Company Description

Abercrombie & Fitch Co. is a portfolio of lifestyle brands including Abercrombie & Fitch, abercrombie kids, Hollister, Gilly Hicks, and Social Tourist. Reaching customers across 120+ countries, we strive to create customer-centric, omni-channel experiences for our global customer base.

How do we do it? Every day, our associates show up and empower one another to stay curious and think big. As a team of relentless innovators, we aren’t afraid to dream boldly. We are accountable and aim to the highest caliber to understand, push boundaries and embrace change. We coach, mentor, care, and bring our best selves every day because we are in this together. Whether you lead yourself, a team, or the company, everyone is a leader at A&F. 

Planners are the strategic drivers of our product teams, shaping the inventory and financial strategy behind every product. Interpreting and balancing current sales, inventory analysis, financial goals, and emerging trends, our Merchandise Planners build the strategies that maximize our product success and profitability.  Planners forecast future product performance, establish sales strategies across domestic, international, and e-commerce channels, and strategically manage our inventory around the world.

This job is located at our Global Home Office in Columbus, Ohio. 

Job Description

What Will You Be Doing?

Analyzing the customer through market, field and relevant social research to inform business & assortment actionsDriving the financial success and profitability of your product categoryCollaborating with cross-functional teams to develop business strategies and react to change while making calculated decisions based on current sales informationDissecting the competitive landscape and identifying emerging trends in the global market to deliver product that is aligned with the customer and market perspectiveDeveloping the assortment architecture for your given category while managing multiple product seasonsProviding comprehensive support of the product development process from sketch to finished productPresenting the product line and strategies to senior leadership, leading and contributing to selling analysis, customer insights, and trend ideas

What Do You Need To Bring?

Bachelor’s DegreeMinimum 3.0 cumulative GPAPassion for the A&F brands, customer and the roleProven leadership experienceAbility to thrive in team-based settings and a collaborative approach to working with cross-functional partnersDesire to take on the responsibility of running a portion of a multi-billion-dollar businessCapability to translate emerging fashion trends into the A&F handwriting and brand heritageStrong presentation skills and the ability to communicate confidently with senior-level leadersAbility to balance between robust analytical capability and an interest in the creative processAbility to adapt and work in a fast-paced environmentDesire & curiosity to learn more!

To be eligible for consideration, students must also submit their unofficial transcripts and resumes, complete with cumulative GPA.

Based out of our world headquarters in Columbus, OH the A&F LDP Programs are highly competitive initiatives that offer immediate exposure to senior level management, as well as a carefully crafted balance between classroom sessions and hands-on experience. With a “promote from within” mentality in mind, these programs have been designed to shape top candidates into the future leaders of our company. The Merchandising LDP Program features an initial comprehensive training program up to five weeks long and continued career development through a custom curriculum.

This comprehensive orientation program will include:

Combination of classroom sessions and on-the-job trainingRelationship with a Mentor to guide learning in the new roleInteractive presentations from a variety of senior leaders in the companyOpen and inclusive learning environment with fellow associatesIntegrated social activities to help transition to Columbus and the unique corporate culture at A&FPreparation to effectively manage a portion of the business in one of our critical areas at Home Office

First year compensation for the A&F Leadership Development Program in Merchandising starts at $64,000. Other benefits include $8,000 in placement and relocation bonuses, merchandise discounts at all of our brands, use of the A&F gym, industry-leading healthcare coverage, and company matching savings and retirement programs.

Our Company 

Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (A&F Co.) is a global retailer of five iconic, omnichannel lifestyle brands catering to the kid through millennial customer: Abercrombie & Fitch, abercrombie kids, Hollister, Gilly Hicks and Social Tourist. At A&F Co., we’re here for our associates, customers and communities on the journey to being and becoming who they are – and because no journey is the same, we strive to create an inclusive culture, where everyone is free to share ideas.  

Our Values 

We lead with purpose and always put our people first, which is evidenced by our Great Place to Work™ Certification, as well as being a 2021 recipient of Fortune’s Best Workplaces in Retail, and named a Best Place to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality by the Human Rights Campaign for 16 consecutive years. We’re proud to offer equitable compensation and benefits, including flexibility and competitive Paid Time Off, as well as education and engagement events, including various Associate Resource Groups, volunteer opportunities and additional time off to give back to our global communities.  

What You'll Get

As an Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (A&F Co.) associate, you’ll be eligible to participate in a variety of benefit programs designed to fit you and your lifestyle. A&F is committed to providing simple, competitive, and comprehensive benefits that align with our Company’s culture and values, but most importantly – with you! We also provide competitive incentives to reward the commitment our associates have for moving our global business forward:  

Incentive bonus program401(K) savings plan with company matchAnnual companywide review processFlexible spending accountsMedical, dental, and vision insuranceLife and disability insuranceAssociate assistance programPaid parental and adoption leaveAccess to fertility and adoption benefits through CarrotAccess to mental health and wellness app, HeadspacePaid Caregiver LeaveMobile StipendPaid time off & one paid volunteer day per year, allowing you to give back to your communityWork from anywhere (Mondays and Fridays are “work from anywhere” days for most roles & six work from anywhere weeks per year)Seven associate wellness half days per yearOnsite fitness centerMerchandise discount on all of our brandsOpportunities for career advancement, we believe in promoting from withinAccess to multiple Associate Resource GroupsGlobal team of people who will celebrate you for being YOU!

Additional Information

ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO. IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.