Assistant Buyer

Who We Are

For over 60 years we have shared stories from across the globe that remind you of a time you cherish, a place you love and people who make you feel  have inspired the home decorator, entertainer and gifter with our unique assortment of products sourced and designed around the world and we continue to be inspired by you. You, your authenticity, impact and distinction drive our success and inspires us to be inclusive, collaborative, open minded, adaptable, honest and respectful.

Responsible for managing the daily operation of the department including but not limited to planning, forecasting, developing and coordinating all information related to advertising. The Assistant Buyer is responsible, in partnership with the Buyer for developing and driving business strategies that meet or exceed the department’s financial goals. The Assistant Buyer will provide information and ideas to develop assortments, key items, promotional strategies, growth opportunities and store assortments that are viable while providing an exciting in‑store customer experience.

The Assistant Buyer communicates with vendors and agents and serves as the key department contact for all stores.

• Identify business opportunities and risks through analyzing sales performance and competitive landscape

• Demonstrate an understanding of the product trends, historical data and departments input at the category level to manage assortments opportunities and risks

• Understand the competitive environment; proactively seek market knowledge through exposure to the competition

• Provide analysis to summarize and analyze weekly sales data, recommend appropriate action to Buyer

• Identify business opportunities and risks through analyzing sales performance and competitive landscape

• Strategically partner with Buyer to plan merchandise promotions and financial‑markdowns

• Prepare all advertising‑samples, ROI’s, meetings and signs; proof advertising

• Function as back‑up to the Buyer when she or he is out of the office on domestic and overseas buying trips

• May have direct responsibility for one or more merchandise categories

• Assist Buyer with strategic promotion planning following the master retail calendar

• Be an integral partner with visual merchandising; responsible for all schematic planning, shelf talker and signs. Evaluate effectiveness and address concerns as needed

• Attend strategic planning and best seller meetings and in Buyer’s absence present information to the group

• Actively work with vendors and organize claims preparation. Follow through monthly to resolve outstanding issues.

• Provide strategic support and recommendations to Buyer through the product development life cycle

• Responsible for all SKU maintenance‑set‑up & updates for the department

• Sample management including unpacking and sample house placement

• BA/BS degree or commensurate work experience required

• Minimum 3 years’ experience as an Assistant Buyer with a multi‑unit retailer

• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills

• Ability to identify business opportunities and risks by analyzing sales performance and the competitive landscape, provide findings to buyer and cross‑functional partners

• Demonstrate an understanding of product trends and historical data at the category level to provide recommendations on assortments in partnership with the buyer

• Excellent listening, written and oral communication skills, ability to clearly communicate with an appropriate sense of urgency

• Strong knowledge of retail math calculations

• Ability to handle multiple priorities, shifting tasks and timelines

• Ability to work autonomously, strong decision‑making skills with good judgement

• Ability to be the key contact person on the business when the buyer is out of the office

• Experience with merchandising software systems; AS400, Brio

• Work Location:
  
  Hybrid. You will spend up to 3 days per week on average at our Alameda, CA Home Office.

• Work life balance is a priority (work from home flexibility).

• Employee discount and product sample sales!

• A fun and supportive work environment where you feel welcome and safe.

• A culture of inclusion that empowers you to be your best authentic self.

• Opportuni…