Merchandise Planner
Lids Inc, Indianapolis, IN, United States
Lids Sports Group is the largest licensed sports retailer in North America, selling fan and fashion‑oriented headwear and apparel across the US. Operating out of Indianapolis, IN, our retail stores offer officially licensed headwear and apparel from collegiate and professional sports teams, plus top brands like Nike, New Era, Lululemon, and Mitchell & Ness. In addition to our wide assortment, we are the industry leader in on‑demand customization.
Our business spans multiple channels, offering unique opportunities across different areas of the organization. This includes our core LIDS retail business, which is primarily focused on headwear; our Shop‑in‑Shop and partner retail locations including Dick’s Sporting Goods and Macy’s; and LIDSU, our collegiate‑focused division. Each area plays a critical role in delivering localized assortments and driving growth across our portfolio.
General Position Summary
The Merchandise Planner is responsible for developing and managing financial plans for sales, gross margin, and inventory across both pre‑season and in‑season periods. This role partners closely with Buying and Merchandising to build and execute localized assortment strategies that drive sales and profitability. The Merchandise Planner owns the development, execution, and communication of financial and inventory plans, and provides ongoing analysis and insights to support the Merchandising team and Executive Leadership in assessing business performance and guiding key decisions.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
Coordinate the development of annual, seasonal, monthly, and weekly merchandise plans.
Construct merchandise purchase schedules, initial product deliveries, and in‑season merchandise flow.
Manage monthly department level open‑to‑buy activities.
Provide expert analysis on trends and recommendations to influence cancellations, future purchases, and assortment strategies.
Analyze historic performance to identify areas of opportunity or risk.
Prepare preseason promotional and markdown strategy through partnership with buyer and merchandising teams.
Develop, maintain, and update set of tools & reports to support business needs.
Establish appropriate processes & tools to review product assortments; provide data & analysis to support decision making.
Maintain business processes and serve as subject matter expert for process improvements.
Additional Principal Duties and Responsibilities
Partner with allocation & supply chain teams to implement consistent and profitable in‑season replenishment strategies and practices.
Develop enterprise‑wide risk mitigation plans and execute when appropriate.
Coordinate product assortments and allocations with store needs.
Manage hot market events by communicating and quantifying opportunities.
Manage location intensive assortments.
Manage local/regional relevant assortments and business solutions.
Support and adhere to all company policies, procedures, and guidelines.
Provide excellent customer service per HW&L policy manual.
Represent planning and at times present to executives, employees, and partners.
Job Required Knowledge & Skills
Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Finance, Marketing, Fashion Merchandising, or related field.
3–5 years merchandising, planning, buying, or equivalent experience.
Strong understanding of retail math and measures used in financial reporting.
Proven ability to perform independently with minimal supervision.
Advanced capabilities in Microsoft Excel; proficiency in Access, PowerPoint, and Word; ability to learn technical applications quickly.
Ability to think objectively and interpret meaningful themes from qualitative & quantitative data.
Ability to evaluate financial and business indicators and translate data into actionable insights.
Ability to use rigorous logic to solve problems with effective solutions.
Preferred Job Required Knowledge & Skills
Able to build constructive and effective relationships across broad groups.
Ability to balance conflicting priorities and deliver meaningful results.
Effective in various presentation settings to peers and executives.
Can present ideas and direction that lead to action.
Demonstrated ability to meet and exceed goals.
Identifies and communicates risks; recommends changes to prevent disruptions.
Strong organizational and project management skills.
What We Offer
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage effective on your first day of employment
401(k) plan with company match after 90 days, fully vested from day 1
100% employer‑paid benefits, including short‑term and long‑term disability, life and AD&D insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program
Competitive annual bonus opportunity
Generous employee discount and exclusive perks
Attractive paid time off package including holidays and floating holidays
Flexible summer hours opportunity for eligible employees
Ongoing career development and professional training, including discounted secondary education courses and certification reimbursement for select departments.
A collaborative, innovative, and team‑oriented work environment
Early Wage Access options to provide added financial flexibility
Onsite office work environment.
Standard business hours from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., flexibility may be provided upon request.
Physical Demands and Travel Requirements
Ability to constantly sit at a deskin a sedentary work environment
Ability to frequently communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing
Ability to view electronic/written materials and adjust focus when needed (i.e. computers screens, documents, etc.)
Ability to frequently use a computer, keyboard, mouse, and other standard office equipment.
Ability to occasionally stand and walk throughout the office.
Ability to occasionally lift or move items up to 15 pounds.
Ability to occasionally present information to small and large groups, including team members and leadership.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions. For inquires related to reasonable accommodations, please contact HR@Lids.com
Employment Requirements
Candidates must possess the experience, skills, physical abilities, and qualifications, with or without reasonable accommodation, to perform the essential duties of the role and must be able to meet all applicable employment standards. Being legally authorized to work in the United States is a pre‑condition of employment for this position. Current or future employment‑based visa sponsorship is not available for this role.
Equal Employment Opportunity
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Notice to Applicants
In connection with your application, we collect information that identifies, reasonably relates to, or describes you (“Personal Information”). The categories of Personal Information we collect include your name, email address, mailing address, other contact information, employment history, and educational history. We collect and use this information for human resources and business management purposes, including identifying and evaluating candidates for employment or future contract opportunities, and maintaining recruiting and hiring records. Upon a conditional job offer, we may require additional Personal Information for business purposes and background checks as permitted by law, including but not limited to government‑issued identification numbers, work authorization, emergency contact information, criminal record information, and demographic data used for analytics and compliance with applicable legal requirements and Company policies.
Need Accessibility Assistance?
Applicants who require accessibility assistance to submit an employment application may email HR@lids.com. A member of our Talent team will respond as soon as reasonably possible. This email address is only for individuals seeking reasonable accommodation when applying for a career at Lids.
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Our business spans multiple channels, offering unique opportunities across different areas of the organization. This includes our core LIDS retail business, which is primarily focused on headwear; our Shop‑in‑Shop and partner retail locations including Dick’s Sporting Goods and Macy’s; and LIDSU, our collegiate‑focused division. Each area plays a critical role in delivering localized assortments and driving growth across our portfolio.
General Position Summary
The Merchandise Planner is responsible for developing and managing financial plans for sales, gross margin, and inventory across both pre‑season and in‑season periods. This role partners closely with Buying and Merchandising to build and execute localized assortment strategies that drive sales and profitability. The Merchandise Planner owns the development, execution, and communication of financial and inventory plans, and provides ongoing analysis and insights to support the Merchandising team and Executive Leadership in assessing business performance and guiding key decisions.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
Coordinate the development of annual, seasonal, monthly, and weekly merchandise plans.
Construct merchandise purchase schedules, initial product deliveries, and in‑season merchandise flow.
Manage monthly department level open‑to‑buy activities.
Provide expert analysis on trends and recommendations to influence cancellations, future purchases, and assortment strategies.
Analyze historic performance to identify areas of opportunity or risk.
Prepare preseason promotional and markdown strategy through partnership with buyer and merchandising teams.
Develop, maintain, and update set of tools & reports to support business needs.
Establish appropriate processes & tools to review product assortments; provide data & analysis to support decision making.
Maintain business processes and serve as subject matter expert for process improvements.
Additional Principal Duties and Responsibilities
Partner with allocation & supply chain teams to implement consistent and profitable in‑season replenishment strategies and practices.
Develop enterprise‑wide risk mitigation plans and execute when appropriate.
Coordinate product assortments and allocations with store needs.
Manage hot market events by communicating and quantifying opportunities.
Manage location intensive assortments.
Manage local/regional relevant assortments and business solutions.
Support and adhere to all company policies, procedures, and guidelines.
Provide excellent customer service per HW&L policy manual.
Represent planning and at times present to executives, employees, and partners.
Job Required Knowledge & Skills
Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Finance, Marketing, Fashion Merchandising, or related field.
3–5 years merchandising, planning, buying, or equivalent experience.
Strong understanding of retail math and measures used in financial reporting.
Proven ability to perform independently with minimal supervision.
Advanced capabilities in Microsoft Excel; proficiency in Access, PowerPoint, and Word; ability to learn technical applications quickly.
Ability to think objectively and interpret meaningful themes from qualitative & quantitative data.
Ability to evaluate financial and business indicators and translate data into actionable insights.
Ability to use rigorous logic to solve problems with effective solutions.
Preferred Job Required Knowledge & Skills
Able to build constructive and effective relationships across broad groups.
Ability to balance conflicting priorities and deliver meaningful results.
Effective in various presentation settings to peers and executives.
Can present ideas and direction that lead to action.
Demonstrated ability to meet and exceed goals.
Identifies and communicates risks; recommends changes to prevent disruptions.
Strong organizational and project management skills.
What We Offer
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage effective on your first day of employment
401(k) plan with company match after 90 days, fully vested from day 1
100% employer‑paid benefits, including short‑term and long‑term disability, life and AD&D insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program
Competitive annual bonus opportunity
Generous employee discount and exclusive perks
Attractive paid time off package including holidays and floating holidays
Flexible summer hours opportunity for eligible employees
Ongoing career development and professional training, including discounted secondary education courses and certification reimbursement for select departments.
A collaborative, innovative, and team‑oriented work environment
Early Wage Access options to provide added financial flexibility
Onsite office work environment.
Standard business hours from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., flexibility may be provided upon request.
Physical Demands and Travel Requirements
Ability to constantly sit at a deskin a sedentary work environment
Ability to frequently communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing
Ability to view electronic/written materials and adjust focus when needed (i.e. computers screens, documents, etc.)
Ability to frequently use a computer, keyboard, mouse, and other standard office equipment.
Ability to occasionally stand and walk throughout the office.
Ability to occasionally lift or move items up to 15 pounds.
Ability to occasionally present information to small and large groups, including team members and leadership.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions. For inquires related to reasonable accommodations, please contact HR@Lids.com
Employment Requirements
Candidates must possess the experience, skills, physical abilities, and qualifications, with or without reasonable accommodation, to perform the essential duties of the role and must be able to meet all applicable employment standards. Being legally authorized to work in the United States is a pre‑condition of employment for this position. Current or future employment‑based visa sponsorship is not available for this role.
Equal Employment Opportunity
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Notice to Applicants
In connection with your application, we collect information that identifies, reasonably relates to, or describes you (“Personal Information”). The categories of Personal Information we collect include your name, email address, mailing address, other contact information, employment history, and educational history. We collect and use this information for human resources and business management purposes, including identifying and evaluating candidates for employment or future contract opportunities, and maintaining recruiting and hiring records. Upon a conditional job offer, we may require additional Personal Information for business purposes and background checks as permitted by law, including but not limited to government‑issued identification numbers, work authorization, emergency contact information, criminal record information, and demographic data used for analytics and compliance with applicable legal requirements and Company policies.
Need Accessibility Assistance?
Applicants who require accessibility assistance to submit an employment application may email HR@lids.com. A member of our Talent team will respond as soon as reasonably possible. This email address is only for individuals seeking reasonable accommodation when applying for a career at Lids.
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