Allocator

Cato Corporation; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Cato Corporation in Charlotte is seeking an Allocation Specialist to distribute merchandise to stores according to monthly strategies and guidelines.

You will work with Allocation Supervisor, buyers, and store teams, using JDA Allocation and OBIEE reports to optimize inventory, support grid meetings, and drive on‑time allocations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree required; fashion retailing or business degree a plus.
• Minimum 1 year retail experience preferred.
• Proficient in Excel and Word; strong communication and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Allocate merchandise to stores following monthly strategy and guidelines.
• Maintain accurate inventory records and opening stock levels.
• Use JDA Allocation and OBIEE reports for business insights.
• Communicate with store and field teams; attend meetings and grid reviews.
• Support cross‑functional projects and initiatives.

Skills

Mathematical aptitude

Strong communication

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor degree

Tools

Excel

Word

Job description

Responsible for the allocation of merchandise to the stores. Allocations must be completed accurately, on time and in accordance with established guidelines.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Allocate all merchandise in accordance with guidelines established by Allocation Supervisor based on monthly allocation strategy, assortment plans, buyer grid meetings and store performance
• Implement any special attention allocation store needs based on information/lists from Allocation Supervisor or Manager of Allocation. These might include e-commerce, hit lists, all tags, all store buys (ASB), trend lists, store ops initiatives, etc
• Allocate replenishment styles weekly based on approved guidelines
• Maintain accurate records of hold stores or new store development store inventory position. Allocate as appropriate to hit specified targets by department/class, ensuring appropriate opening inventory levels
• Using available information in JDA Allocation and OBIEE, provide all necessary business information to the teams
• Use all available reports to better understand and analyze store performance
• Maintain ongoing communication with store and field personnel, relay feedback to merchandising staff, answer store merchandising questions whenever appropriate, etc
• Visit stores in general vicinity of corporate office
• Attend weekly and monthly touch base meetings with Allocation Supervisor or Manager of Allocation
• Attend grid meetings monthly with buyers for area of business to see assortment for next month’s receipts; note specific allocation instructions in JDA comments after grid meeting/product review meetings
• Support special projects and cross-functional initiatives as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION:

Bachelor degree required. Fashion Retailing or Business degree a plus

WORK EXPERIENCE:

Minimum 1 year retail experience preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Mathematical aptitude
• Working knowledge of Excel and Word
• Strong communication and organizational skills