Retail Buyer

The Retail Buyer is a corporate merchandising partner at SSA, responsible for selecting, sourcing, and pricing the products that fill the assortment in their assigned categories. They report to the Divisional Merchandise Director (DMD) and work as equals with Planners, alongside Merchandise Assistants and cross-functional teams, to put the right product in the right place at the right price.

Buyers own their vendor relationships and category performance, using sales data, market trends, and guest preferences to refine the assortment, protect margin, and keep inventory balanced. The role blends analysis with creativity — from negotiating terms and reviewing samples to building look books and, in some cases, developing custom or exclusive products for partner accounts. Their core responsibility is translating the DMD's merchandising strategy into a profitable, well-sourced assortment that delights guests and delivers for partners.

The Buyer shapes the assortment for their assigned categories, using the DMD's merchandising strategy as the guide and partnering with Planners as equals on what the data says. The work combines hands‑on selection with ongoing trend and performance analysis.

• Select and purchase products that align with the DMD's merchandising strategy by researching potential items, evaluating samples, and deciding what belongs in the assortment
• Create look books annually, seasonally, and for special events to showcase product selections and support cohesive merchandising strategies
• Track market trends, consumer preferences, and competitive activity through sales data, trade shows, and store visits to identify emerging trends and opportunities
• Partner with Planners to refine the product mix by assessing product performance, identifying top sellers and underperformers, and shaping future assortments
• Phase out underperforming items and make room for emerging trends, working closely with Planners on the data behind each decision
• Contribute to custom‑branded and exclusive products for partner accounts by working with designers, product developers, and manufacturers to meet guest needs and partner preferences

The Buyer is accountable for the financial performance of their categories, from the price on the shelf to the margin it delivers. They work with the DMD and Planners to set direction and draw on planning team data and analysis to turn performance trends into smart decisions.

• Collaborate with the DMD and Planner to set competitive, profitable prices through market research, cost analysis, supplier negotiation, and pricing strategy development
• Analyze sales performance and profitability by tracking sales volume, gross margin, and inventory turnover, and deliver regular reports to the DMD
• Manage category results against key performance indicators, including revenue, cost of goods sold, inventory turn, and SKU count
• Use planning team insights and performance trends to maximize identified opportunities and keep the assortment aligned with financial goals
• Confirm with the Planner that margins and initial order quantities for new items support the financial goals of the account and the organization's overall financial strategy

The Buyer helps keep the right product in the right place at the right time. The Planner leads forecasting and the Merchandise Assistant handles product distribution, while the Buyer supports inventory health by writing orders, placing product with intention, and holding every item to SSA's quality and compliance standards.

• Collaborate with the Planner to analyze sales trends, forecast demand, and set inventory targets and replenishment…