Chief Merchandising Officer

A distinguished, multi-generational Northeast specialty apparel retailer is seeking a Chief Merchandising Officer to lead merchandising strategy and drive the next chapter of growth. This is an exceptional opportunity to join a company with over a century of heritage—one that has built its reputation on the belief that lasting relationships matter more than transactions.

This role offers the rare chance to shape the future of a beloved institution while honoring the traditions that have made it iconic. You will join a leadership team that values integrity, authenticity, and a genuine commitment to both customers and team members.

As CMO, you will have full strategic ownership of multi-store merchandising and a growing e-commerce platform. You'll curate an exceptional product assortment, build and nurture vendor partnerships, and ensure every customer touchpoint reflects the company's commitment to quality and service excellence.

This is a confidential search. Company details will be shared with qualified candidates who meet the basic criteria.

Why This Role Matters

This isn't just another CMO position. You'll be joining a company where relationships are the foundation of everything—relationships with customers who have shopped with us for generations, with vendor partners who share our commitment to quality, and with team members who take pride in delivering exceptional experiences.

The ideal candidate understands that luxury retail is about more than product—it's about creating moments, building trust, and earning loyalty through consistent excellence. You appreciate the nuances of high-end customer service and recognize that every interaction is an opportunity to strengthen a relationship.

What You’ll Do

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute a comprehensive merchandising strategy that balances heritage with innovation

• Own responsibility for merchandising operations across all channels

• Partner with ownership and senior leadership to shape company vision and long-term growth plans

• Identify market opportunities and emerging trends while staying true to brand identity

• Curate an exceptional assortment of premium brands that resonates with discerning customers

• Build and maintain strategic vendor partnerships, negotiating favorable terms while preserving relationships

• Optimize pricing strategies to maximize profitability while maintaining value perception

• Oversee inventory management with a focus on sales, turnover, GMROI, and sell-through optimization

• Ensure seamless integration between physical stores and e-commerce platform

• Drive digital growth while maintaining the personalized experience that defines the brand

• Create compelling visual merchandising and presentation standards across all channels

Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop high-performing merchandising and buying teams

• Champion a culture of customer obsession and service excellence throughout the organization

• Establish training programs that reinforce premium service standards

What You’ll Bring

Required Experience

• 10+ years of progressive retail experience with demonstrated success in buying, merchandising leadership, preferably in high-end or luxury markets

• Proven track record of driving profitable growth

• Assortment planning expertise with the ability to develop strategies that balance brand integrity with commercial success

• Vendor relationship management experience, building and maintaining strategic partnerships with premium brands

• Inventory management mastery, including turnover optimization, GMROI analysis, and comparable store sales growth

• Omnichannel experience successfully integrating brick-and-mortar and e-commerce strategies

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

• Outstanding aesthetic sensibility and understanding of luxury market positioning

Preferred Qualifications

• High-end specialty retail or luxury brand experience with similar customer demographics

• Experience with family-owned or founder-led organizations

• Change leadership skills with proven ability to inspire followership and drive transformation

• Innovation mindset with experience implementing retail technologies and digital initiatives

Th…