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Associate Merchandise Buyer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Merchandise Analysis: Analyze weekly and monthly sales, stock, and on-order with the goal of ... An Associate Buyer should expect to spend 2 years gaining experience and mastering the required ...

About the RoleTotal Wine & More is seeking a detail-oriented, process-driven Associate Buyer to join our growing Merchandising team in Bethesda, MD. In this role, the Associate Buyer supports the ...

Bachelor's Degree in Fashion Merchandising or a related field. * 1-2 years as a Buyer, with consideration for seasoned Associate level experience. * 3-5 years merchandising, planning, buying, or ...

Bachelor's Degree in Fashion Merchandising or a related field. * 1-2 years as a Buyer, with consideration for seasoned Associate level experience. * 3-5 years merchandising, planning, buying, or ...

Merchandise Planner

Hanover, MD · On-site

$60K - $75K/yr

... associates and customers • Proven ability to plan, organize, multi-task, set priorities ... related buying experience or 5-7 years with a mix of buying, planning and placement ...

Retail Associate

Woodbridge, VA

$15 - $17.25/hr

... merchandise at extraordinary savings. All while providing a fun and exciting treasure hunt ... Our Corporate headquarters are in Dublin, CA, we have 3 buying offices in key markets in New York ...

Retail Associate

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$15.50 - $17.75/hr

... merchandise at extraordinary savings. All while providing a fun and exciting treasure hunt ... Our Corporate headquarters are in Dublin, CA, we have 3 buying offices in key markets in New York ...

Retail Associate

Bowie, MD

$14.75 - $17/hr

... merchandise at extraordinary savings. All while providing a fun and exciting treasure hunt ... Our Corporate headquarters are in Dublin, CA, we have 3 buying offices in key markets in New York ...

Retail Associate

Baileys Crossroads, VA · On-site

$16.25 - $18.75/hr

... merchandise at extraordinary savings. All while providing a fun and exciting treasure hunt ... Our Corporate headquarters are in Dublin, CA, we have 3 buying offices in key markets in New York ...

Retail Associate

Laurel, MD · On-site

$15.25 - $17.50/hr

... merchandise at extraordinary savings. All while providing a fun and exciting treasure hunt ... Our Corporate headquarters are in Dublin, CA, we have 3 buying offices in key markets in New York ...

Retail Associate

Silver Spring, MD

$15.75 - $18/hr

... merchandise at extraordinary savings. All while providing a fun and exciting treasure hunt ... Our Corporate headquarters are in Dublin, CA, we have 3 buying offices in key markets in New York ...

Retail Associate

Falls Church, VA · On-site

$16.25 - $18.75/hr

... merchandise at extraordinary savings. All while providing a fun and exciting treasure hunt ... Our Corporate headquarters are in Dublin, CA, we have 3 buying offices in key markets in New York ...

Retail Associate

Washington, DC · On-site

$16.75 - $19.25/hr

... merchandise at extraordinary savings. All while providing a fun and exciting treasure hunt ... Our Corporate headquarters are in Dublin, CA, we have 3 buying offices in key markets in New York ...

Retail Associate

Germantown, MD

$15.50 - $17.75/hr

... merchandise at extraordinary savings. All while providing a fun and exciting treasure hunt ... Our Corporate headquarters are in Dublin, CA, we have 3 buying offices in key markets in New York ...

Retail Associate

Manassas, VA

$15.25 - $17.50/hr

... merchandise at extraordinary savings. All while providing a fun and exciting treasure hunt ... Our Corporate headquarters are in Dublin, CA, we have 3 buying offices in key markets in New York ...

Retail Associate

Halethorpe, MD · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

... merchandise at extraordinary savings. All while providing a fun and exciting treasure hunt ... Our Corporate headquarters are in Dublin, CA, we have 3 buying offices in key markets in New York ...

Retail Associate

Falls Church, VA

$16.25 - $18.75/hr

... merchandise at extraordinary savings. All while providing a fun and exciting treasure hunt ... Our Corporate headquarters are in Dublin, CA, we have 3 buying offices in key markets in New York ...

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Associate Merchandise Buyer information

See Washington salary details

$2.9K

$4.2K

$6.2K

How much do associate merchandise buyer jobs pay per month?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average monthly pay for associate merchandise buyer in Washington is $4,247.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $3,208.33 and $5,283.33 per month, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an associate merchandise buyer do?

An Associate Merchandise Buyer assists in selecting and purchasing products for retail stores based on market trends, customer preferences, and inventory needs. They work closely with senior buyers to analyze sales data, negotiate with suppliers, and ensure that the right mix of merchandise is available. Additionally, they help with tracking orders, managing inventory levels, and supporting merchandising strategies to maximize sales and profitability.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an associate merchandise buyer?

To thrive as an Associate Merchandise Buyer, you need strong analytical skills, knowledge of retail math, and a bachelor's degree in business, merchandising, or a related field. Experience with inventory management systems, Excel, and retail analytics platforms like SAP or Oracle is typically required. Excellent negotiation, communication, and organizational skills help you build supplier relationships and manage multiple tasks. These abilities are crucial for making informed purchasing decisions that optimize inventory, drive sales, and meet customer demand.

How does an associate merchandise buyer collaborate with other departments within a retail organization?

As an Associate Merchandise Buyer, you will regularly partner with teams such as planning, marketing, and inventory management. Your role involves close communication with planners to monitor stock levels and sales trends, and with marketing to coordinate product launches and promotional strategies. Collaboration with vendors and the visual merchandising team is also common to ensure products are delivered on time and displayed effectively. This cross-functional teamwork is essential for achieving sales goals and maintaining a cohesive brand experience.

What is the difference between Associate Merchandise Buyer vs Merchandise Planner?

AspectAssociate Merchandise BuyerMerchandise Planner
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in business, marketing, or related fieldSimilar educational background, often with additional training in inventory management
Work EnvironmentRetail or wholesale companies, working closely with vendors and sales teamsRetail companies, focusing on sales forecasting and inventory optimization
Primary ResponsibilitiesAssisting in selecting products, negotiating with suppliers, and supporting buying decisionsPlanning sales, inventory levels, and product distribution to meet targets

While both roles support retail operations, the Associate Merchandise Buyer focuses on product selection and vendor relations, whereas the Merchandise Planner emphasizes sales forecasting and inventory management. Both positions require similar educational backgrounds and work in retail environments, but their core functions differ to support different aspects of merchandise management.

What are the most commonly searched types of Merchandise Buyer jobs in Washington?

The most popular types of Merchandise Buyer jobs in Washington are:

What are popular job titles related to Associate Merchandise Buyer jobs in Washington?

For Associate Merchandise Buyer jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Associate Merchandise Buyer jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Associate Merchandise Buyer jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Associate Merchandise Buyer jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Associate Merchandise Buyer job openings:

Associate Buyer (Apparel)

DTLR, Inc.

Hanover, MD • On-site

Other

Retirement

Re-posted 11 days ago


DTLR rating

4.1

Company rating: 4.1 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Come work for us!

We are looking for dedicated employees to join our team to help our customers have the best experience possible every time they enter a DTLR store.


Our employees are key to our success.


The Associate Apparel Buyer is responsible for assisting the buyer in managing all aspects of the category businesses in order to drive results that meet or exceed the planned financial and qualitative objectives established for the fiscal period. The Associate Buyer will support administrative needs of the business group. They’ll take data flow information and independently make recommendations on how to drive the business, take initiative to understand variance to plan and prior year, build partnerships that allow for open and timely communication and have confidence to speak in open forums to provide value added comments.


Duties/Responsibilities:


Purchase order management: Ability to enter buys into the system with an understanding of how the product and deliveries affect the company’s overall goal. Ability to reconcile and report receipts monthly and demonstrate financial responsibility for success of business


Manage Style Outs: Responsible for sample management for respective brands and coordinating pass offs to marketing, ecom, and visual merchandising teams. Work efficiently creating visual presentations of product information and color, that can be used by VM, Marketing and Ecommerce teams.


Merchandise Analysis: Analyze weekly and monthly sales, stock, and on-order with the goal of optimizing sales and minimizing markdowns. Identify Key Trending in the marketplace and react quickly, both major and minor, in the business, whether they be product related, or store related. Driving sales and margins through vendor communication, internal design and product development,


Merchandise Planning: Works closely with the Buyer and Planner revising plans to ensure that sales and margin are optimized by class. Ensure the buying direction is on target based on partnering with Buyer and comprehensive analysis of the business, e.g., last year results, current trends, attribute selling, etc.


OTB (Open-To-Buy) Management: Manage the financial elements of the business, e.g., OTB, IMU, MD’s, etc. Ensure that the receipt plan is tightly managed and that orders are placed on a timely basis (neither too late or too soon) and that receipts flow correctly throughout the month.


E-Commerce: Assist in selecting new products for e-commerce division from retail’s assortment. Suggest category extensions / web exclusives to further growth. Provide vendor/style investments by quarter in order to promote product through our web platforms


Vendor Relations: Develop effective and beneficial relationships with key vendors. Sit in on vendors’ appointments and participate in product development and purchasing in the market. Prepare for meetings and projects with Business Analysts. Manage vendor performance through effective negotiation and communication to maximize profitability, achieve financial objectives and ensure optimal supply chain operations.


Communication: Ensure that all communication (listening and directing) is conducted appropriately with the stores, vendors, ecommerce and warehouse. Develop collaborative relationships with internal colleagues including Planning, Visual Merchandising, Ecommerce, Buyers, Marketing and Community, and the Operational team. Gain understanding of all roles and responsibilities within the organization and be flexible and cooperative in working with teams to achieve a common goal.


Performs other duties as may be assigned


Required Skills/Abilities:


Demonstrate an understanding of the DTLR target customer and the ability to select the appropriate product trend that will appeal to the customer and meet their expectations.


Experience with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint & Outlook) and the ability to learn new computer systems quickly and retain the information


Exhibit a professional communication style (both verbal and written) as shown through strong presentation skills and excellent organizational skills, with a high sense of urgency.


The ability to prioritize tasks to balance the immediate and long term needs of the business.


Must be task driven and pro-active when it comes to executing tasks


Work requires a solid knowledge of business and an excellent command of the English language to effectively communicate with management, associates, and customers


Must demonstrate an ability to think strategically, plan and organize effectively


Must be able to maintain an exemplary degree of professionalism in all situations


The ability to execute directives with precision and consistency


Detail oriented, excellent time management with a strong sense of urgency.


Education and Experience:


High School Diploma or GED is a must.


Requires a minimum of two (3-5) years of retail experience


Must be willing to travel via car, plane or train


Career Path:


An Associate Buyer should expect to spend 2 years gaining experience and mastering the required skills prior to being considered for promotion to the Buyer level.


Physical Requirements:


While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit. The employee frequently is required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk; or hear.


The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.


Specific vision abilities required by this job may include close vision, distance vision and depth perception.


The incumbent must be able to work in a fast-paced environment.


General Information:


The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required of personnel so classified. DTLR, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits


discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.


#LI-DNI


Compensation: Associate Apparel Buyer pay range: $55,000-$60,000 annually. This role will be eligible for the company 401K plan.


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