Merchandise Retail Allocator

About Clare V.

Clare V. is an accessible-luxury brand founded and headquartered in Los Angeles, California. Built by Clare Vivier, the label reflects her personal style, interests, and perspective. The company began more than a decade ago with a simple goal: to create the bags she wanted but could not find. As the business expanded, production remained centered in Los Angeles, alongside partnerships with local and international organizations focused on positive impact. Today, Clare V. continues to emphasize thoughtful production and collections that are bold, lasting, refined, approachable, and practical for everyday use. The brand’s headquarters are in the Atwater Village/Frogtown area of Los Angeles and are actively led by Clare Vivier.

Role Overview

The Merchandise Retail Allocator supports the planning and execution of inventory distribution, sales, and margin strategies that help improve overall business results and support financial targets. This person works closely with merchandising, finance, production, marketing, wholesale, retail operations, warehouse, customer service, and ecommerce teams to deliver analysis, insights, and recommendations that improve inventory flow, product placement, and sales performance.

The right candidate will be highly analytical, precise, proactive, and comfortable balancing several priorities in a dynamic retail setting.

Inventory Allocation and Planning

• Build and carry out weekly and seasonal allocation plans across retail channels using sales trends, stock levels, and business priorities.
• Review store productivity, inventory efficiency, and sales patterns to place products where they will perform best.
• Allocate inventory to stores and ecommerce while supporting merchandising and micro-merchandising initiatives.
• Track stock levels and spot ways to improve sell-through, inventory productivity, and performance during important selling periods.
• Create and update store profiles to support localized assortment and allocation decisions.

Inventory Control and Analysis

• Help maintain inventory accuracy across all retail channels.
• Examine sales history, inventory trends, product movement, and performance data to surface risks and opportunities.
• Identify shortages, overstock situations, and location-based sales opportunities, then recommend the right inventory actions.
• Coordinate transfers between locations and keep stakeholders informed about inventory movement.
• Handle RTVs, inventory discrepancies, shipment problems, and related resolution tasks.
• Manage strategic stock movement between wholesale and retail warehouses to improve available-to-sell inventory.

Cross-Functional Partnership

• Work with merchandising, planning, retail operations, warehouse, customer service, marketing, PR, and ecommerce teams on inventory-related goals.
• Support marketing and PR with product allocation and inventory tracking for events, campaigns, and promotions.
• Serve as the main contact between store teams and warehouse operations for inventory allocation and movement.
• Assist with inventory planning for new store openings and identify ways to improve allocation processes and operating consistency.
• Recommend improvements to allocation workflows, inventory processes, and standard operating procedures.

Reporting and Business Support

• Prepare ad hoc reports, inventory analysis, and sales reports to support merchandising and planning decisions.
• Share inventory and allocation insights that inform business reviews and strategic decisions.
• Assist with order management work and other special projects as needed.

Qualifications

Applicants should have 2 to 3 years of experience in retail planning, allocation, merchandising, inventory management, or a related area. A bachelor’s degree is preferred, or an equivalent mix of education and relevant experience. Strong analytical ability, critical thinking, business judgment, and a practical approach to problem-solving are important for this role. Advanced Excel skills are required, including Pivot Tables, XLOOKUP/VLOOKUP, complex formulas, reporting, and data analysis. A solid grasp of retail math, inventory principles, and merchandising fundamentals is also needed.

The role calls for excellent organization, the ability to manage multiple deadlines, strong written and verbal communication, and good interpersonal skills. A customer-first mindset and the ability to build effective cross-functional relationships are essential. Attention to detail and a high level of accuracy are critical.

Preferred Experience

Helpful background includes experience with retail allocation tools, ERP or merchandise planning systems, omnichannel retail operations, assortment planning, micro-merchandising, and inventory optimization. Experience in fashion, accessories, or specialty retail is also preferred.

Physical Requirements

This job involves working at a computer for long stretches while reviewing reports and analyzing data. It also requires frequent use of hands and fingers for keyboard, calculator, and office equipment tasks, as well as clear communication in person, by phone, email, and video. The position includes close visual review of spreadsheets, reports, product information, and financial data. Occasional movement around the office, showroom, or warehouse may be needed for meetings, product reviews, or collaboration. The role may also require lifting, carrying, or moving office materials or product samples up to 15 pounds. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities.

Work Environment

This position requires three days per week on-site at the Atwater Village, Los Angeles studio. The work takes place in a creative office and studio setting with frequent collaboration.

Studio Life, Culture, and Perks

The Frogtown studio offices are located in one of Los Angeles’ most creative neighborhoods, known for its arts community, local cafes, and relaxed riverside feel. The team environment is designed to encourage creativity, connection, and community.

• Fully stocked kitchen with healthy snacks and drinks
• Monthly catered lunches
• Quarterly team-building activities, including volunteer outings in the Los Angeles community

Compensation and Benefits

The annual pay range is $65,000 to $75,000. The package also includes annual cost-of-living increases, year-end bonus potential, generous employee discounts, and bi-annual product credits.

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Flexible Spending Accounts and Transportation Management Accounts
• Life insurance and long-term disability coverage
• Paid vacation, personal days, and sick time
• Guardian ancillary plans
• Employee Assistance Program for confidential support
• 401(k) with company match

Additional Information

This description is meant to outline the general scope and level of the position, but it does not include every task or qualification. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time, with or without notice, depending on business needs.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds. Hiring decisions are made without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.

Applicants who need accommodation during the hiring process may contact alysadearborn@clarev.com. Background checks are performed after a conditional offer is made. A criminal conviction does not automatically prevent employment; the company reviews the offense, how much time has passed, and whether it is relevant to the role. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. California applicants should review the job applicant privacy notice at the company’s privacy notice page.