Merchandise Associate Retail Store

The Associate, Merchandise Planning is a hybrid role bridging Merchandise Planning and Category Management, supporting the achievement of financial and strategic objectives. Key responsibilities include financial interpretation, planning, forecasting and operational support to optimize business outcomes.

Merchandise Planning Responsibilities

Financial Planning and Forecasting

Sales, Margin, and Receipts Planning: Interpret and align financial targets by channel and dept.

Botto-ms-Up Merchandise Financial Plans: Develop detailed financial plans that support and align with category strategies.

Product Flow and Risk Mitigation: Review and analyze inventory flow to identify risks and implement mitigation strategies.

Weekly and monthly performance metrics.

Vendor performance and inventory updates.

Data Reporting and Insights: Prepare and share actionable insights through regular and ad hoc reports, including:

Ad Hoc Analysis: Provide data-driven support for strategic and tactical decision-making as needed.

Communication Triage: Act as a point of contact to review, prioritize, and resolve internal communication requests through platforms such as email and internal tools.

Support planning, preparation, and reporting for major events and seasonal peaks, ensuring alignment with broader financial and business goals.

Temporary minimum advertised price (MAP) reductions

Support new item builds, updates, and audits for accurate item management and presentation.

Conduct Web Asset audits and collaborate with Category Managers to resolve issues and identify improvements.

Field Communication and Issue Triage

Serve as the first point of contact for internal customer queries via tools like Merch email, Supportal, and B&O email groups.

Vendor Performance monthly reports.

Assist Category Managers and Planners with the management and updates of the Master Assortment documents, essential for replenishment and assortment planning.

We believe in putting our customers first, engaging with respect and integrity and fulfilling our mission with passion.

The first Music & Arts was located in a small house in Bethesda, MD and run by founder Benjamin O'Brien. When Music & Arts opened its doors in 1952, we offered printed music, music lessons, dance lessons, and art supplies. Ben decided shortly after opening his business that he wanted to focus on music to better serve his customers -- a decision that remains intact to this day.

In 2005, Music & Arts joined forces with American Music to become the largest band and orchestra instrument retailer in the United States. Based in Frederick, MD, Music & Arts is now part of the Guitar Center enterprise and comprises 225+ retail stores, 200+ educational representatives, and 250+ affiliate locations.

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in a related discipline.

3-5 years direct experience in retail, store operations, merchandising or allocation.

Maintain accuracy in reporting, planning, and operational execution.

Analytical and Financial Acumen: Ability to interpret and analyze data to drive business decisions.

Adaptability: Flexibility to handle evolving priorities, seasonal needs, and ad hoc projects.

Ability to work a flexible schedule based on department, rental season and Music & Arts’ needs.

Knowledge of MS Office computer programs is strongly desired.

Why Guitar Center? Guitar Center offers robust benefits and perks, including Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K plus company match, mental health support, paid sick/holiday/vacation time, employee discount program, and tuition reimbursement options.

With a career at Guitar Center, you become part of the world's largest multichannel musical instrument retailer. Whether at our Stores, Contact Centers, Distribution Centers, or Support Center, Guitar Center employees have a common goal: to help people find their sound and fill the world with more music.

Guitar Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides fair and equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other protected status prohibited under Federal, State, or local laws. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our website, you may request a reasonable accommodation to express interest in a specific opening.