Associate Buyer

At Rowan, we are all about making ear piercing experiences a celebration full of joy! Rowan is an innovative ear‑piercing and hypoallergenic jewelry brand that brings safety to the forefront with our team of licensed nurses – and celebration to every customer with our joyful approach to piercings and jewelry. Our priority is to offer a fun, celebratory, and safe ear piercing experience for everyone.

When we say piercing for all, we mean it. Everybody is invited to this ear party!

Retail Associate Buyer who is detail oriented to manage the recommendation on assorting and selection of jewelry and ear piercing products. This role reports directly to the CSCO and requires a strong understanding of consumer preferences, and quality materials, metals and gemstones in the jewelry space. The ideal candidate will play a key role in supporting the curating of a compelling product assortment that aligns with our brand identity and incorporates a deep understanding of our customer—not just market trends, but the specific styles and preferences of those we serve through our piercing services.

By leveraging direct customer interaction and store team insights, this individual will make informed, customer‑first buying decisions that reflect customer demand and enhance the post‑piercing experience.

• Execute the approved seasonal buying strategies that align with company revenue goals and fashion trends partnering with vendors to produce the best products at targeted company costs
• Analyze and report sales data, competitive market trends, and customer insights to guide product decisions and potential style pricing strategies that align with company margin and sales targets
• Validate piercing ramp style compliance by reviewing studio ramp photos with each new roll out
• Monitor inventory levels and coordinate restocks, seasonal updates, and new product launches.
• Inform studio operations, marketing and creative teams about delivery timing for both new deliveries and key replenishment, keeping the teams updated to any changes to assortment strategy or deliveries on a weekly basis
• Analyze ramp selling thru DOMO reporting and report out on performance monthly
• Analyze customer buying behavior and sales trends leveraging DOMO reporting to help inform product selection and purchasing strategy
• Plan and execute customer feedback sessions / with appropriate customers for new products - report on these efforts to help inform best options in order to hit sell through targets and improve jewelry percentage to topline
• Build and maintain strong relationships with jewelry vendors and piercing suppliers, and negotiate costing and delivery timing
• Work with closely with vendors on translating inspiration decks into assortments either thru vendor line sheets or thru development and approval of CAD’s
• Track and maintain spending within sample budget
• Maintain accurate tracking of all product samples, ensuring timely check‑in and that the sample closet remains organized, well‑maintained, and easily accessible at all times.
• Support the sourcing for new vendors to cast a wider net on suppliers
• Gain a deep understanding of our customer—not just general trends, but the specific styles and preferences of those we serve—by working directly in our studios, hosting customer focus groups, and analyzing insights from our marketing CRM data.

• Stay at the forefront of jewelry and ear piercing trends, scouting emerging designers, and monitoring competitor assortments online and in stores.
• Provide insights and recommendations to inform future collections and exclusives.
• Stay ahead of jewelry and piercing trends by researching fashion forecasts, visiting Rowan studios monthly to elicit customer feedback on assortment and opportunities, competitive shopping once a quarter to ensure Rowan continues to take market share.
• Work closely with marketing and visual merchandising teams to support product campaigns and in‑store/online displays. Driving the product used in marketing campaigns.
• Ensure all piercing jewelry meets safety, material, and regulatory standards (e.g., hypoallergenic metals, ASTM, or FDA compliance).
• Track…