A merchandise planner is responsible for creating and managing the merchandise plans for their assigned categories or departments. They work closely with buyers, suppliers and other cross-functional teams to optimise the product assortment, stock allocation, and pricing that meets financial and sales goals.

Merchandise planning is an applied skill; there are a good number of opportunities for merchandise planners in South Africa and there is a current shortage of these skills in the country. 

Merchandise planners have several work opportunities in various industries, particularly in retail and e-commerce sectors. Below are some potential work opportunities for merchandise planners:

1. Retail Companies: Many retail companies hire merchandise planners to ensure effective stock management, assortment selection, and pricing strategies to maximize sales and profitability. Examples: The Foschini Group (TFG), Truworths, Pick N Pay clothing. 
2. E-commerce Platforms: Online retailers and e-commerce platforms often require merchandise planners to optimise stock levels, forecast demand, and curate product assortments for their websites. Examples: Superbalist, Zando.
3. Fashion and Apparel Brands: Companies in the fashion and apparel industry often employ merchandise planners to plan and forecast merchandise needs, identify trends, and manage inventory levels across retail stores and online channels. Examples: TFG, Truworths, Pick N Pay clothing.
4. Consumer Goods Companies: Manufacturers of consumer goods such as electronics, appliances, and consumer packaged goods hire merchandise planners to coordinate with retail partners, optimize product placement, and ensure optimal inventory levels based on market demand. Examples: Game, Makro.
5. Home Furnishing and Décor Companies: Businesses in the home furnishing and décor industry hire merchandise planners to curate product assortments, manage stock, and optimise sales strategies to enhance customer experience and drive revenue.  Examples: @home, Coricraft
6. Beauty and Cosmetics Brands: Cosmetics and beauty companies often require merchandise planners to forecast demand, plan new product launches, and design effective promotions and pricing strategies. Examples: Clicks, Dischem, Revlon.
7. Sporting Goods and Outdoor Retailers: Companies specializing in sporting goods and outdoor equipment often employ merchandise planners to forecast demand, manage inventory, and optimise assortments to cater to specific customer segments. Examples: Sportsmans Warehouse, Outdoor Warehouse.
8. Grocery and Specialty Stores: Grocery chains and specialty stores hire merchandise planners to manage inventory and ensure optimal product assortments based on consumer demand patterns and market trends. Examples, Pick N Pay, Shoprite Group, Woolworths.
9. Luxury Brands and Retailers: High-end luxury brands and retailers often employ merchandise planners to plan and manage inventory for their exclusive product offerings, optimise product mix, and ensure efficient stock rotation. Examples: Gucci, Prada. 
10. Wholesale and Distribution Companies: Wholesale and distribution companies often hire merchandise planners to analyse market trends, plan inventory levels and assortments, and manage relationships with retail partners. Examples: Bidvest, Massmart, Unilever, RCL FOODS.

These are just a few examples, as merchandise planners can find work opportunities in various industries where effective stock management and demand forecasting are critical for business success.

To excel in this role, the merchandise planner should have strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills. They should be detail-oriented, organized, and able to work under pressure.   Typical requirements include the following:

1. Analysing market trends, sales history, stock levels and competitors to identify opportunities and risks.
2. Developing assortment plans that meet customer demands, seasonal trends, and brand strategies.
3. Creating and maintaining sales and stock forecasts to drive optimal stock levels and turnover.
4. Collaborating with suppliers to ensure timely delivery, stock flow and quality standards.
5. Monitoring sales performance, stock availability, and margin levels to identify and implement corrective actions.
6. Communicating with buying, store operations and marketing teams to ensure consistent messaging and execution of product plans.
7. Providing analysis and recommendations to support markdown, clearance, and promotional events.
8. Participating in business product strategy reviews, reporting, and other operational activities.

While there is no specific degree required for this role, pursuing a degree or qualification in a related field can be beneficial. Here are some options to consider:

There is a shortage of skilled merchandise planners in South Africa. Merchandise Planners have often completed a graduate program within merchandise planning, under supervision of a seasoned, senior merchandise planner or planning manager. 

Starting salaries typically range from R 168 000 to R 216 000 in the retail sector.