Title

Merchandise Assistant

Reports to

Buyer

Supervises

N/A

Overview

As a Merchandise Assistant (MA), you will support the daily operational functions within your designated buying area; support the buying team in managing the overall merchandise flow. You will also learn to develop key cross functional relationships with both the market and internal partners: distribution center, design, and production. The MA is also responsible for partnering with the Buyer and/or Associate Buyer on all necessary tasks.

Responsibilities

Samples

• Open all packages and distribute to the appropriate Buyer for review
• Organize all sample areas (our area, desk, shelves, etc.)
• Manage and set up samples for all styleouts and other meetings
• Call in any missing samples from vendors or request from production via sample log
• Organize and file all vendor catalogs.
• Work with Buyer and/or Associate Buyer to request appropriate number of samples for web turnover, press previews, and other meetings

Mail / Email

• Check all mailboxes and distribute mail twice daily
• Open all mail and distribute to the appropriate Assistant Buyer for review
• Drop inter office mail off in mailroom
• Answer all emails promptly and in an organized fashion

Visual Merchandising

• Take digital photos of all items
• Manage and maintain picture packs
• Take pictures of styleouts

Web Velocity/Turnover

• Print department’s classes on the combined web velocity for the Buyer and Associate Buyer
• Pass all samples to the Product Coordination team with completed tags and Product Information sheets weekly

Vendor Communication

• After opening unsolicited samples, contact vendors with feedback
• Answer various inquiries, especially shipping related
• Set up new vendors as needed

Attribute Management

• Run reports every Monday morning for Buyer and Associate Buyer
• Make all necessary attribute changes and confirm everything is coded correctly

Calendar

• Review the Buyer’s calendar weekly and prepare for upcoming meetings
• Add meetings to the Buyer’s calendar and book rooms when appropriate

Qualifications

• Must exhibit strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Detail Oriented Ability to work in a fast-paced work environment with sense of urgency
• An understanding of the customer's wants and needs and the ability to identify the appropriate product/trend that will appeal to the customer and meet their expectations.
• Ability to prioritize projects and handle multiple tasks.
• Must demonstrate creative thinking.
• Rudimentary understanding of retail math
• 1-2 Years retail experience or internship.

Job Skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion, Business, or a related field.

Location

Philadelphia, PA

Travel

No Travel Required