TN Visa Merchandise Associate Jobs
Merchandise Associate roles qualify for TN visa sponsorship under the USMCA's Management Consultant or related professional categories when the position requires a qualifying degree. Canadian citizens can secure TN status at the port of entry same-day. Mexican citizens apply through a U.S. consulate. No lottery, no annual cap for Canadians.
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Get Access To All JobsPOSITION TITLE: Associate Merchandise Planner
REPORTS TO: Planning Manager
Position Summary:
The Associate Planner acts as a business manager for specific categories/departments of merchandise across multiple channels and works as a partner to Omni-Merchants to build viable plans and profitable results. The Associate Planner is responsible for developing and maintaining sales and margin plans that tie to financial targets for their assigned categories or departments (across mainline, factory and direct channels) in order to maximize sales and profitability.
This Associate Merch Planner will partner with the Merchandise Planning team to plan all components (retail, cost, units, margin, etc.) for specific categories/departments pertaining to class or item level in order to maximize sales and profitability.
Responsibilities:
- Assist Planner/Senior Planner in preparation of pre-season Plans across multiple channels, consistent with the company's top-down goals, to be used in development of the merchandise strategies for the season and to support line development and buying needs.
- Work closely with Planner/Senior Planner and Omni-Merchants in reviewing in season product trends in order to revise the season's plan with updated projections that maximize sales and profitability.
- Partner with Planner/Senior Planner to present monthly revisions of merchandise plans to Merchandise/Inventory Planning executives.
- Analyze historical data and current trends to identify risks and opportunities. Review and analyze business performance trends.
- Develop item plans as required within their department.
- Understand and forecast effects of markdowns on item sales rates and category/department profitability.
- Participate in all meetings involving the Merchandise Planning department (ex. MPC, Monday Merchandise Meetings).
- Provide fiscal control through management of markdowns and purchase orders.
- Develop in-depth knowledge of Omni-Planning tools and execute building plans at an item level that support top level goals.
- Enhance knowledge of data resources that are available and become familiar with the merchandise for which they are developing plans.
- Support team projects as needed; additional responsibilities as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Finance, or related field.
- 3+ years of previous merchandise planning experience, preferably in a specialty retail environment, or previous retail buying experience.
- Retail math knowledge preferred.
- Product knowledge of apparel and related merchandise.
- High degree of proficiency MS Office Suite, Outlook & Internet applications.
- Strong analytical, prioritizing, interpersonal, problem-solving, presentation & planning skills.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Demonstrated collaborative skills and ability to work well within a team.
- Ability to work with and influence peers and senior management.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced and deadline-oriented environment.
- Self-motivated with critical attention to detail, deadlines and reporting.
American Eagle Outfitters is an Equal Opportunity Employer
PAY/BENEFITS INFORMATION:
- Actual starting pay is determined by various factors, including but not limited to relevant experience and location.
- Subject to eligibility requirements, associates may receive health care benefits (including medical, vision, and dental); wellness benefits; 401(k) retirement benefits; life and disability insurance; employee stock purchase program; paid time off; paid sick leave; and parental leave and benefits.
- Paid Time Off, paid sick leave, and holiday pay vary by job level and type, job location, employment classification (part-time or full-time/exempt or non-exempt), and years of service. For additional information, please click HERE.
- AEO may also provide discretionary bonuses and other incentives at its discretion.
POSITION TITLE: Associate Merchandise Planner
REPORTS TO: Planning Manager
Position Summary:
The Associate Planner acts as a business manager for specific categories/departments of merchandise across multiple channels and works as a partner to Omni-Merchants to build viable plans and profitable results. The Associate Planner is responsible for developing and maintaining sales and margin plans that tie to financial targets for their assigned categories or departments (across mainline, factory and direct channels) in order to maximize sales and profitability.
This Associate Merch Planner will partner with the Merchandise Planning team to plan all components (retail, cost, units, margin, etc.) for specific categories/departments pertaining to class or item level in order to maximize sales and profitability.
Responsibilities:
- Assist Planner/Senior Planner in preparation of pre-season Plans across multiple channels, consistent with the company's top-down goals, to be used in development of the merchandise strategies for the season and to support line development and buying needs.
- Work closely with Planner/Senior Planner and Omni-Merchants in reviewing in season product trends in order to revise the season's plan with updated projections that maximize sales and profitability.
- Partner with Planner/Senior Planner to present monthly revisions of merchandise plans to Merchandise/Inventory Planning executives.
- Analyze historical data and current trends to identify risks and opportunities. Review and analyze business performance trends.
- Develop item plans as required within their department.
- Understand and forecast effects of markdowns on item sales rates and category/department profitability.
- Participate in all meetings involving the Merchandise Planning department (ex. MPC, Monday Merchandise Meetings).
- Provide fiscal control through management of markdowns and purchase orders.
- Develop in-depth knowledge of Omni-Planning tools and execute building plans at an item level that support top level goals.
- Enhance knowledge of data resources that are available and become familiar with the merchandise for which they are developing plans.
- Support team projects as needed; additional responsibilities as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Finance, or related field.
- 3+ years of previous merchandise planning experience, preferably in a specialty retail environment, or previous retail buying experience.
- Retail math knowledge preferred.
- Product knowledge of apparel and related merchandise.
- High degree of proficiency MS Office Suite, Outlook & Internet applications.
- Strong analytical, prioritizing, interpersonal, problem-solving, presentation & planning skills.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Demonstrated collaborative skills and ability to work well within a team.
- Ability to work with and influence peers and senior management.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced and deadline-oriented environment.
- Self-motivated with critical attention to detail, deadlines and reporting.
American Eagle Outfitters is an Equal Opportunity Employer
PAY/BENEFITS INFORMATION:
- Actual starting pay is determined by various factors, including but not limited to relevant experience and location.
- Subject to eligibility requirements, associates may receive health care benefits (including medical, vision, and dental); wellness benefits; 401(k) retirement benefits; life and disability insurance; employee stock purchase program; paid time off; paid sick leave; and parental leave and benefits.
- Paid Time Off, paid sick leave, and holiday pay vary by job level and type, job location, employment classification (part-time or full-time/exempt or non-exempt), and years of service. For additional information, please click HERE.
- AEO may also provide discretionary bonuses and other incentives at its discretion.
See all 12+ Merchandise Associate jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Merchandise Associate roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding TN Visa Sponsorship as a Merchandise Associate
Verify your degree supports the role
TN classification depends on a direct match between your credentials and the job's professional requirements. A degree in merchandising, business, or marketing strengthens your case. A general arts degree without relevant coursework can trigger a denial at the border or consulate.
Target retailers with recent visa sponsorship experience
Focus your search on employers with recent visa filings who are experienced with work visa sponsorship. Companies already familiar with visa sponsorship processes tend to handle paperwork more efficiently and make fewer procedural errors, which reduces your risk of delays after accepting an offer.
Request a support letter before crossing
Canadian applicants presenting at a port of entry must carry a detailed employer support letter outlining your title, duties, credentials, and TN category. Without this document, CBP officers cannot adjudicate your entry. Get it in writing before you travel.
Use Migrate Mate to find sponsoring employers
Searching general job boards surfaces listings with no sponsorship context. Migrate Mate filters specifically for employers open to TN sponsorship for Merchandise Associate roles, saving you from applying to companies that will decline at the offer stage.
Prepare for Mexican applicants' consular timeline
Mexican citizens must schedule a consulate appointment and allow time for administrative processing, which can extend beyond the standard interview date. Build at least six to eight weeks into your start date negotiation to account for consular scheduling backlogs.
Merchandise Associate jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Merchandise Associate JobsMerchandise Associate TN Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Merchandise Associate role qualify for TN visa status?
It depends on how the position is structured and what credentials you hold. TN classification requires the job to fall under a recognized USMCA professional category and the applicant to hold a relevant qualifying degree. Merchandise Associate roles framed around inventory analysis, retail operations management, or supply chain coordination with a business or merchandising degree have the strongest eligibility argument. Roles that are primarily physical or clerical are harder to support.
How does TN visa sponsorship compare to H-1B for this role?
TN is significantly more practical for Merchandise Associate positions. H-1B requires a lottery selection, USCIS petition filing, and months of waiting before you can start. TN has no lottery and no annual cap for Canadians, who can receive status directly at a port of entry. Mexican citizens go through a consulate appointment process, but still avoid the H-1B lottery entirely. For employers, TN also involves less paperwork and lower cost.
What documents does my employer need to prepare for TN sponsorship?
Your employer must provide a detailed support letter on company letterhead stating your job title, a description of duties that establishes professional-level work, your start date, the TN category being claimed, and confirmation of your qualifying credentials. Canadian applicants present this letter directly to CBP at the port of entry. Mexican applicants submit it as part of their consulate package. The letter does not need USCIS approval, but its accuracy is critical.
Can I use Migrate Mate to find Merchandise Associate jobs with TN sponsorship?
Yes. Migrate Mate is built specifically for Canadian and Mexican professionals navigating the TN visa job market. You can search for Merchandise Associate roles filtered by employers who sponsor TN status, which removes the guesswork of applying to companies that will decline at the offer stage. It's a faster path to employers already familiar with the TN process.
What happens if my TN application is denied at the border or consulate?
A denial at a port of entry does not bar you from reapplying, but you'll need to address whatever issue caused the rejection before attempting again. Common reasons include insufficient documentation of the professional nature of the role, a mismatch between your degree and the claimed TN category, or an incomplete employer support letter. Canadian applicants can withdraw their application and return home to regroup without triggering a formal denial record in most cases.
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