Assistant Buyer

The Paper Store•Acton, MA

5d•$60,000 - $75,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Buyer, Fashion & Accessories, supports the buying process from product discovery through delivery to stores and online. In partnership with the Buyer, this role identifies trends and product opportunities, analyzes weekly performance, manages vendor relationships, and helps ensure products move smoothly from selection to the customer. The position supports both brick-and-mortar and eCommerce operations and works across Planning, Allocation, Marketing, E-Commerce, Distribution, and store teams. The role is based at the Corporate Office in Acton, Massachusetts, and requires onsite work at least four days per week. The position is intended for someone interested in developing toward a Buyer role and taking on greater category ownership over time.

Requirements

1–3 years of experience as an assistant buyer in a retail organization; the posting also specifies 2+ years supporting retail buying.
Strong understanding of retail math, including sales, margin, inventory, sell-through, and turn.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Outlook; Excel skills should include working with data and reporting.
Strong numerical and analytical aptitude, with the ability to turn data into actionable insights.
Good organizational skills, including prioritization, time management, and meeting deadlines.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, and communication and negotiation skills or experience.
Strong attention to detail and follow-through; ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced retail environment.
Ability to work onsite at the Corporate Office in Acton, MA at least four days per week.
Professional presentation in attire, demeanor, and appearance.

Nice To Haves

Experience in Fashion, Accessories, Apparel, Handbags, or related retail categories, ideally in a fast-paced, high-SKU environment.
Experience supporting both brick-and-mortar and eCommerce businesses.
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Fashion, Retail, or a related field.
Curiosity about fashion trends, new brands, products, and customer preferences.
Interest in developing toward a Buyer role and taking on greater category ownership over time.

Responsibilities

Monitor emerging fashion, accessory, color, and lifestyle trends across retail, social media, and customer behavior.
Review competitors’ assortments, pricing, promotions, and emerging brands to identify opportunities.
Assist with vendor meetings, market appointments, trade shows, and product reviews.
Track new products, best sellers, emerging trends, and assortment opportunities; build expertise in assigned categories and customers.
Analyze weekly sales, margin, inventory, sell-through, and turn to identify trends and opportunities.
Support seasonal and post-season analysis to inform future buying decisions.
Manage purchase orders, including entry, updates, accuracy, and vendor follow-up.
Monitor order status, shipping, costs, cancellations, and backorders.
Maintain accurate SKU, vendor, and product information in internal systems.
Track samples and communicate product changes to cross-functional partners.
Prepare reports, meeting recaps, product information, and seasonal buying materials.
Execute allocations and replenishment to support store inventory needs.
Partner with Planning, Allocation, and Distribution Center teams to ensure smooth product flow.
Support transfers, consolidations, recalls, and other inventory needs; maintain accurate data to support inventory productivity.
Work with Planning, Allocation, Marketing, E-Commerce, Distribution, and store teams.
Ensure product information, images, and details are accurate for digital channels.
Support seasonal launches, promotions, and key product initiatives.
Communicate with vendors about samples, product details, deliveries, and order updates.