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Top 10 Best Retail Merchandise Planning Software of 2026

Discover top 10 retail merchandise planning software to streamline inventory & sales. Compare features, pick the best for your business – start now.

Jannik Lindner

Jannik Lindner

Feb 11, 2026

10 tools comparedExpert reviewed
Independent evaluation · Unbiased commentary · Updated regularly
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In the dynamic retail industry, precise merchandise planning is pivotal for aligning inventory, assortment, and customer demand—directly impacting profitability and competitive positioning. With a diverse array of tools ranging from AI-driven platforms to integrated cloud solutions, choosing the optimal software requires balancing advanced capabilities, usability, and value. This curated list highlights the top 10 options, each designed to empower retailers with streamlined planning, accurate forecasting, and seamless omnichannel execution.

Quick Overview

  1. 1#1: Blue Yonder - AI-powered merchandise planning platform that forecasts demand, optimizes assortments, and automates allocation across retail channels.
  2. 2#2: Oracle Retail Merchandise Planning - Cloud-based solution for financial planning, open-to-buy management, and merchandise optimization in retail operations.
  3. 3#3: SAP Retail Planning - Integrated retail planning tools for assortment planning, promotion forecasting, and inventory allocation.
  4. 4#4: RELEX Solutions - Unified platform delivering AI-driven demand forecasting, replenishment, and merchandise planning for retailers.
  5. 5#5: Manhattan Active Supply Chain - Omnichannel merchandise management system with advanced planning, allocation, and fulfillment capabilities.
  6. 6#6: o9 Solutions - Digital twin platform for end-to-end retail planning, including demand sensing and merchandise optimization.
  7. 7#7: Anaplan - Connected planning platform enabling real-time retail assortment, financial, and merchandise planning.
  8. 8#8: Logility - Supply chain planning software with retail-focused demand forecasting and multi-channel allocation.
  9. 9#9: Infor Retail - CloudSuite for retail merchandising, including planning, buying, and inventory optimization tools.
  10. 10#10: ToolsGroup - Demand and inventory planning software tailored for retail merchandise optimization and replenishment.

These tools were selected based on a rigorous evaluation of key factors, including feature depth (such as AI demand sensing and automated allocation), user experience, and the ability to deliver measurable business value across retail channels. We prioritized solutions that integrate cutting-edge technology with practical adaptability, ensuring they address both immediate operational needs and long-term strategic growth.

Comparison Table

Explore a curated comparison of retail merchandise planning software, featuring tools like Blue Yonder, Oracle Retail Merchandise Planning, SAP Retail Planning, RELEX Solutions, and Manhattan Active Supply Chain, to gain insights into key capabilities and suitability for diverse business needs.

AI-powered merchandise planning platform that forecasts demand, optimizes assortments, and automates allocation across retail channels.

Features
9.8/10
Ease
8.4/10
Value
9.3/10

Cloud-based solution for financial planning, open-to-buy management, and merchandise optimization in retail operations.

Features
9.6/10
Ease
7.8/10
Value
8.5/10

Integrated retail planning tools for assortment planning, promotion forecasting, and inventory allocation.

Features
9.2/10
Ease
7.5/10
Value
8.0/10

Unified platform delivering AI-driven demand forecasting, replenishment, and merchandise planning for retailers.

Features
9.4/10
Ease
7.8/10
Value
8.2/10

Omnichannel merchandise management system with advanced planning, allocation, and fulfillment capabilities.

Features
9.2/10
Ease
7.4/10
Value
8.1/10

Digital twin platform for end-to-end retail planning, including demand sensing and merchandise optimization.

Features
9.3/10
Ease
7.4/10
Value
8.1/10
7Anaplan logo8.1/10

Connected planning platform enabling real-time retail assortment, financial, and merchandise planning.

Features
9.2/10
Ease
6.8/10
Value
7.4/10
8Logility logo8.1/10

Supply chain planning software with retail-focused demand forecasting and multi-channel allocation.

Features
8.7/10
Ease
7.6/10
Value
7.9/10

CloudSuite for retail merchandising, including planning, buying, and inventory optimization tools.

Features
8.7/10
Ease
7.4/10
Value
7.9/10
10ToolsGroup logo8.4/10

Demand and inventory planning software tailored for retail merchandise optimization and replenishment.

Features
9.2/10
Ease
7.1/10
Value
8.0/10
1
Blue Yonder logo

Blue Yonder

enterprise

AI-powered merchandise planning platform that forecasts demand, optimizes assortments, and automates allocation across retail channels.

Overall Rating9.7/10
Features
9.8/10
Ease of Use
8.4/10
Value
9.3/10
Standout Feature

Luminate Assortment Optimization using AI to dynamically cluster stores and optimize product assortments for personalized, location-specific planning

Blue Yonder's Retail Merchandise Planning software is an enterprise-grade solution that empowers retailers with AI-driven tools for demand forecasting, assortment optimization, inventory allocation, and financial planning. It integrates advanced machine learning models to analyze vast datasets from sales, market trends, and supply chain signals, enabling precise merchandise decisions across omnichannel retail environments. The platform supports scalable operations for global retailers, providing real-time insights and scenario planning to maximize profitability and minimize stockouts or overstock.

Pros

  • Superior AI/ML-powered demand forecasting and assortment optimization for highly accurate planning
  • Seamless integration with broader supply chain and ERP systems for end-to-end visibility
  • Scalable architecture handles massive data volumes for large enterprise retailers

Cons

  • High implementation costs and lengthy setup timelines
  • Steep learning curve requiring specialized training
  • Custom pricing lacks transparency for smaller businesses

Best For

Enterprise-level retailers with complex, multi-channel operations needing advanced AI-driven merchandise planning to optimize profitability.

Pricing

Custom enterprise pricing via quote, typically starting at $500,000+ annually depending on modules, users, and scale.

Visit Blue Yonderblueyonder.com
2
Oracle Retail Merchandise Planning logo

Oracle Retail Merchandise Planning

enterprise

Cloud-based solution for financial planning, open-to-buy management, and merchandise optimization in retail operations.

Overall Rating9.1/10
Features
9.6/10
Ease of Use
7.8/10
Value
8.5/10
Standout Feature

Hierarchical optimization engine that simultaneously balances assortment, allocation, and financial planning across all retail hierarchies

Oracle Retail Merchandise Planning is an enterprise-grade solution that enables retailers to optimize assortment planning, demand forecasting, and inventory allocation across stores, online, and wholesale channels. It uses advanced AI, machine learning, and predictive analytics to generate accurate financial plans, size profiles, and merchandise strategies while minimizing stockouts and overstocks. Integrated with the broader Oracle Retail suite, it provides end-to-end visibility and supports collaborative planning for large-scale operations.

Pros

  • AI-powered demand sensing and forecasting for superior accuracy
  • Seamless integration with Oracle Retail Xstore and other modules
  • Scalable hierarchical planning for global, multi-channel retailers

Cons

  • Steep learning curve and complex setup requiring experts
  • High implementation costs and time
  • Custom pricing can be prohibitive for mid-sized retailers

Best For

Large enterprise retailers with complex, multi-channel operations needing robust, integrated planning capabilities.

Pricing

Quote-based enterprise licensing; typically starts at $100,000+ annually depending on scale and modules.

3
SAP Retail Planning logo

SAP Retail Planning

enterprise

Integrated retail planning tools for assortment planning, promotion forecasting, and inventory allocation.

Overall Rating8.7/10
Features
9.2/10
Ease of Use
7.5/10
Value
8.0/10
Standout Feature

AI-powered predictive analytics with HANA in-memory processing for hyper-accurate, real-time demand forecasting across omnichannel retail

SAP Retail Planning is an enterprise-grade solution from SAP that streamlines retail merchandise planning through advanced demand forecasting, assortment optimization, space allocation, and promotion planning. It leverages AI, machine learning, and real-time analytics powered by SAP HANA to deliver precise inventory management and sales predictions across omnichannel retail operations. Designed for integration with SAP S/4HANA and other ERP systems, it supports large-scale retailers in achieving data-driven decision-making and operational efficiency.

Pros

  • Comprehensive suite covering demand forecasting, assortment, space, and promotion planning with AI/ML integration
  • Seamless scalability for global enterprises and deep integration with SAP ecosystem
  • Real-time analytics and omnichannel support for accurate inventory optimization

Cons

  • Complex implementation requiring significant time, expertise, and resources
  • High licensing and customization costs unsuitable for SMBs
  • Steep learning curve and less intuitive UI compared to modern SaaS alternatives

Best For

Large enterprise retailers with complex, global operations and existing SAP infrastructure seeking integrated, scalable merchandise planning.

Pricing

Enterprise custom pricing, typically $100K+ annually based on modules, users, and deployment; contact SAP sales for quotes.

4
RELEX Solutions logo

RELEX Solutions

specialized

Unified platform delivering AI-driven demand forecasting, replenishment, and merchandise planning for retailers.

Overall Rating8.8/10
Features
9.4/10
Ease of Use
7.8/10
Value
8.2/10
Standout Feature

Unified Retail Planning platform that seamlessly integrates merchandise, space, and supply chain optimization

RELEX Solutions is an AI-powered unified retail planning platform specializing in merchandise planning, including demand forecasting, assortment optimization, size and style planning, allocation, and financial planning. It integrates merchandise planning with inventory, space, and supply chain management for end-to-end visibility and decision-making. Leveraging machine learning, it delivers highly accurate predictions and automations tailored for retailers.

Pros

  • Advanced AI/ML-driven forecasting and optimization
  • Comprehensive end-to-end merchandise planning suite
  • Scalable for large enterprises with proven ROI for major retailers

Cons

  • Complex implementation requiring significant time and resources
  • Steep learning curve for non-technical users
  • High cost may deter smaller retailers

Best For

Large and mid-sized retailers needing integrated AI-powered merchandise planning across multiple channels and locations.

Pricing

Custom enterprise pricing via quote; typically starts in the high six figures annually depending on scope and users.

Visit RELEX Solutionsrelexsolutions.com
5
Manhattan Active Supply Chain logo

Manhattan Active Supply Chain

enterprise

Omnichannel merchandise management system with advanced planning, allocation, and fulfillment capabilities.

Overall Rating8.7/10
Features
9.2/10
Ease of Use
7.4/10
Value
8.1/10
Standout Feature

AI-driven autonomous planning engine that dynamically adjusts forecasts and allocations in real-time

Manhattan Active Supply Chain is a comprehensive, cloud-native platform designed to optimize end-to-end supply chain operations for retailers, with strong merchandise planning capabilities including demand forecasting, assortment planning, and allocation. It leverages AI and machine learning to provide real-time insights and autonomous decision-making across omnichannel retail environments. The solution integrates seamlessly with warehouse management, inventory optimization, and order fulfillment for holistic retail operations.

Pros

  • AI-powered demand forecasting and assortment optimization
  • Scalable microservices architecture for enterprise growth
  • Real-time omnichannel inventory visibility and integration

Cons

  • Steep learning curve and complex implementation
  • High cost suited primarily for large enterprises
  • Limited flexibility for small to mid-sized retailers

Best For

Enterprise-level retailers seeking an integrated, AI-driven supply chain solution with advanced merchandise planning.

Pricing

Custom enterprise subscription pricing, often starting at $500K+ annually depending on scale and modules.

6
o9 Solutions logo

o9 Solutions

enterprise

Digital twin platform for end-to-end retail planning, including demand sensing and merchandise optimization.

Overall Rating8.7/10
Features
9.3/10
Ease of Use
7.4/10
Value
8.1/10
Standout Feature

AI-powered Digital Twin for hyper-accurate, real-time scenario planning and optimization

o9 Solutions provides an AI-powered Digital Brain platform tailored for retail merchandise planning, enabling demand sensing, assortment optimization, inventory allocation, and space planning through advanced machine learning and graph-based modeling. It offers end-to-end visibility across the supply chain, supporting real-time collaboration and scenario simulations for agile decision-making. The platform is designed for large-scale retailers, integrating seamlessly with ERP and other enterprise systems to drive accurate forecasting and profitability.

Pros

  • Powerful AI/ML for precise demand forecasting and assortment planning
  • End-to-end integration across supply chain functions
  • Scalable for global enterprises with real-time scenario modeling

Cons

  • Steep learning curve and complex implementation
  • High enterprise-level pricing
  • Overkill for small to mid-sized retailers

Best For

Large retailers and CPG companies with complex, global supply chains needing AI-driven, integrated merchandise planning.

Pricing

Custom enterprise pricing via quote; typically starts at $100K+ annually depending on scale and modules.

Visit o9 Solutionso9solutions.com
7
Anaplan logo

Anaplan

enterprise

Connected planning platform enabling real-time retail assortment, financial, and merchandise planning.

Overall Rating8.1/10
Features
9.2/10
Ease of Use
6.8/10
Value
7.4/10
Standout Feature

Hyperblock™ technology enabling infinite scalability and lightning-fast calculations on massive retail datasets

Anaplan is a cloud-based connected planning platform that empowers retail organizations with advanced merchandise planning capabilities, including demand forecasting, inventory optimization, assortment planning, and space allocation. It leverages multi-dimensional modeling to integrate data from sales, supply chain, and finance for real-time scenario planning and decision-making. Retailers use it to align merchandise strategies with market demand, manage stock levels across channels, and improve profitability through agile adjustments.

Pros

  • Highly flexible multi-dimensional modeling for complex retail hierarchies like products, stores, and channels
  • Real-time collaboration and what-if scenario analysis for agile planning
  • Robust integrations with ERP, POS, and BI tools for seamless data flow

Cons

  • Steep learning curve requiring skilled model builders or consultants
  • High cost that may not suit small to mid-sized retailers
  • Initial setup and customization can be time-intensive

Best For

Large-scale retail enterprises with complex, multi-channel operations needing integrated, scalable planning across finance and supply chain.

Pricing

Custom quote-based pricing; typically starts at $50,000+ annually for enterprise deployments, based on users, modules, and data volume.

Visit Anaplananaplan.com
8
Logility logo

Logility

enterprise

Supply chain planning software with retail-focused demand forecasting and multi-channel allocation.

Overall Rating8.1/10
Features
8.7/10
Ease of Use
7.6/10
Value
7.9/10
Standout Feature

AI Cascade alignment that synchronizes financial, merchandising, and supply plans in real-time across the organization

Logility provides an AI-powered supply chain planning platform with robust retail merchandise planning capabilities, including demand forecasting, assortment planning, space optimization, and inventory allocation across stores and channels. It leverages machine learning to analyze sales data, market trends, and external factors for accurate planning and real-time adjustments. The solution integrates with ERPs and offers collaborative tools to align merchandising, finance, and supply teams for improved profitability and efficiency.

Pros

  • Advanced AI/ML-driven forecasting and demand sensing
  • End-to-end integration of merchandise, space, and allocation planning
  • Strong multi-channel and multi-enterprise collaboration features

Cons

  • Steep learning curve and requires extensive training
  • High implementation costs and complexity for smaller retailers
  • Limited out-of-the-box reporting flexibility

Best For

Mid-to-large retailers with complex, multi-channel operations needing integrated AI-enhanced merchandise planning.

Pricing

Custom quote-based pricing; typically enterprise-level starting at $100K+ annually based on modules, users, and deployment scale.

Visit Logilitylogility.com
9
Infor Retail logo

Infor Retail

enterprise

CloudSuite for retail merchandising, including planning, buying, and inventory optimization tools.

Overall Rating8.2/10
Features
8.7/10
Ease of Use
7.4/10
Value
7.9/10
Standout Feature

AI-powered size and style optimization that dynamically adjusts assortments based on historical sales, trends, and store-specific profiles

Infor Retail Merchandise Planning is an enterprise-grade solution that enables retailers to optimize inventory levels, assortment planning, and financial performance through advanced demand forecasting and allocation tools. It integrates seamlessly with Infor's broader ERP and POS systems, providing real-time analytics and AI-driven insights for multi-channel operations. The software supports size, style, and location-specific planning, helping retailers minimize stockouts and overstock while maximizing sales and margins.

Pros

  • Robust demand forecasting with AI and machine learning for accurate predictions
  • Deep integration with Infor ERP and other retail modules for end-to-end visibility
  • Advanced assortment and allocation optimization tailored to retail specifics like size profiles

Cons

  • Steep learning curve and complex implementation for non-enterprise users
  • High customization costs and lengthy deployment timelines
  • Limited flexibility for small to mid-sized retailers due to enterprise focus

Best For

Large-scale retail chains and enterprises requiring integrated, scalable merchandise planning across multiple channels and locations.

Pricing

Custom enterprise licensing, typically quote-based starting at $100K+ annually depending on modules, users, and deployment scale.

10
ToolsGroup logo

ToolsGroup

specialized

Demand and inventory planning software tailored for retail merchandise optimization and replenishment.

Overall Rating8.4/10
Features
9.2/10
Ease of Use
7.1/10
Value
8.0/10
Standout Feature

Multi-echelon inventory optimization (MEIO) that probabilistically balances stock across the entire supply network for optimal service levels

ToolsGroup's SO99+ is an advanced demand-driven supply chain planning platform specialized for retail merchandise planning, offering probabilistic forecasting and multi-echelon inventory optimization. It enables retailers to manage complex assortments, predict demand at SKU-store level, and automate replenishment to balance service levels and inventory costs across omnichannel networks. The software excels in handling intermittent and volatile demand patterns common in retail environments.

Pros

  • Superior probabilistic forecasting for intermittent demand
  • Multi-echelon optimization for network-wide inventory efficiency
  • High scalability for large SKU portfolios and global retail chains

Cons

  • Complex implementation requiring significant expertise
  • Limited native support for financial merchandise planning like open-to-buy
  • Custom pricing lacks transparency and can be prohibitive for mid-sized retailers

Best For

Enterprise retailers with high-SKU complexity and omnichannel operations seeking demand-driven inventory optimization.

Pricing

Enterprise quote-based pricing, typically starting at $500K+ annually depending on scope and users.

Visit ToolsGrouptoolsgroup.com

Conclusion

Among the 10 reviewed retail merchandise planning tools, Blue Yonder emerges as the top choice, offering AI-driven demand forecasting, assortment optimization, and cross-channel allocation. Just behind are Oracle Retail Merchandise Planning, a cloud-based leader in financial and open-to-buy management, and SAP Retail Planning, with integrated tools for assortment and promotion forecasting. Each platform has distinct strengths to suit varied retail needs, but Blue Yonder delivers the most comprehensive solution.

Blue Yonder logo
Our Top Pick
Blue Yonder

Unlock your retail potential by exploring Blue Yonder—its advanced features can streamline your planning, enhance accuracy, and drive better business outcomes.