Associate Merchant - Aerie

American Eagle Outfitters•Pittsburgh, PA

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

Aerie is a fast-growing lifestyle brand offering the comfiest intimates, apparel, swim and accessories made to wear in and out. Aerie Real stands for inclusivity and real representation. We celebrate our community by advocating for power, positivity and no retouching. Always & forever REAL™. Responsible for supporting the implementation and execution of strategies to drive a compelling and holistic assortment for the Aerie Brand. This individual will play a critical role on a small, high-performing team to drive business results and category growth through industry research, strategy and product development, and overall execution.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree required; Retail, Finance, or Business focus preferred.
3+ experience as an Assistant Merchant and/ or Associate Merchant from a specialty store
The ability to operate in both a strategic and hands-on capacity is required.
Passionate with a keen sense of the latest fashion trends while being able to interpret them for the aerie customer.
Strong organization, communication, presentation, and negotiation skills. Demonstrated ability to sell and influence.
Strong financial and analytical skills; ability to utilize Google Office Suite, Excel
Demonstrated success in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment; flexibility and team orientation.
Ability to act as liaison between cross functional teams.
Ability to travel.

Responsibilities

Establish, drive and execute a strategic Omni product vision and business plan through effective communication and coordination with cross-functional business partners inclusive of design, international merchandising, planning, etc.
Work closely with Design team to interpret and forecast trends for assigned areas through the customer lens. Develop and assort trend right and brand right product. Drive product innovation.
Understand (at all times) competition and marketplace inclusive of Brick and Mortar AND Digital competition. Make brand right and informed decisions for assigned departments/categories based upon the competitive landscape/marketplace and the needs of the aerie customer.
In partnership with the planning team, establish seasonal strategic plans for sales, markdowns, inventory, and growth opportunity. Effectively manage in-season business to maximize topline sales and minimize markdowns. Work in conjunction with planning to manage the Open-to-Buy as far as receipts, sales, margin, markdowns, and Weeks of Supply.
Analyze performance and plans constantly to look for sales and margin opportunities to exceed plan; quickly adapt and respond to changes/trends occurring in the business and in the marketplace.
Responsible for building an edited collection for the varying aerie formats that maximize sales and margin while meeting the customer needs within reduced space.
Develop and drive, test and react strategy across all channels.
Effectively and efficiently run business meetings to ensure objectives and deadlines are met.
Perform other duties as assigned