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Associate Merchandise Buyer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$70 - $100/hr

Associate Merchandise Planner REPORTS TO: Planning Manager POSITION SUMMARY: The Associate Planner ... and buying needs. * Work closely with Planner/Senior Planner and Omni-Merchants in reviewing in ...

The Role We're hiring an Associate Merchandise Planner. This is a strategic, data-driven role at ... Partner with Buying on seasonal assortment plans, purchase recommendations, and support category ...

The Role We're hiring an Associate Merchandise Planner. This is a strategic, data-driven role at ... Partner with Buying on seasonal assortment plans, purchase recommendations, and support category ...

Fully engage in the buying processes for a category developing vendor relations, product selection ... Paid vacation and sick time for eligible associates * Paid holidays plus a personal holiday * Paid ...

Fully engage in the buying processes for a category developing vendor relations, product selection ... Paid vacation and sick time for eligible associates * Paid holidays plus a personal holiday * Paid ...

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Associate Merchandise Buyer information

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How much do associate merchandise buyer jobs pay per month?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average monthly pay for associate merchandise buyer in the United States is $3,750.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $2,833.33 and $4,666.67 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.

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The most popular types of Merchandise Buyer jobs are:

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States with the most job openings for Associate Merchandise Buyer jobs include:

Infographic showing various Associate Merchandise Buyer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,002 per year, or $21.6 per hour.

Associate Merchandise Planner - American Eagle Brand

Todd Snyder, Inc.

Manhattan, NY • On-site

$70 - $100/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Assist in preparing pre-season merchandise plans across multiple channels to support merchandise strategies.

  • Review in-season product trends and revise merchandise plans to maximize sales and profitability.

  • Develop item plans, analyze business performance trends, and manage markdowns and purchase orders to control fiscal outcomes.


Job description

POSITION TITLE: Associate Merchandise Planner REPORTS TO: Planning Manager POSITION SUMMARY:

The Associate Planner acts as a business manager for specific categories/departments of merchandise across multiple channels and works as a partner to Omni-Merchants to build viable plans and profitable results. The Associate Planner is responsible for developing and maintaining sales and margin plans that tie to financial targets for their assigned categories or departments (across mainline, factory and direct channels) in order to maximize sales and profitability.

This Associate Merch Planner will partner with the Merchandise Planning team to plan all components (retail, cost, units, margin, etc.) for specific categories/departments pertaining to class or item level in order to maximize sales and profitability.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Assist Planner/Senior Planner in preparation of pre-season Plans across multiple channels, consistent with the company's top-down goals, to be used in development of the merchandise strategies for the season and to support line development and buying needs.
  • Work closely with Planner/Senior Planner and Omni-Merchants in reviewing in season product trends in order to revise the season's plan with updated projections that maximize sales and profitability.
  • Partner with Planner/Senior Planner to present monthly revisions of merchandise plans to Merchandise/Inventory Planning executives.
  • Analyze historical data and current trends to identify risks and opportunities. Review and analyze business performance trends.
  • Develop item plans as required within their department.
  • Understand and forecast effects of markdowns on item sales rates and category/department profitability.
  • Participate in all meetings involving the Merchandise Planning department (ex. MPC, Monday Merchandise Meetings).
  • Provide fiscal control through management of markdowns and purchase orders.
  • Develop in-depth knowledge of Omni-Planning tools and execute building plans at an item level that support top level goals.
  • Enhance knowledge of data resources that are available and become familiar with the merchandise for which they are developing plans.
  • Support team projects as needed; additional responsibilities as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Finance, or related field.
  • 3+ years of previous merchandise planning experience, preferably in a specialty retail environment, or previous retail buying experience.
  • Retail math knowledge preferred.
  • Product knowledge of apparel and related merchandise.
  • High degree of proficiency MS Office Suite, Outlook & Internet applications.
  • Strong analytical, prioritizing, interpersonal, problem-solving, presentation & planning skills.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Demonstrated collaborative skills and ability to work well within a team.
  • Ability to work with and influence peers and senior management.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced and deadline-oriented environment.
  • Self-motivated with critical attention to detail, deadlines and reporting.

American Eagle Outfitters is an Equal Opportunity Employer

PAY/BENEFITS INFORMATION:
  • Actual starting pay is determined by various factors, including but not limited to relevant experience and location.
  • Subject to eligibility requirements, associates may receive health care benefits (including medical, vision, and dental); wellness benefits; 401(k) retirement benefits; life and disability insurance; employee stock purchase program; paid time off; paid sick leave; and parental leave and benefits.
  • Paid Time Off, paid sick leave, and holiday pay vary by job level and type, job location, employment classification (part-time or full-time/exempt or non-exempt), and years of service.For additional information, please clickHERE.
  • AEO may also provide discretionary bonuses and other incentives at its discretion.
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