Assistant Buyer

In 2002, AKIRA opened the doors to its first women's clothing boutique in Chicago. Since then, the company has extended its reach to 40+ stores across the United States, as well as a thriving eCommerce business (shopAKIRA.com). AKIRA is extremely well-poised for sustained growth as we continue to build a nationally recognized brand. AKIRA's culture emphasizes Other-Worldly Customer Service and Fanatical, Obsessive Attention to the consumer's needs and desires. The core principle for all employees is to Act and Think Like an Owner.

Location: Chicago, IL - Onsite (Not a remote role)

About the role

We are looking for a motivated and detail-oriented Assistant Buyer - Apparel to join our growing team. This role supports the buying team in managing vendor relationships, purchase orders, product data, and inventory to ensure the successful execution of our apparel assortment. The ideal candidate is highly organized, proactive, and excited to contribute to a fast-paced, trend-driven environment.

Responsibilities

• Vendor Communication & Relationship Management
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with apparel vendors and suppliers.
  • Communicate clearly with vendors on order status, product availability, delivery timelines, and issue resolution.
• Purchase Order & Inventory Management
  • Accurately enter and track purchase orders, ensuring all orders are processed efficiently and on time.
  • Monitor and follow up on open orders to address discrepancies, delays, or adjustments.
  • Assist in managing inventory levels, ensuring stock aligns with sales forecasts and customer demand.
• Product Data & SKU Maintenance
  • Support the Buyer in managing a broad assortment of SKUs, ensuring product information is accurate and up-to-date.
  • Organize and maintain product databases, ensuring all apparel items are properly set up and tracked.
• Email & Communication Management
  • Handle a high volume of email communications with vendors and internal teams.
  • Respond promptly to inquiries and manage information flow to support efficient collaboration.
• Sales & Trend Analysis
  • Assist in analyzing sales performance, trend data, and vendor metrics to support product selection and buying decisions.
  • Provide insights and recommendations to optimize the apparel assortment based on performance data.
• Cross-functional Collaboration
  • Partner with allocation, planning, and logistics teams to ensure timely product delivery and smooth inventory flow.
  • Coordinate with internal departments to support key merchandising and operational initiatives.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Fashion Merchandising, Business, Marketing, or related field (preferred).
• 1-3 years of experience in buying, merchandising, product coordination, or vendor management, preferably in apparel or fashion.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook); experience with retail systems or ERP software a plus.
• Analytical mindset with an understanding of sales data and fashion trends.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Pet Insurance
• Life, LTD
• FSA/HSA/Dependent Care FSA
• Flex Transit (CTA)
• 401(k)
• Generous employee discount
• Internal growth and career advancement opportunities

Job Type: Full-Time