1

Assistant Merchant Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

Managing cost deviations: assist merchant in tracking deviation spends, performing profitability analysis (customer and vendor level) and processing and communicating cost increases * Executing all ...

Managing cost deviations: assist merchant in tracking deviation spends, performing profitability analysis (customer and vendor level) and processing and communicating cost increases * Executing all ...

Managing cost deviations: assist merchant in tracking deviation spends, performing profitability analysis (customer and vendor level) and processing and communicating cost increases * Executing all ...

Managing cost deviations: assist merchant in tracking deviation spends, performing profitability analysis (customer and vendor level) and processing and communicating cost increases * Executing all ...

Merchant

Quincy, MA

$75K - $100K/yr

If you need to inquire about an accommodation to assist with completing the application process, please email Talent.Acquisition@jjill.com. The J.Jill Merchant team is responsible for developing and ...

Our Metrowest client is looking for a Merchandise Assistant with 2+ years' experience for a long term contract; this role is onsite Tuesday and Wednesday. This role is $23/hr W2 and could convert in ...

Job #105666 Merchandise Assistant | Framingham, MA Schedule: Hybrid | 2x per week | 36.25 hours in the week Pay Rate: $24/hr | W2 Contract Description: * Assists and supports 2-4 Buyers and an AVP ...

Our Metrowest client is looking for a Merchandise Assistant with 2+ years' experience for a long term contract; this role is onsite Tuesday and Wednesday. This role is $25/hr W2 and could convert in ...

Our Metrowest client is looking for a Merchandise Assistant with 2+ years' experience for a long term contract; this role is onsite Tuesday and Wednesday. This role is $23/hr W2 and could convert in ...

Adecco is assisting a local client recruiting for a Merchandise Assistant Junior position in Framingham, MA. This is an excellent opportunity to join a winning culture and get your foot in the door ...

Adecco is assisting a local client recruiting for a Merchandise Assistant Junior position in Framingham, MA. This is an excellent opportunity to join a winning culture and get your foot in the door ...

Adecco is assisting a local client recruiting for a Merchandise Assistant Junior position in Framingham, MA. This is an excellent opportunity to join a winning culture and get your foot in the door ...

Merchant

Quincy, MA · On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

If you need to inquire about an accommodation to assist with completing the application process, please email Talent.Acquisition@jjill.com. Overview The J.Jill Merchant team is responsible for ...

If you need to inquire about an accommodation to assist with completing the application process, please email Talent.Acquisition@jjill.com. Overview The J.Jill Merchant team is responsible for ...

The Merchant will lead, motive and develop a team of assistants and associates. The impact you can have * Analyze business performance on a weekly basis and present results to cross-functional and ...

Assistant Digital Merchant

Hingham, MA · On-site

$55K - $60K/yr

This position is responsible for communicating and collaborating with cross functional partners from a merchant POV utilizing in-depth analysis, both financial and trend. Ensuring creative and ...

Drive demand through effective merchandising, delivering business objectives and supporting creative concepts and merchandise stories. Create web shops and homepages to test and move forward with ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Assistant Merchant information

See Boston, MA salary details

$10

$23

$39

How much do assistant merchant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant merchant in Boston, MA is $23.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.01 and $26.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Assistant Merchant vs Buyer?

AspectAssistant MerchantBuyer
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in business, marketing, or related fieldsOften requires similar degrees; experience in purchasing or retail is common
Work EnvironmentOffice setting, collaborating with merchants and suppliersOffice or retail environment, focusing on procurement and inventory decisions
Industry UsageUsed across retail, e-commerce, and wholesale sectorsPrimarily in retail and wholesale industries
Common Search/ComparisonOften compared for entry-level roles assisting in merchandisingCompared for roles responsible for buying and inventory management

The Assistant Merchant supports the buying process by assisting senior merchants with product research, vendor communication, and inventory coordination. A Buyer, on the other hand, makes purchasing decisions, negotiates with suppliers, and manages stock levels. While both roles require similar educational backgrounds and work environments, the Assistant Merchant typically works under supervision, whereas the Buyer has more decision-making authority.

What is an assistant merchant?

Assistant Merchants are entry-level professionals who support the merchandising team in retail or wholesale companies. They assist with product selection, inventory management, sales analysis, and communication with vendors. Their role is crucial in ensuring the right products are available in stores at the right time and price. Assistant Merchants often collaborate with buyers, planners, and vendors to drive sales and optimize product assortments.

How does an assistant merchant typically collaborate with buyers and planners in the merchandising process?

As an Assistant Merchant, you will frequently work alongside buyers and planners to execute product assortments, track sales performance, and ensure inventory levels align with demand. You'll help gather and analyze sales data to support buying decisions, prepare reports, and coordinate with planners to monitor stock levels and replenishments. Effective communication and teamwork are essential since much of your day involves cross-functional collaboration to achieve sales and margin targets while responding to market trends.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant merchant, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Merchant, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a relevant degree in business, merchandising, or a related field. Familiarity with retail management systems, inventory tracking software, and Excel is commonly required. Excellent communication, organization, and adaptability are vital soft skills for collaborating with vendors and cross-functional teams. These abilities help ensure effective product selection, inventory management, and overall support of merchandising strategies for retail success.
What are the most commonly searched types of Merchant jobs in Boston, MA? The most popular types of Merchant jobs in Boston, MA are:
What are popular job titles related to Assistant Merchant jobs in Boston, MA? For Assistant Merchant jobs in Boston, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Assistant Merchant jobs in Boston, MA look for? The top searched job categories for Assistant Merchant jobs in Boston, MA are:
What cities near Boston, MA are hiring for Assistant Merchant jobs? Cities near Boston, MA with the most Assistant Merchant job openings:
Infographic showing various Assistant Merchant job openings in Boston, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,154 per year, or $23.6 per hour.

Spec Merchandise

Staples, Inc.

Framingham, MA • On-site

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Staples rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 629 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

426th of 731 rated retailers


Job description

Our merchandising team aims to deliver the best value and selection to our customers through products, services and solutions all centered around our customers' needs. We are driven by customer insights and analytics to bring products and solutions to market seamlessly. We're inclusive, well-rounded professionals who have deep experience in buying, selling, negotiating, operations, design, innovation, finance and more.

What you'll be doing:

  • Support all buying and selling activities with ability to act as Merchant when needed
  • Vendor Program Negotiations: support merchant in all necessary prep work and execution (pulling programs, sending templates, etc.)
  • Managing cost deviations: assist merchant in tracking deviation spends, performing profitability analysis (customer and vendor level) and processing and communicating cost increases
  • Executing all SKU-level operations (set-up, content, activation, inactivation/end-of-life) in various systems and assisting merchant in managing the master assortment
  • Responsible for creating and running reports to support financial review and analysis of vendors and assortment as requested by merchant
  • Entering and updating promotions in all systems and websites
  • Communicating and problem solving cross-functionally within all Staples business units (.com, SBA, Quill, Essendant, HiTouch, etc.), Inventory + Planning, Private Brands, Vendor Management, Accounting +
  • All Merchandise Specialists are enrolled in the Staples Merchant Academy, our industry-leading 6-month training program designed to ensure you have the skills and knowledge to succeed in your role and beyond.

What you bring to the table:

  • Ability to support the Category Merchant in driving profitable sales for the company.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with partners from across the business to curate and manage assortments and promotions in our systems, liaise with vendors and perform other category management activities across our dotcom and/or business-to-business eCommerce platforms.
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and possess strong communications and organizational skills, are detail-oriented and enjoy working both collaboratively and independently to solve problems.
  • Ability to work independently and execute across multiple groups
  • Good verbal and written communication skills necessary
  • Organized, proactive personality, ability to multi-task
  • Ability to learn fast and think on your feet

Qualifications:

What's needed- Basic Qualifications:

  • Minimum of 1 year of experience in business or related field

What's needed- Preferred Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree preferred
  • Skilled in Microsoft Suite 

We Offer:

  • Inclusive culture with associate-led Business Resource Groups
  • Flexible PTO (22 days) and Holiday Schedule (7 observed paid holidays)
  • Online and Retail Discounts, Company Match 401(k), Physical and Mental Health Wellness programs, and more!

Staples is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Staples is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.

What Staples employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom