In this fast-paced off-price environment, the Off-Price Buyer is expected to lead with agility and a sharp market instinct. Off-Price Buyers are responsible for the overall merchandising direction of a category or department(s) with the goal of meeting/ exceeding sales, margin and turn targets. Off-Price Buyers maintain a singular focus on the product, value, price, quality and the customer by incorporating competitive intelligence, customer insight, and business analysis. Ownership of the end-to-end process — from assortment planning to in-season reaction — and collaborate cross-functionally to ensure inventory flow aligns with business goals. Off-Price Buyers are responsible for the purchase and negotiation of merchandise as well as the open to buy process.
Essential Functions:
- Develop and execute merchandise strategies and assortment plans, based on customer feedback and preferences, to deliver financial goals and business objectives while providing value, quality and on-brand merchandise for the outlet stores
- Proactively identify emerging trends and leverage liquidity to test new ideas, driving sales and margin through strategic buys.
- Analyzes business to the lowest level to identify opportunities in sales, inventory, and margin by store, department, and class
- Frequent vendor meetings and market trips to support reacting to business trends in a timely and efficient manner
- Creates all necessary analysis based on trends, events and other store related needs
- Works with Planner and Allocator during the planning process: in-season planning & revisions, assortment plans, store plans
- Identifies opportunities to improve overall plan quality
- Communicates effectively with all merchandising levels
- Communicates effectively with stores and internal cross-functional partners
- Builds and maintains strong relationships with vendor partners, while building a presence with new and existing vendors within the outlets and company
- Reacts to feedback based on store and customer needs
- Select merchandise; negotiate best costs and delivery of product
- Manage all aspects of product placement, marketing and any pricing related tasks
- Negotiate vendor allowances, returns, advertising co-op, and other terms as needed
- Identify business opportunities and risks in-season through analyzing sales performance and gathering marketplace information; implement strategies to ensure plans are achieved
- Build a high-quality merchandising team by developing partnerships, leading, coaching and providing constructive feedback
- Leverages open-to-buy process to manage business in-season and maximize opportunities
- Travels to all necessary markets and store trips
- Ability to articulate and provide thought process behind solutions and strategic plans
- Identifying emerging trends and shopping competition and market regularly
- Lead, develop and manage Merchandise Assistant
- Requires designated hybrid in-office work schedule
Education:
- Bachelor's Degree preferred
Work Experience:
- 7-9 years retail experience required
- 1-3 years retail buying required
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
- Strong negotiation skills
- Exceptional at relationship building and maintaining strong relationships internally and in the vendor community
- Collaborative approach
- Quick decision making
- Deep understanding of customer behavior
- Proficient in business-related computer software (Microsoft Windows, Word, Excel)
- Excellent analytical and reasoning skills
- Clear retail math skills
- Maintains professionalism in work relationships and habits
- Demonstrates strong listening, written and oral communication skills
- Is multi-task oriented to meet deadlines.
- Possesses strong merchandising, product and marketing skills
Pay Range
$90,000 - $155,000
Reflected is the base pay range offered for this position. Pay may vary depending on factors including but not limited to achievements, skills, experience, or work location. The range listed is just one component of the compensation package offered to candidates.
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