Category Merchandiser

Zumiez Inc•Lynnwood, WA

4h•$35 - $38•Onsite

About The Position

The Category Merchandiser is responsible for driving growth across Tops, Tees, Knits, Fleece, Owned Blanks, and Direct-to-Garment (DTG) programs within our owned and licensed brand portfolio. By connecting trend insights, customer demand, business performance, and vendor capabilities, this role identifies product opportunities and accelerates speed-to-market. Working cross-functionally with Design, Buying, Production, and support teams, the Category Merchandiser translates key insights into scalable product strategies that support category growth, customer relevance, and business performance. While Knits, Tees, and Fleece are the primary focus, this role remains flexible to support additional categories and emerging opportunities as needed.

Requirements

3-5 years of experience in merchandising, buying, planning, or product design—ideally with a focus on private label or vertical retail
Bachelor's degree in merchandising, business, fashion, or a related field preferred
Experience with knit/fleece product categories or print/direct to garment programs a plus
Strong data analysis and retail math skills, with the ability to translate sales performance and trend forecasting into product and category strategy
Working knowledge of apparel development, sourcing, production timelines, and margin architecture
Proficient in Excel, Word, and Outlook, along with relevant merchandising/data tools
Excellent verbal, written, and visual communication skills, with the ability to present strategy and insights to cross-functional leaders
Strong collaboration and interpersonal skills, with the ability to give and receive constructive feedback
Analytical, detail-oriented problem-solver with strong follow-through, urgency, and organizational skills in a fast-paced environment
Strong product sensibility with a bias for action and entrepreneurial spirit in identifying and capitalizing on trends
Ability to travel approximately 1–2 weeks per year

Responsibilities

Identify emerging trends across silhouette, fit, fabrication, wash, print, and embellishment, with a primary focus on Knits, Tees, and Fleece, translating insights into actionable product opportunities that drive category growth, customer relevance, and speed-to-market.
Research aspirational brands, competitors, retailers, cultural shifts, and global market trends to identify opportunities that can scale across owned and licensed brands while maintaining distinct brand positioning.
Drive innovation within printable blanks and Direct-to-Garment (DTG) programs by identifying trend-right product, fabrication, silhouette, and print opportunities that increase speed, flexibility, and business growth.
Combine trend research, customer insights, sales performance, and key business metrics across Zumiez, Blue Tomato, and Fast Times to evaluate opportunity size, category impact, and growth potential.
Partner with Design, Sourcing, and vendor partners to leverage existing capabilities, new developments, and inventory opportunities that accelerate speed-to-market and simplify product development.
Establish and lead a consistent cross-functional forum and tools for aligning on category priorities and product opportunities, recommended action points and risk assessments.
Help teams move faster by reducing complexity, improving communication, and creating clarity around priorities, ownership, and decision-making.
Build and present recurring sales recaps and performance insights to inform decisions across Merchandising, Design, Buying, Graphics, and Sourcing.
Perform special projects and additional duties assigned to support evolving business priorities.