Urban Outfitters: Associate Buyer
Urban Outfitters, Inc. (“URBN”) is a portfolio of global consumer brands which offers a variety of lifestyle merchandise and consumer products through its brands Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, Free People, BHLDN, Terrain and the Vetri Family.
Title
Associate Buyer
Reports to
Buyer
Supervises
Assistant Buyer
Overview
The Associate Buyer is responsible for partnering with the buyer to create an exciting and timely product assortment for the retail and businesses that meet or exceed the sales volume and profit for the department. They are to execute the vision of the company and intuitively respond to customer feedback and market trends. The associate buyer is responsible for facilitating the product life-cycle from conception to post-season analysis and is also responsible for the assisting in the growth and success of the assistant buyer and merchandise assistant on the team
Responsibilities
Business Analysis:
- Analyze weekly and monthly sales, stock and on order with the goal of optimizing sales and minimizing markdowns
- Work with buyer to manage the financial elements of the business – OTB, IMU, MDs for assigned classes
- Know product for assigned division – understand best and worst sellers and what sets them apart
- Contact vendors about reorders and place reorders by the end of each week
- Consistently run attribute reports and know current sales, on-hand and on-order for critical attributes
- Manage styles to the plan, ensuring that the assortment is properly balanced by looks, silhouettes, fabrics, patterns, color, price points, etc. and that we are taking the correct inventory position with key items and taking fashion risks
- Work with design and production teams to manage the timeline on all product development.
- Attend all fittings to ensure that sizing and fit is standardized throughout the assortment and to make changes based on current swings in the business
Market and Product:
- Identify the appropriate products and trends that will appeal to the customer and exceed their expectations
- Periodically attend local markets and shows with Buyer
- Participate in product review sessions including fit sessions, technical sessions and design sessions
- Shop Urban Outfitters stores at least once per month to understand the customer’s wants and needs
- Shop competition and inspirational stores at least once per month
- Read all current trend publications
- Understand the competition, target customer and brand-specific fashion trends
Merchandise Flow:
- Ensure balanced flow between first and second halves of each month
- Participate in ranking, writing and negotiating all orders
- Coordinate with Buyer on extensions – initiate appropriate penalties
- Negotiate RTVs and manage fit and quality issues
- Drive process of pulling samples from stores in regards to QC issues
- Communicate changes, concerns, orders and reorders with vendors
Communication:
- Communicate in a professional, succinct and positive manner
- Work with Merchandising team to communicate concept and trend information to stores – new set ups, vendors, looks, items
- Maintain a level of confidence when communicating with coworkers at all levels; must have the ability to manage up and down
- Partner and build relationships with design and production teams
Qualifications
- Minimum of 5 years within a buying role in a retail environment.
Job Skills
- Ability to multi-task, prioritize and manage time
- Strong communication skills
- Strong understanding of fashion trends and the Urban Outfitters customer
Education
Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion, Business, or a related field.
Location
Philadelphia, PA
Travel
Some travel required.