive benefits package, you will unlock competitive Paid Time Off for personal, sick, and vacation time each year, enjoy most national holidays (paid), enjoy a flexible work schedule with our current hybrid policy for most corporate roles, free onsite parking and gym access in DTLA as well as eligibility to participate in our annual bonus incentive program to name a few.
We actively encourage our current and future employees to:
Unleash your style - where your self-expression and creativity inspire others. Employees can take advantage of our relaxed corporate dress code showing up in a way that makes them feel comfortable, stylish, and unique!
Embrace your individuality – we value the diverse perspectives, talents, and backgrounds that make each person one-of-a-kind. We celebrate what makes you exceptional!
Own your Journey - Where personal & professional growth goes hand in hand. Embrace your journey, learn, adapt, and make a lasting impact. At Forever 21, you will have the opportunity to grow your retail career from stores to corporate and across our portfolio of brands under our parent, Sparc Group LLC!
Salary and Benefits
The salary range for this position is $85,000 - $110,000 annually. Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to position offered and work experience. In addition to your salary, Forever 21, and its affiliated brands, offers a benefits package, including 401(k) plan, overtime pay, flexible work schedule and a generous employee discount program (all benefits are based on eligibility).
SPARC Group LLC is an equal-opportunity employer. We value a culture of inclusion and diversity within our workforce, and are committed to maintaining a workplace free from prohibited employment conduct, including discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, domestic partner status, civil partnership, status as a covered veteran, status in the Uniformed Services of the United States, citizenship and any other characteristic protected by law. We are also committed to the full inclusion of qualified individuals in the job application and interview process.
Employees are expected to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA), and applicable state disability laws, it is the policy of SPARC to provide a reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. If a reasonable accommodation is required to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact our Human Resources department.
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