Hot Topic

Retailer of music-inspired fashion and collectibles

Associate Merchandise Planner

Inventory ManagementConfirmed live in the last 24 hours

Full-timeCity of Industry, CA, USA$67k - $77k /yr

About the Job

Requirements

1-2 years of experience in retail planning or inventory management.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a data-driven mindset.
Proficiency in Excel and an understanding of data analysis.
Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
Highly organized with strong attention to detail.
Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

Responsibilities

Monitor sales and inventory levels to support business goals.
Analyze product performance and customer demand to optimize assortment.
Manage and maintain the open-to-buy process, providing recommendations to ensure alignment of sales, margin, and inventory goals.
Leverage key performance indicators such as sales, margin, and sell-through to proactively highlight opportunities, mitigate risks, and influence proper inventory levels.
Work closely with buying and marketing teams when planning promotional strategy.
Use analytics tools to generate insights and assist with reporting.
Evaluate competitive retail trends and translate insights into actionable recommendations for assortment and pricing strategies.

Desired Qualifications

VBA and/or artificial intelligence experience is a plus but not required.

Salary Range: 67000 to 77000 (Currency: USD) (Pay period: per-year-salary)

Do you have the organizational skills of Belle keeping her library in order or the strategic mind of Doctor Strange planning ten steps ahead? We are seeking a proactive and analytical Associate Merchandise Planner to play a key role in driving inventory efficiency and sales performance. This role is ideal for someone with foundational experience in planning who is ready to take the next step in their career. If you have the determination of T’Challa leading Wakanda, the problem-solving skills of Peter Parker balancing life and responsibility, and the drive of Mulan proving her worth, then this is the opportunity for you! You'll work cross-functionally to optimize stock levels, analyze trends, and contribute to business growth.

This role operates on a hybrid schedule and will require to work from our HQ located in the City of Industry, CA, three days a week.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

Monitor sales and inventory levels to support business goals.
Analyze product performance and customer demand to optimize assortment.
Manage and maintain the open-to-buy process, providing recommendations to ensure alignment of sales, margin, and inventory goals.
Leverage KPIs such as sales, margin, and sell-through to proactively highlight opportunities, mitigate risks, and influence proper inventory levels.
Work closely with buying and marketing teams when planning promotional strategy.
Use analytics tools to generate insights and assist with reporting.
Evaluate competitive retail trends and translate insights into actionable recommendations for assortment and pricing strategies.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, or a related field preferred.
1-2 years of experience in retail planning or inventory management.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a data-driven mindset.
Proficiency in Excel and an understanding of data analysis.
Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
Highly organized with strong attention to detail.
Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
VBA and/or AI experience is a plus but not required.

About the Company

Hot Topic

Retailer of music-inspired fashion and collectibles

Hot Topic sells music and pop culture–inspired fashion and accessories to teens and young adults through online and physical stores. Its product lineup includes clothing, body jewelry, backpacks, home decor, and collectibles such as exclusive Funko Pop! figures, updated frequently with new arrivals and limited releases. Customers shop online or in stores and can choose direct delivery or free in-store pickup, with promotions and sales events to attract buyers. The company differentiates itself by offering exclusive items tied to music and media and maintaining an omnichannel presence to engage a young, trend-focused audience.

Company size: 5,001-10,000
Company stage: Not listed
Total funding: Not listed
Headquarters: United States
Founded: 1989

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