At Factory Direct Enterprises LLC d/b/a Ashley (FDE), we are committed to "Amazing" our Team Members by supporting their journey toward becoming their best selves. This commitment is reflected in our competitive compensation, benefits, culture, and growth opportunities, all of which align with our vision of being the employer of choice in every community we serve.
Who We Are:
- #1 Selling Furniture Brand in the World
- #1 Retailer of Furniture and Bedding in the United States
As an industry leader, we offer the best compensation package in the furniture industry, including:
- Competitive Base Salary range between $70,000 - $80,000 annually based on qualifications and relevant experience.
- 401(k) Program with a company match.
- Paid Time Off and Holiday Pay, including your birthday.
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits starting as low as $25 a week.
- Referral Bonuses: Earn up to $1,000 for referring qualified candidates for open positions.
Our Culture and Team Member Programs: At FDE, we pride ourselves on a culture of recognition and growth. We believe in investing in our team and value their feedback through programs like Employee Surveys. Our Ashley Cares programs highlight our commitment to our team, our guests, and our communities, including:
- Hope to Dream: For every mattress sold, a portion of the proceeds is used to purchase and donate beds to children in need (ages 3-16).
- Give a Day: Every Team Member is encouraged to volunteer for one day per year with an approved organization, and we'll pay you for that day.
- Corporate Chaplains: Providing support in areas such as grief care, hospital visits, marriage and parenting support, aging parents, and stress management.
- Life Resources: Quarterly events supporting Team Members in areas like finances, relationships, health, and wellness.
- Team Member Relief Fund: Offering financial support for unexpected life events.
- SmartDollar: A FREE financial wellness program to help you budget, reduce debt, and save for the future.
Essential Functions
The Store Planner is responsible for creating a compelling, high-performing merchandise assortment that drives sales, maximizes revenue, and delivers a unique, location-specific product experience for FDE guests. Partnering closely with the Merchandising Manager, the Store Planner defines assortment strategies, manages new product introductions, and develops exit plans for underperforming products. This role contributes to Ashley’s high-performance culture by modeling core values and supporting merchandising initiatives that reinforce Ashley’s position as the #1 home furnishings brand in style, selection, quality, and value.
Key Responsibilities:
- Understand the unique preferences and needs of customers across assigned locations and craft assortments that meet $/sqft targets and optimize product performance.
- Collaborate with the Sr. Merchandising Manager to set bi-yearly Category/Lifestyle allocation plans by location.
- Monitor performance across the territory, executing weekly assortment updates to drive revenue and meet KPIs.
- Determine floor sample eligibility for underperforming products and communicate required changes to ensure proper floor presentation.
- Develop and execute product addition strategies in partnership with the Merchandise Assortment Planner.
- Write purchase orders or merchandise transfers for product additions and communicate execution plans to relevant store teams.
- Place replenishment POs for Bedgear and other third-party accessory vendors.
- Partner with Visual Merchandisers to maintain Open Order Report integrity, monitor ETAs, and ensure accurate floor stock.
- Conduct regular assortment optimization visits to collaborate with store VM teams on actionable plans to improve KPIs.
- Serve as a liaison between VM/RVOM and Sales Teams in assigned locations.
- Perform additional duties and assignments as requested.
- Maintain effective internal relationships through professional communication and efficient processes.
- Demonstrate Ashley’s core and growth values in all aspects of job performance.
Schedule Expectations
- The Store Planner is scheduled to work a minimum of 40 hours per week.
- The number of hours worked will increase during holidays or blackout periods, or for other business need(s).
- Weekly/Biweekly Travel to Retail Store Locations Required
Education & Experience Requirements
- BA/BS degree in business or merchandising. Equivalent experience may be considered in lieu of education.
- 3-5 years’ experience in Category/Brand Management or Merchandising/Buying Roll is preferred.
- Core Competencies Include: Process Driven, Productive, Multi-Tasking, Critical Thinking, Analytical & Good Communicator
- Self-Starter, who is highly motivated. With an open mind for change.
- Intermediate Skills/Knowledge of MS Office Suit – Outlook, Excel, PowerBI
