Assistant Buyer

Merchandising Strategy & Execution

In conjunction with Buyers, develop competitive customer and market strategies that involve targeted merchandise selection, proper assortment, and accurate pricing plans.

Create/select ads, and endcaps for stores. Proofread ads and coupons prior to review with Buyers to ensure accuracy.

Assist Buyers with all fashion, seasonal and other applicable programs to maximize sales and achieve company goals.

Create MicroStrategy and other reports as requested by Buyers.

Analyze categories on a regular basis to identify opportunities, trends, and sales shortfalls. Review findings with Buyers and design specific, targeted action plans to enhance sales.

Participate in the approval process for all decisions pertaining to assortment planning.

Participate in the pre and post line review process as needed, which may include generating reports, performing data analysis, working with schematics to create planograms, working with replenishment, and following up on vendor responsibilities.

Obtain samples and provide direction during advertising promotions. Perform quality control to ensure correct information is provided for both ads and signage.

Aid Buyers with maintaining and tracking all funding (i.e., quarterly damage billings, co-op, special billings, vendor billings, etc.). Reconcile monthly co-op against advertising report and maintain yearly vendor co-op reports.

Vendor Relations, Quality Control & Industry Research

Ensure merchandise quality standards are maintained in accordance with established Buyer specifications and FDS standards.

In consort with the Quality Control Director and Buyers, actively work to identify and resolve quality issues.

Maintain collaborative vendor partnerships, negotiate where applicable, and resolve vendor issues in a timely manner.

Develop strong, collaborative internal relationships with Replenishment, Planning, Allocation, and other departments to ensure departmental goals are understood and executed.

Design and implement (with guidance from Buyers) an ongoing "action learning" program to gain proficiency in responsibilities such as negotiating, line reviews, demographic analysis, etc.

Continuously build upon and increase industry and product knowledge by reading monthly industry reports and enhancing systems knowledge.

Shop local Family Dollar stores, as well as other comparative retail stores, on a regular basis to identify new trends and opportunities, evaluate merchandise mix, evaluate competition, and translate findings into executable product plans.

Position Requirements

Experience: One (1) or more years of retail, buying, purchasing, replenishment or similar job-related experience.

Technical Skills: Must be proficient in the use of Microsoft Office desktop applications and Windows-based programs, as well as retail math; Merchandising, product, trend, and analytical skills beneficial.

Preferred Requirements

Education: Bachelor’s Degree from a four-year college or university or associate degree with additional experience / training preferred.