Footwear Buyer

A well-established, growing specialty retailer is seeking an experienced Footwear Buyer with strong merchandise buying expertise, excellent product instincts, and a proven ability to drive sales and profitability.

This is an exciting opportunity for a creative, entrepreneurial Buyer to take ownership of a high-volume footwear business, influence product strategy, develop compelling assortments, and build strong vendor partnerships within a successful multistore retail organization.

• $110,000–$130,000 base salary
• 20% bonus opportunity
• Company-paid medical insurance premiums
• Relocation assistance available
• Significant category ownership and professional growth opportunities
• Onsite position in East Texas

• 6+ years of progressive retail merchandise buying experience, ideally within a multistore retail organization
• Proven experience in product selection, assortment development, vendor negotiations, pricing, and merchandise financial management
• Strong understanding of retail financials, including OTB, IMU, AUR, gross margins, and inventory turnover
• Demonstrated ability to analyze sales performance, identify opportunities, and make profitable buying decisions
• Bachelor's degree in Merchandising, Business, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word
• Ability to work onsite and travel up to 20%

• Direct buying experience in footwear, workboots, western boots, workwear, apparel, or accessories
• Familiarity with western and work footwear brands, sizing, fit, and product features
• Experience developing private-label products or exclusive merchandise assortments
• Experience supporting both physical retail stores and e-commerce
• Previous merchandising leadership or experience coaching junior associates
• Experience with a multistore retailer operating 50 or more locations
• Strong Associate Buyers with meaningful category ownership and demonstrated readiness to advance may also be considered

• Lead product selection, assortment development, pricing, and promotional strategies across assigned footwear categories
• Develop profitable assortment plans, including style mix, key items, retail pricing, IMU, AUR, and purchasing quantities by style, size, and color
• Manage sales, margins, open-to-buy, and inventory productivity while partnering with Planning to optimize store-level assortments
• Build strategic vendor partnerships, negotiate purchasing terms, analyze market trends, and identify new product opportunities
• Monitor category performance and respond proactively to changes in customer demand, competitive activity, and sales trends
• Partner with Marketing and Merchandising teams to drive omnichannel performance across stores and e-commerce
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and provide guidance, coaching, and support to junior merchandising associates
• Attend markets, vendor meetings, and store visits as needed

Wendy Krepp