The Merch Analyst is responsible for analyzing high-level macro trends across all divisions of the business to identify opportunities in product categories, brands, and end-use segments. This role supports the Buying and Planning teams by delivering data-driven insights that inform seasonal strategies, optimize assortment decisions, and drive overall business growth.
Major Responsibilities:
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
• Analyze macro and micro merchandising trends across categories and brands to identify growth opportunities.
• Evaluate seasonal performance by division, trend, and consumer behavior to guide forward planning.
• Prepare and maintain reports summarizing key trends, market shifts, and competitor positioning.
• Partner with Buying and Planning teams to develop strategic recommendations for assortment, pricing, and inventory.
• Track and interpret sell-through performance, identifying wins, misses, and improvement areas.
• Present insights and data visualizations to leadership to inform decision-making.
• Support the creation of long-term merchandise strategies based on trend forecasting and data analytics.
Required Competencies:
To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to synthesize large data sets into actionable insights.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence decision-making across teams.
• Proficiency in data visualization and reporting tools.
• Curiosity and forward-thinking mindset to anticipate market shifts and emerging trends.
Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Economics, Merchandising, or a related field.
• 2–4 years of experience in retail analytics, merchandising, or planning.
• Advanced Excel skills
• Strong quantitative and presentation skills
• Strong communication and organizational skills
Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience in fashion, e-commerce, or consumer trend analytics.
• Proficiency in SQL or other data query languages.
• Understanding of consumer lifecycle trends and competitive retail landscapes.
• Experience collaborating with cross-functional buying, marketing, and planning teams.
Merchandising Analyst • Cerritos, CA, US