Experienced Apparel Buyer

About the role

We are looking for an experienced Apparel buyer, preferably for dresses and occasion wear, to join the buying team at David’s Bridal. David’s Bridal empowers customers and employees to stay true to their dreams and find the perfect dress or career fit. As a company that sells 1 out of 3 dresses and has the highest customer service score in retail, we are seeking someone passionate about fashion, customer service, and driving sales and profitability.

Responsibilities

• Merge fashion expertise, customer insight, trend forecasting, and financial acumen to create compelling assortments that align with brand objectives and deliver a seamless omnichannel shopping experience.
• Develop and execute seasonal merchandise strategies that support company sales, margin, and growth objectives.
• Curate balanced assortments that reflect current fashion trends, customer preferences, and brand positioning.
• Establish category pricing strategies that optimize value perception, profitability, and market competitiveness.
• Identify opportunities for assortment expansion, category growth, and product innovation.
• Own category performance, including sales, gross margin, inventory productivity, and turnover.
• Partner with Planning teams to develop financial plans, forecasts, and inventory strategies.
• Manage open-to-buy budgets and inventory investments to maximize return while minimizing risk.
• Analyze sales performance, customer behavior, and market trends to inform merchandising decisions.
• Collaborate with Design, Product Development, and Sourcing teams to create exclusive and differentiated product offerings.
• Build and maintain strong vendor relationships to ensure product quality, delivery performance, and competitive costing.
• Lead negotiations related to pricing, costs, lead times, and business terms to achieve margin objectives.
• Monitor competitive trends and marketplace developments to identify new opportunities.
• Partner with Marketing, E-commerce, Visual Merchandising, and Store Operations teams to ensure consistent product storytelling and execution.
• Present category performance, assortment strategies, and business recommendations to senior leadership.
• Mentor and develop Assistant Buyers, Associate Buyers, and Merchandising Coordinators.
• Foster a collaborative, performance-driven culture focused on accountability and continuous improvement.
• Share industry insights, best practices, and merchandising expertise across the organization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Merchandising, Fashion Merchandising, Business, Marketing, or a related field.
• 5–8 years of buying, merchandising, or category management experience within apparel, fashion, bridal, or specialty retail.
• Experience managing product assortments and financial performance in a multi-channel retail environment.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong fashion trend forecasting and market awareness.
• Customer-focused merchandising mindset.
• Advanced retail math and financial planning skills.
• Inventory management and open-to-buy expertise.
• Data-driven decision making and analytical problem solving.
• Excellent presentation, communication, and influencing skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic retail environment.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and merchandising systems.

Benefits

• Full Time Opportunity
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Rewarding Environment and Competitive Pay
• Dream Maker Discount after first pay period
• Referral Incentive Program
• Dayforce Wallet – Get Paid Early!
• Health/Dental/Vision Insurance
• 401K Program
• Paid Vacation, Wellness Days & Holidays, including your Birthday off!
• Pet Benefits