Title

Associate Buyer

Reports to

Senior Buyer

Overview

The Associate Buyer is responsible for partnering with the buyer to create an exciting and timely product assortment for the retail and businesses that meet or exceed the sales volume and profit for the department. They are to execute the vision of the company and intuitively respond to customer feedback and market trends. The associate buyer is responsible for facilitating the product life-cycle from conception to post-season analysis and is also responsible for the assisting in the growth and success of the assistant buyer and merchandise assistant on the team

Responsibilities

Business Analysis:

Analyze weekly and monthly sales, stock and on order with the goal of optimizing sales and minimizing markdowns
Work with buyer to manage the financial elements of the business – OTB, IMU, MDs for assigned classes
Know product for assigned division – understand best and worst sellers and what sets them apart
Contact vendors about reorders and place reorders by the end of each week
Consistently run attribute reports and know current sales, on-hand and on-order for critical attributes
Manage styles to the plan, ensuring that the assortment is properly balanced by looks, silhouettes, fabrics, patterns, color, price points, etc. and that we are taking the correct inventory position with key items and taking fashion risks
Work with design and production teams to manage the timeline on all product development.
Attend all fittings to ensure that sizing and fit is standardized throughout the assortment and to make changes based on current swings in the business

Market and Product:

Identify the appropriate products and trends that will appeal to the customer and exceed their expectations
Periodically attend local markets and shows with Buyer
Participate in product review sessions including fit sessions, technical sessions and design sessions
Shop Anthropologie stores at least once per month to understand the customer’s wants and needs
Shop competition and inspirational stores at least once per month
Read all current trend publications
Understand the competition, target customer and brand-specific fashion trends

Merchandise Flow:

Ensure balanced flow between first and second halves of each month
Participate in ranking, writing and negotiating all orders
Coordinate with Buyer on extensions – initiate appropriate penalties
Negotiate RTVs and manage fit and quality issues
Drive process of pulling samples from stores in regards to QC issues
Communicate changes, concerns, orders and reorders with vendors

Communication:

Communicate in a professional, succinct and positive manner
Work with Merchandising team to communicate concept and trend information to stores – new set ups, vendors, looks, items
Maintain a level of confidence when communicating with coworkers at all levels; must have the ability to manage up and down
Partner and build relationships with design and production teams

Qualifications

Minimum of 5 years within a buying role in a retail environment.

Job Skills

Ability to multi-task, prioritize and manage time
Strong communication skills
Strong understanding of fashion trends and the Anthropologie customer

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion, Business, or a related field.

Location

Philadelphia, PA

Travel

Some travel required.

Urban Outfitters, Inc. celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We are proud to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetics, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.

We believe strongly in fostering a safe, fair and respectful work environment. To ensure compliance with our non-discrimination and anti-harassment policies, we offer anti-harassment training to managers and employees.

#Anthropologie

Anthropologie Associate Buyer