Range Planning
Range planning is a core retail skill that involves deciding what products a store or brand will sell, when they'll sell them, and in what quantities. It's like creating a strategic roadmap for a store's product selection. Range planners work to ensure stores have the right mix of products that will appeal to customers while maximizing profits. This includes considering factors like seasonal changes, customer preferences, and store layouts. You might also see this referred to as "assortment planning" or "merchandise planning" in job descriptions.
Examples in Resumes
Developed and executed Range Planning strategies resulting in 15% sales growth
Led Range Planning and Assortment Planning for women's wear department across 50 stores
Utilized Range Planning techniques to optimize seasonal product selection and inventory levels
Typical job title: "Range Planners"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Range Planners
Professional Networks
Job Boards
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you develop a range planning strategy for a new market entry?
Expected Answer: A senior range planner should discuss market research, competitor analysis, customer demographics, initial product mix strategies, and how to adjust based on early sales data. They should mention risk management and contingency planning.
Q: How do you balance commercial targets with creative merchandising decisions?
Expected Answer: Should explain how to analyze historical sales data, current trends, and profit margins while maintaining brand identity and customer appeal. Should discuss stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration.
Mid Level Questions
Q: How do you plan seasonal transitions in your range?
Expected Answer: Should explain the process of phasing out seasonal products, managing markdown strategies, and introducing new season items while maintaining sales performance.
Q: What factors do you consider when planning stock levels across different store locations?
Expected Answer: Should discuss store grading, local demographics, historical sales patterns, storage capacity, and how to adjust stock levels based on store performance.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What are the key components of a basic range plan?
Expected Answer: Should mention product categories, pricing tiers, seasonal considerations, and basic understanding of stock quantities and delivery timing.
Q: How do you use sales data to inform range planning decisions?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate understanding of basic sales metrics, bestsellers vs poor performers, and how to use this information to suggest range improvements.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic understanding of retail seasons
- Product category management
- Sales data analysis
- Stock level monitoring
Mid (2-5 years)
- Range planning for multiple categories
- Margin and profitability analysis
- Seasonal transition management
- Vendor relationship management
Senior (5+ years)
- Strategic range development
- Market trend analysis
- Team leadership
- Budget management and forecasting
Red Flags to Watch For
- No understanding of retail seasons and lead times
- Lack of analytical skills or data interpretation
- No experience with retail metrics (like sell-through rates)
- Poor understanding of customer demographics and preferences
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