Specialty Retail Buyer

THE PAPER STORE•Acton, MA

9d•Onsite

About The Position

TPS Group Holdings, a family of brands including The Paper Store, Uncharted and Gifts & More, is all about transforming daily routines into joyful escapes that inspire and surprise. Our mission is to connect with every customer through carefully chosen products, immersive shopping experiences, and service that goes the extra mile—creating a space that sparks joy with every visit. The Specialty Retail Buyer is a trend‑driven category owner responsible for driving sales, margin, and growth in a fast‑paced, entrepreneurial specialty retail environment. This role leads assortment strategy, vendor partnerships, pricing, and inventory decisions while quickly responding to trends and customer demand. The Buyer collaborates cross‑functionally with Planning, Allocation, Merchandising, Marketing, and Supply Chain to bring compelling products to market and maximize profitability. This position reports to the Vice President of Purchasing and Allocation and may manage direct reports.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree
3-5 years’ experience as a retail buyer
Sound analytical and problem-solving skills
Strong ability in Microsoft Excel and database applications; including building spreadsheets ad hoc
Extremely detail oriented and willing to analyze down to the lowest level
Ability to work closely with a diverse group of people
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Flexible with all assignments and retail trends
Ability to work 4 days/week at the Corporate Office in Acton, MA
Professional presentation in attire, demeanor, and appearance

Nice To Haves

MicroStrategy reporting ability a plus

Responsibilities

Be a brand ambassador for The Paper Store
Continually seek out new opportunities for the company
Develop a competitive merchandise assortment plan that is customer focused and monitor and adjust sales plan by staying abreast of fashion/industry trends and competition
Secure and analyze quotations; negotiate prices and terms with vendors. Select vendors with respect to cost, quality, and delivery competitiveness for assigned responsibilities
Ensure that product quality standards are met. Meet and exceed customer expectations through selection and pricing
Analyze sales history for trends and item performance
Run and analyze reports to create actionable recommendations
Shop competition to compare products, pricing, merchandising, etc.
Monitor and track quarterly goals and objectives
Maintain budgeted profit margins and OTB for designated areas
Monitor vendor performance for quality, price, and delivery to determine vendor base
Integrate brand, sourcing, marketing and retail supply chain functions into the merchandising process to make advantageous business decisions
Troubleshoot irregularities with vendors and manage negotiations on key issues that include availability of new product, distribution of merchandise, timely deliveries, RTVs, and vendor allowances
Attend trade shows and conferences to research new industry trends and products
Coordinate and manage promotional activities and events.
Developing and building positive, long-term supplier relations.
Responsible for procurement and purchasing activities on assigned projects/vendors.
Define, develop, negotiate and contract solutions that meet business requirements and enhance profitability by controlling/reducing costs, improving payment terms, reducing inventory and optimizing supply chain efficiencies.
Assist product developers in creating projects for new sourcing, sending and accepting cost quotes, and sample request process.
Assist developers by researching retail price comps and retail line logic.
Work closely with store merchandising teams and marketing teams to implement new and creative ways to feature product assortments at store and website levels.
Manage & develop direct reports.