Buyer, WGA Stores

Overview

Forever 21 is a fashion industry leader making the latest trends accessible to all while inspiring unique style and confidence. With a renewed focus on the customer experience, the brand offers high style designs and fashion basics with compelling values and a dynamic store environment. While driving innovation across e-commerce and digital to expand access and convenience, the brand continues to strengthen its positioning as today’s preferred destination for the fashionable consumer. Forever 21 is located in more than 540 locations globally and online, and we’re seeking passionate and creative people to join our Forever family.

Under the general direction of the Sr. Buyer, Buying Manager or DMM the Buyer will use discretion and independent judgement in developing and/or procuring merchandise assortments for main assigned portion(s) of the business. The Buyer will work to create the appropriate merchandise mix based on emerging market trends, along with meeting the assortment strategies established by management.  

Responsibilities

• Create and execute a merchandise assortment plan that supports the financial and merchandising objectives set by senior management 
• Participate in weekly open-to-buy meetings with Planning & Allocation and provide technical feedback and analysis  to ensure the department achieves financial targets for turn and sell-through goals 
• Participate in fittings to evaluate the hanger appeal of a garment, making sure that it is salable  
• Negotiate product quality, purchase quantity, landed cost, and delivery with vendors  

• Conduct the initial garment selection, recommending to management the colors, trims, and fabric that work best with the garment 
• Coordinate with cross-functional partners such as Production, Design, and Trend &Print in order to make sure designs are adoptable, costs are measured, and concepts are clearly defined  
• Review weekly sales performance to identify potential re-order opportunities and recommend styles that require markdowns  
• Perform continuous competitor and market analysis by researching various mediums for emerging trends in color, materials, and categories, in addition to price points and promotional campaigns from competitors 
• Analyze selling and inventory reports on a weekly basis in order to maintain a solid understanding of the business  

• Train, develop, and mentor the Assistant Buyer and/or Associate Buyer to ensure that financial and product goals are met. 

Qualifications

• Must have a BFA or related degree  
• Must have 3-5 years of buying experience in a specialty retail environment 
• Proven track record of success as an Apparel or Non Apparel buyer (depending on category opening)  

• Must possess the ability to understand and act upon financial retail indicators such as sales, gross margin, inventory productivity, sell-through and turn 
• Must be able to effectively communicate with Management and subordinates  

ADDIOTIONAL DATA

The salary range for this position is $68,469 - $80,633 annually. Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to position offered and work experience. In addition to your salary, Forever 21, and its affiliated brands, offers a benefits package, including 401(k) plan, overtime pay, flexible work schedule and a generous employee discount program (all benefits are based on eligibility). Additional information regarding the benefits for this position can be found in the Benefits Guide that is available in our Human Resources Department.

Salary : $68,469 - $80,633