Associate Merchant

The Associate Merchant supports the Merchant in all aspects of product assortment, financial planning and vendor partnerships in accordance with the sales, margin, turnover and flow goals for the assigned product category.

This is an on-site position (Monday through Thursday) based out of our Northbrook, IL office with the flexibility to work remotely on Fridays.

• Makes recommendations to Merchant regarding product assortment, pricing and merchandising strategies reflecting goals based on trends and forecasts.
• Participates in the final decision making process by providing expert recommendations to Merchant regarding seasonal and core product mix for a given department.
• Analyzes sales information in order to identify opportunities to increase sales and margins.
• Based on research and analysis, participates in recommending, setting and approving product-pricing strategies to achieve specific margin objectives and executes exit strategies as needed.
• Negotiates product costs, terms, subsidy and VIR.
• Develops and maintains vendor partnerships by providing analytical metrics to Merchant, influencing the supplier management strategy to support overall department strategy and works to improve all aspects of supplier relationship.
• Builds and maintains assortment plans and SKU counts.
• Gathers and synthesizes information from partners to make strategic recommendations to Merchant.
• Analyzes business trends and opportunities by identifying and maximizing key items via test strategies.
• Provides recommendations regarding short-term buying plans and long-term strategies.
• Conducts competitive intelligence and uses information to identify opportunities and challenges for in-season business and future seasons.
• Leads product sequencing, including layouts and copy edits and communication with cross-functional teams.

• Possess an understanding of merchandising plans and processes.
• Strong financial acumen and experience with negotiations.
• Strong understanding of Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint and Word.
• Strong communication skills.
• Highly collaborative.
• Strong attention to detail.

• 3+ years retail merchandising experience, or education equivalent or related area.
• Bachelor’s degree.