The Associate Buyer supports the execution of the merchandising strategy for an assigned category at WSS. This role plays a key part in driving product assortments that reflect our customer, support store and digital performance, and align with business goals. The Associate Buyer contributes to assortment planning, business analysis, vendor communication, and cross-functional coordination, while continuing to build strong foundational skills in merchandising, analytics, and product knowledge.

• Assist in building seasonal assortments by preparing selling history, competitive scans, and style performance recaps that reflect the WSS customer and market trends.
• Maintain line sheets, sample management, item setup, SKU attributes, and product readiness across stores and eCommerce channels, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Pull, organize, and format weekly selling and inventory reports, highlighting key trends, risks, and opportunities for the business.
• Track category performance by style, size, door cluster, and channel; summarize insights and provide recommendations to support the Buyer.
• Support PO creation, including cost/retail entry, size curves, and product lifecycle updates.
• Participate in vendor meetings by preparing business recaps, sharing performance insights, and maintaining follow-up actions.
• Coordinate with Planning, Allocation, Site Merchandising, Marketing, and Store Operations to support launches, key items, and in-season execution.
• Monitor the competitive landscape across price, brand mix, promotions, and online assortments, identifying opportunities for WSS.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• 1–3 years in retail merchandising, planning, wholesale, or related analytical role
• Strong Excel / analytical skills; ability to organize and summarize data
• Interest in product, customer behavior, and merchandising fundamentals
• Ability to manage deadlines, details, and workflow accuracy

OTHER SKILLS and ABILITIES:

• Experience with multi-category retail (footwear + apparel + accessories)
• Exposure to product development or PL sourcing
• ERP/PIM knowledge (RLM, Aptos, Oracle, Island Pacific, etc.)
• BI reporting tools (Power BI, Looker, Tableau)

KPIs/SUCCESS MEASURES:

• Report and system accuracy
• On-time execution of item setup and deliverables
• Quality of business insights and recaps
• Responsiveness to buyer and cross-functional needs

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required.

At Foot Locker, we value innovation, authenticity, and integrity in all that we do.  To uphold the security and fairness of our hiring process, we ask that candidates refrain from using AI tools, including ChatGPT, during interviews and assessments.  To ensure a smooth and secure experience, please review the following guidelines:

• Cameras must be on for all virtual interviews.
• AI tools are strictly prohibited during interviews or assessments.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we work together to create a transparent and equitable hiring experience.

The annual base salary range is $75,000 - $95,000 / year. This range represents the anticipated low and high end of the salary for this position. Salary will be determined by the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data. Salary is one component of the WSS total compensation package, which includes the below.

• Paid Time Off, Paid Parental Leave
• Life, Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage – Individual and Family Plans
• Self-Development & Recognition Programs
• Bonus Incentive Program
• Advancement Opportunities
• 401k Retirement Plan and HSA Contributions
• 30%-50% Employee Discount - Friend & Family Events
• Community Engagement Opportunities

This is a hybrid position with in‑office work on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday in our Gardena, CA office.

WSS is the premier footwear retailer in the U.S. doing business in neighborhood-based stores. Consumers trust WSS for the best brands, greatest values and largest selection of athletic, dress, fashion and casual footwear for the entire family. Our large store format enables us to showcase thousands of styles from top name brands likeNike, Jordan, Vans, Converse, Adidas, Puma, Skechers, etc. In addition, WSS carries high quality private brands augmenting the breadth of selection to deliver amazing value to our customers.