Category Buyer

About Armstrong Garden CentersArmstrong Garden Centers is a $250 million multi-state company headquartered in Glendora, California. With a rich history and deep roots in the communities we serve, we operate a successful network of retail garden centers, a growing wholesale nursery business, and a commercial landscape division. Across all channels, our mission is to inspire and support our customers and partners with quality products, expert advice, and sustainable practices. Position SummaryArmstrong Garden Centers and Pike Nurseries are seeking a strategic, trend‑driven Category Buyer to own the end‑to‑end merchandising and procurement strategy for Home Décor, Holiday/Seasonal Items, and Patio Furniture. This role leads category vision, vendor strategy, and financial performance across 46 retail locations in a multi‑region footprint, balancing creativity with disciplined execution. Primary Duties and ResponsibilitiesMerchandising & Trend AnalysisIdentify and forecast consumer trends in home décor, seasonal merchandise, and outdoor living categoriesDevelop compelling, regionally relevant assortments aligned with brand positioning and customer preferencesLead seasonal and holiday category calendars, including long‑lead planning, open‑to‑buy management, and post‑season analysisAnticipate and mitigate inventory and demand risk inherent in seasonal and trend‑driven categoriesSourcing & Vendor ManagementSource products from domestic and international vendors, negotiating terms including lead times, exclusivity, payment terms, freight, and margin structureEstablish, manage, and strengthen vendor relationships to drive collaboration, innovation, and long-term valueLead vendor performance reviews, ensuring accountability for quality, pricing, service levels, and on-time deliveryIdentify and onboard new vendors to enhance product assortment and competitive positioningAttend trade shows and market events to discover new products and suppliersInventory & AllocationManage the flow of goods and replenishment across 46 retail locations in multiple states, ensuring optimal inventory levelsCollaborate with store, operation and visual merchandising teams on product arrival, pricing, merchandising plan, and replenishment planBalance inventory investment with sales performance to minimize markdowns and excess stockFinancial ManagementOwn full category P&L, including sales growth, gross margin, markdown risk, and inventory investmentDevelop annual and seasonal category strategies aligned to business objectives and regional customer needsMonitor KPIs and adjust strategies to meet or exceed financial targetsCross-Functional CollaborationPartner with marketing, store operations, and visual merchandising teams to support product launches and promotionsEnsure alignment between product assortment, seasonal campaigns, and in-store execution Qualifications & Requirements5+ years of progressive buying or category management experience in specialty retail, lifestyle, home décor, garden, or seasonal categoriesStrong understanding of merchandising, pricing strategies, and gross margin managementExperience sourcing products both domestically and internationallyProven experience managing vendor relationships and negotiating favorable termsProven ability to analyze sales data and translate insights into actionable strategiesExcellent negotiation, communication, and relationship management skillsHighly organized with the ability to manage multiple categories and deadlines simultaneouslyProficiency in retail systems, forecasting tools, and Microsoft Excel Preferred AttributesPassion for home décor, seasonal merchandising, and outdoor living trendsEntrepreneurial mindset with a strong sense of ownership and accountabilityAbility to thrive in a fast-paced, multi-location retail environment What Success Looks LikeStrong, differentiated product assortments that drive customer engagement and salesConsistent achievement of sales, margin, and inventory turn goalsEffective product flow and inventory management across all store locationsHigh-performing vendor partnerships and innovative product sourcingSeasonal programs become more disciplined, differentiated, and profitable Compensation & BenefitsArmstrong Garden Centers offers a comprehensive total rewards package designed to attract and retain exceptional leadership talent. Employee OwnershipArmstrong is a 100% employee‑owned company through our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)Leaders directly contribute to the long-term financial success of the company Compensation & BenefitsCompetitive base salary commensurate with experiencePerformance-based bonus opportunitiesComprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance401(k) plan with company match (in addition to the ESOP)Paid vacation, holidays, and sick timeThe opportunity to lead in a scenic, outdoor-oriented retail environment with a culture of independence and agility