Urban Outfitters Associate Buyer - Men's Denim

About the Role

Urban Outfitters is seeking a trend-obsessed and data-fluent Associate Buyer to use data and market insights in building an assortment that spans core essentials to viral fashion-forward pieces. This role involves collaborating with Buying, Planning, and Design teams to curate collections that are both culturally relevant and commercially successful, leveraging expertise in product development, vendor communication, and trend awareness.

Responsibilities

• Assortment Strategy: Assist in building a balanced and brand-appropriate assortment by analyzing customer feedback and market trends. Support the development of core business categories while incorporating fashion newness and test silhouettes. Help maintain the appropriate mix of private label and branded products across categories. Contribute to monthly shop planning and seasonal line reviews.
• Fashion & Trend Awareness: Stay informed on fashion trends, styles, and cultural shifts through industry publications, fashion shows, and social media. Provide input on product selection with a strong sense of style and customer relevance. Monitor the competitive landscape and identify emerging trends to support assortment decisions.
• Product Development: Support research of new products, suppliers, and vendors to expand the assortment. Collaborate with the Design team to develop relevant and fashion-forward styles. Assist in applying trend insights to product development, including web expansion opportunities. Partner with Production to help balance quality, lead times, and price/value.
• Vendor Relationships: Communicate professionally with vendors to support product development and delivery timelines. Assist in negotiating pricing, delivery, and terms under the guidance of the Buyer. Help identify and onboard new suppliers and brands to enhance the product mix.
• Planning & Financial Support: Support Open to Buy (OTB) management by maintaining flow sheets and item plans. Monitor business performance and assist in executing reorders, cancellations, and markdowns. Understand seasonality and contribute to inventory planning and profitability strategies.
• Data Utilization: Analyze sales velocity, returns, markdowns, and customer behavior to inform buying decisions. Participate in in-season and post-season hindsight reviews to evaluate performance and identify opportunities. Use data to support product recommendations and assortment adjustments.
• Collaboration & Communication: Work cross-functionally with Planning, Design, and Production teams to ensure alignment on product and business goals. Communicate clearly and professionally across teams and with external partners.

Requirements

• Education: Fashion or merchandising degree or equivalent experience desired.
• Experience: 3 years of experience in a buying or retail role is preferred.
• Demographic Knowledge: Demonstrate an understanding of the target customer and the ability to select the appropriate product/trend that will appeal to the customer and meet their expectations.
• Analytical Understanding: Comfort with use of statistical components of the business (IMU%, MD%, GM%, selloff, WOS, etc.) and the OTB.
• Communication: Positive, professional, and timely communication with teams, supporting departments, vendors, and suppliers.
• Time Management: Proactively plan and control time to efficiently deliver team priorities and meet deadlines.
• Detail Orientation: Focus on and manage the small details of a task or project to consistently produce high-quality work.
• Ownership: Take responsibility for the outcomes of your work and the decisions that lead to those outcomes. Hold yourself accountable.
• Inclusivity: Commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion within the workplace.

Benefits

URBN offers comprehensive Perks & Benefits to employees, including medical, dental, vision, PTO, generous employee discounts, and retirement savings. Availability and eligibility may vary by location and employment status.