Assistant Buyer - Toys

TPS Group Holdings, a family of brands including The Paper Store, Uncharted, and Gifts & More, is all about transforming daily routines into joyful escapes that inspire and surprise. Our mission is to connect with every customer through carefully chosen products, immersive shopping experiences, and service that goes the extra mile, creating spaces that spark joy with every visit.

Position Overview:

As an Assistant Buyer, Toys, you will be a critical partner in building and executing compelling assortments that delight customers and drive category growth. We’re seeking a merchant with buying experience in the Toy category. You’ll support the Buyer in identifying new opportunities, analyzing performance, managing vendor relationships, and bringing innovative products to market. This role blends executional excellence with merchant curiosity and is ideal for someone looking to grow their expertise and impact within a fast-paced retail environment.

What You’ll DoSupport Trend Discovery & Product Flow Stay close to emerging trends across retail, social, and customer behavior to support new product ideas

Assist in preparing for vendor meetings, trade shows, and product reviews

Help track newness, best sellers, and opportunities within the category

Drive Day-to-Day Buying Operations Own purchase order (PO) management including entry, updates, and follow-ups with vendors

Monitor order status, shipping, cost accuracy, and resolve discrepancies

Maintain SKU setup, vendor data, and product information in internal systems

Manage open order reporting, cancellations, and backorder resolution

Inventory & Allocation Execution Execute allocations and replenishment to support store inventory needs

Partner with Planning and Distribution Center teams to ensure smooth product flow Initiate transfers, consolidations, and recalls as needed

Support inventory productivity through clean data and timely execution

Analyze the Business & Learn the Financials Run and maintain sales, markdown, and inventory reports

Analyze performance (sell-through, turn, margin) and identify trends

Support the Buyer in reacting to the business and adjusting strategies

Build foundational knowledge of retail math and financial drivers

Cross-Functional Merchandising Execution Partner with E-Commerce and Marketing to ensure accurate product setup online

Prepare product information, images, and materials for digital channels

Assist in creating merchandising directives for stores

Support promotional events, seasonal launches, and key initiatives

Vendor & Relationship Support Communicate with vendors regarding samples, product details, and order updates

Help maintain strong vendor relationships through follow-up and organization

Support onboarding of new vendors and product introductions

Who You Are Bring 2+ years of buying, merchandising, or category management experience within the Toy retail category in both brick-and-mortar and eCommerce

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Fashion, or Retail preferred

Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUPs a plus)
Strong time management skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks

Curious and excited by trends, products, and what customers will love next Highly organized with strong attention to detail and follow-through

Analytical mindset with comfort working in Excel and using data to support decisions

Thrive in a fast-paced retail environment where priorities shift quickly

Strong communicator who collaborates effectively across cross-functional teams

Interested in growing into a Buyer role and owning a category over time Ability to work onsite 4 days per week in Acton, MATPS Group Holdings is an equal-opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to…