Description

Store planners are accountable for designing and implementing the methods retail stores present their products to sell. They evaluate customer flow patterns and the appeal of the various products available in determining the manner in which new products will be displayed on the sales floor and a range of other aspects, such as promotions for sales and marketing.

For store planners, the arrangement of merchandise and displays within the store is as much an art as a science. They have to make informed decisions about which products have the most potential to draw attention; for example, they could place items they believe as "impulse purchases" closer to the cashiers and checkout counters. They can also ensure that sales and marketing promotions are designed in a way that draw the attention of potential customers.

Store planners also consider the patterns of traffic for typical customers. For example, a store designer for a department store might put displays of hardware near sporting items, hoping to attract people who are active and hands-on or put fashion-forward styles and brand new clothes close to the front of the store to draw shoppers and window-shoppers.

For a job as a store planner previous experience in retail is the most crucial requirement. Certain candidates for the position of store planners, particularly those who work for companies owned by corporations or chains that have multiple locations be greatly benefited by having an associate's or bachelor's level degree in a related field to marketing. Store planners usually work in retail stores and often have to be on site for a significant amount of time early in the morning before the normal business hours begin.

Roles & Responsibilities

As a Store Planner with 0-3 years of experience in the United States, your main responsibilities include:

  • Collaborate with merchandising teams to develop and implement store layout plans, ensuring effective product placement and optimizing sales potential.
  • Analyze sales data and customer trends to make informed decisions on product assortment and inventory allocation.
  • Coordinate with suppliers and vendors to ensure timely delivery of merchandise and maintain adequate stock levels.
  • Conduct store visits to assess visual merchandising standards, identify areas for improvement, and provide recommendations for enhancing the overall store experience.

Qualifications & Work Experience

For a Store Planner job role, the following qualifications are required:

  • Strong analytical skills to analyze sales data, market trends, and customer preferences to develop effective store layouts and assortments.
  • Proficiency in retail space planning software to create accurate and visually appealing store plans that optimize space utilization and drive sales.
  • Detail-oriented mindset to ensure accurate inventory management, product allocation, and replenishment to meet customer demands and minimize stockouts.
  • Effective communication and collaboration skills to work closely with cross-functional teams including merchandising, marketing, and operations to align store plans with business objectives and strategies.

Essential Skills For Store Planner

1

Retail Analytics

2

Planning

3

Retail Inventory Management

Skills That Affect Store Planner Salaries

Different skills can affect your salary. Below are the most popular skills and their effect on salary.

Adobe Photoshop

2%

Strategic Planning

1%

Microsoft Excel

5%

Data Analysis

2%

Career Prospects

For individuals seeking a Store Planner job role with 0-3 years of work experience in the United States, there are several alternative roles worth considering. Here are following options to explore:

  • Visual Merchandiser: This role involves creating appealing product displays and layouts to attract customers and enhance the overall shopping experience.
  • Inventory Coordinator: A position focused on managing and organizing inventory levels, ensuring stock availability, and coordinating with vendors for timely deliveries.
  • Retail Buyer: This role entails selecting and purchasing merchandise for retail stores based on market trends, customer preferences, and sales analysis.
  • Sales Associate: A position that involves providing customer assistance, maintaining product knowledge, and driving sales through effective communication and excellent customer service.

How to Learn

The role of Store Planner in the United States is projected to experience significant growth in the market. According to a 10-year analysis, employment opportunities for this position are expected to increase steadily. The latest data points from Google indicate a strong demand for Store Planners, suggesting a promising future for the job role.