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Assistant Merchant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Express & Bonobos

Assistant Merchant

Columbus, OH

The Assistant Merchant is responsible for maintaining data integrity, managing samples, preparing for key meetings, and providing insights into market trends and customer behavior. KEY ...

Express

Assistant Merchant

Columbus, OH · On-site

The Assistant Merchant is responsible for maintaining data integrity, managing samples, preparing for key meetings, and providing insights into market trends and customer behavior. KEY ...

Dick's Sporting Goods

Assistant Merchant

Coraopolis, PA · On-site

Role Responsibilities: * Assist the merchants in the in-depth development of merchandise assortments by category, collaborating on every aspect of the process. Sit with the merchant to go through the ...

Dick's Sporting Goods

Assistant Merchant

Center, TX

Role Responsibilities: * Assist the merchants in the in-depth development of merchandise assortments by category, collaborating on every aspect of the process. Sit with the merchant to go through the ...

Academy, Ltd.

Assistant Merchant

Katy, TX

Who You Will Work With Work closely with multiple Buyers and Assistant Buyers, acting as a key support partner for day-to-day merchandising operations. Frequent touchpoints with merchant teammates ...

Academy Sports + Outdoors

Assistant Merchant

Katy, TX · On-site

Who You Will Work With Work closely with multiple Buyers and Assistant Buyers, acting as a key support partner for day-to-day merchandising operations. Frequent touchpoints with merchant teammates ...

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Assistant Merchant information

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How much do assistant merchant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant merchant in the United States is $22.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $25.00 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 are Assistant Merchants?

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.
More about Assistant Merchant jobs
What cities are hiring for Assistant Merchant jobs? Cities with the most Assistant Merchant job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Merchant jobs? The most popular types of Merchant jobs are:
What states have the most Assistant Merchant jobs? States with the most job openings for Assistant Merchant jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Assistant Merchant jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Assistant Merchant jobs are:
Assistant Merchant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assistant Merchant job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,917 per year, or $22.1 per hour.

Assistant Merchant

Express & Bonobos

Columbus, OH

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Overview
About PHOENIX
PHOENIX Retail, LLC is a retail platform operating the Express and Bonobos brands worldwide.
About Express
Express is a multichannel apparel brand dedicated to a design philosophy rooted in modern, confident and effortless style whether dressing for work, everyday or special occasions. Since its launch in 1980, the brand has embraced a design philosophy rooted in modern, confident and effortless style. Express ensures you look and feel your best, wherever life takes you. The Company operates over 400 retail and outlet stores in the United States and Puerto Rico, the express.com online store and the Express mobile app.
Location Name
Columbus Corporate Headquarters
Responsibilities
The Assistant Merchant supports the Merchant team in achieving seasonal and annual financial objectives by contributing to assortment strategies and ensuring operational efficiency. This role collaborates closely with cross-functional teams, manages daily operational functions, and assists in product development and market research. The Assistant Merchant is responsible for maintaining data integrity, managing samples, preparing for key meetings, and providing insights into market trends and customer behavior.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Assist in developing seasonal assortments, including initial product selection, roadmap creation, and style set-up.
  • Manage operational tasks, including order management, sample organization, meeting preparation, and data accuracy acrossall systems.
  • Conduct market research and competitive analysis, providing insights that inform product development and pricing strategies.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Production, Planning, Design, eCommerce, Visual, Marketing) to ensure the successful execution of assortment strategies.
  • Maintain style attribution, adoption, and updates, ensuring accuracy and relevance.
  • Prepare and present hindsighting selling reports, highlighting opportunities for future season planning.
  • Support product development by communicating tactical updates to the appropriate teams, including design, production, and sourcing.
  • Track and manage order delivery and launch timing, reporting exceptions and ensuring deadlines are met.
  • Partner with the planning team on seasonal financial plans, pricing, and item descriptions.
  • Compile and distribute product knowledge to internal teams on a monthly or seasonal basis.
  • Stay updated on trends and customer preferences to inform product selection and assortment decisions

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor's degree in business, retail merchandising, fashion merchandising, or a related field is preferred.
  • 0-3 years of experience in retail merchandising, buying, or related field.
  • Proficient in Excel and Google; experience with Retail Management Systems (RMS), BeProduct or S5, or similar RMS is a plus.
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and multitask in a fast-paced environment.
  • Acute fashion sense with the ability to interpret market trends and customer preferences.
  • Strong analytical skills and understanding of retail math to assess sales and performance.
  • Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.
  • Ability to manage through conflict, problem-solve, and influence decisions effectively

CRITICAL SKILLS & ATTRIBUTES
  • Systems and technology-savvy, with a willingness to adapt to new tools and processes.
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain data integrity across multiple tasks.
  • Demonstrates strong visual taste level and awareness of current trends.
  • Ability to defend and effectively communicate ideas and recommendations across teams.

Early Entry
Closing
If you would like to know more about the California Consumer Privacy Act click here.
Applicants must be currently authorized to work full-time in the United States. PHOENIX does not sponsor applicants for work visas (e.g., H-1B or TN status) for this position.
An equal opportunity employer, PHOENIX does not discriminate in recruiting, hiring or any other terms and conditions of employment hiring on the basis of any federal, state, or locally protected characteristic. PHOENIX only hires individuals authorized for employment in the United States. PHOENIX is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you need an accommodation to search and apply for a job position due to a disability, please call 1-800-964-9793 and say 'Associate Relations' or send an e-mail to AssociateRelations@Express.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.
Notification to Agencies: Please note that PHOENIX does not accept unsolicited resumes or calls from third-party recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of a signed Master Service Agreement and approval from HR to submit resumes for a specific requisition, PHOENIX will not consider or approve payment to any third-parties for hires made.

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