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Associate Merchant Apparel Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Express

Associate Merchant

Columbus, OH

About Express Express is a multichannel apparel brand dedicated to a design philosophy rooted in ... POSITION OVERVIEW The Associate Merchant supports in the creation and execution of product ...

Express

Associate Merchant

Columbus, OH · On-site

About Express Express is a multichannel apparel brand dedicated to a design philosophy rooted in ... POSITION OVERVIEW The Associate Merchant supports in the creation and execution of product ...

Express & Bonobos

Associate Merchant

Columbus, OH · On-site

About Express Express is a multichannel apparel brand dedicated to a design philosophy rooted in ... POSITION OVERVIEW The Associate Merchant supports in the creation and execution of product ...

Express

Associate Merchant

Columbus, OH · On-site

About Express Express is a multichannel apparel brand dedicated to a design philosophy rooted in ... POSITION OVERVIEW The Associate Merchant supports in the creation and execution of product ...

J.Crew

Merchant - Crewcuts Boys

New York, NY · On-site

$86K - $111K/yr

Crew's assortment while beginning to develop talent as a people leader; this role may manage an Assistant or Associate Merchant. * Own the boy's apparel and non-apparel categories, building ...

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Associate Merchant Apparel information

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$13

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$42

How much do associate merchant apparel jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate merchant apparel in the United States is $25.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $35.58 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an associate merchant apparel?

Associate Merchants in apparel are entry- to mid-level professionals who support the planning, selection, and purchasing of clothing products for retail stores or online platforms. They work closely with buyers, planners, and vendors to analyze sales trends, manage inventory, and help develop assortments that meet customer demand and company goals. Their role often includes product development, market research, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure the success of seasonal collections. Associate Merchants play a key part in driving sales and profitability within the apparel category.

How does an associate merchant apparel typically collaborate with design and buying teams to shape seasonal product assortments?

As an Associate Merchant Apparel, you will work closely with both the design and buying teams to help curate cohesive and competitive seasonal assortments. This collaboration often involves attending line reviews, analyzing sales trends, and providing input on product selections that align with market demands and brand identity. Regular meetings and cross-functional communication are essential to ensure that the final assortment meets financial goals, resonates with customers, and stays ahead of industry trends. Building strong relationships and a clear understanding of each team's goals are key to success in this collaborative environment.

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

To thrive as an Associate Merchant Apparel, you need a strong understanding of merchandising principles, trend analysis, and inventory management, often supported by a degree in business, fashion, or a related field. Familiarity with retail planning systems, Excel, and point-of-sale analytics tools is typically required. Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills set outstanding candidates apart in this fast-paced environment. These skills are crucial for ensuring effective product selection, maximizing sales performance, and aligning with both customer preferences and company goals.

What is the difference between Associate Merchant Apparel vs Buyer Apparel?

AspectAssociate Merchant ApparelBuyer Apparel
CredentialsBachelor's degree, retail or merchandising experienceBachelor's degree, experience in purchasing or retail
Work EnvironmentOffice setting, collaboration with design and marketing teamsOffice or showroom, negotiating with vendors
Industry UsageCommonly used in retail and apparel companiesUsed across retail, wholesale, and apparel sectors

Associate Merchant Apparel and Buyer Apparel roles both require a bachelor's degree and experience in retail or merchandising. While Associate Merchants focus on supporting product selection, trend analysis, and assisting senior merchants, Buyers are more involved in vendor negotiations, purchasing decisions, and inventory management. Both roles operate in similar environments and are integral to apparel retail operations, but Buyers typically have more responsibility for procurement and vendor relationships.

What cities are hiring for Associate Merchant Apparel jobs?

Cities with the most Associate Merchant Apparel job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Associate Merchant Apparel jobs?

For Associate Merchant Apparel jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Associate Merchant Apparel job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,068 per year, or $25.5 per hour.

Associate Merchant - Apparel

Chesapeake, VA • On-site

Dollar Tree
Retail • 10K+ employees
Learn more about Dollar Treeexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago

Dollar Tree rating

4.5

Company rating: 4.5 out of 10

Based on 2,554 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Associate Merchant- Apparel
Your strong communication skills, both written and verbal, along with your spreadsheet and word processing skills make you a great fit for our DT Associate Merchant position. Join our dynamic team today and find a rewarding career with a company that values you and all you bring to the table.
About Your Role:
As a DT Associate Merchant at Dollar Tree's corporate office, you'll support the Category Director and Category Merchants by providing assistance with all merchandising business processes for all channels (including assortment development, execution of the merchandising strategy, and implementing merchandising plans for Dollar Tree Stores). Your day-to-day job duties include, but are not limited to, the following:
Category Strategy & Product Development
  • Responsible for providing analysis and research to assist in the development of the Category Strategy.
  • Consulted on the assortment definition and product selection for their respective Category.
  • Responsible for providing analysis and research to assist in the definition of the assortment.
  • Consulted on product development activities for their respective Category.
  • Responsible for developing copy and text in support of Marketing for Category product.
  • Provide input to the selection of products from their respective Category to be included in a promotional program. Consulted on activities to ensure the products are appropriately represented in a promotion.
  • Responsible for development and approval of all plan-o-guides, display guides, flow guides, and planners for their respective Category.
  • Provide input to the Weekly Business Reviews and Monthly P&L of their respective Category. Consulted on potential Merchandising business and systems improvement initiatives.

  • Vendor Management & Market Analysis
  • Responsible for evaluating vendor performance and recommending sources of supply to the Category Merchant and Category Director.
  • Responsible for preparing analysis and reporting to support vendor meetings.
  • Consulted on the identification of new sources of supply, preparation for overseas buying trips, vendor selection, and cost negotiations.
  • Consulted on all financial and assortment planning activities for their respective Category.
  • Consulted on the management of vendor relationships within their respective Category.

Your Required Skills and Experience:
  • Bachelor's Degree
  • 3 + years' of related Merchandise/Buying experience
  • Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
  • Spreadsheet and word processing skills
  • Detail oriented
  • Strong organizational skills
  • Able to work independently
  • Creativity
  • Ability to build strong relationships and work well within a team.

Preferred Requirements:
  • Retail/discount merchandising experience

Our success is a team effort -
when we reach our goals, you'll be eligible for a yearly bonus!
Your Perks and Benefits:
We offer a wide variety of rewards to support your health, wealth, and mental well-being. In addition to medical, pharmacy, dental, and vision insurance, we offer:
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Retirement plans with matching contribution
  • Employee Stock Purchase Program
  • Educational Assistance
  • Access to PerkSpot, an employee discount platform for goods and services
  • And much more!

Start Rate = $75,000-$100,000K based on experience plus 20% bonus and equity.
The company offers Health, Dental, & Vision, a flexible spending account, life and disability insurance benefits, a 401k plan, PTO, paid holidays annually, and an employee stock purchase plan.
Full time
500 Volvo Parkway,Chesapeake,Virginia 23320
Buying
Dollar Tree

What Dollar Tree employees say

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About Dollar Tree

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

With Dollar Tree and Family Dollar, we put value front and center for our customers. We do this by providing our customers with quality merchandise, amazing values, convenience, and a fun shopping experience. Whether you’re looking for the thrill of the hunt at Dollar Tree or shopping for your favorite brands at Family Dollar, you’re sure to find savings on a great selection of merchandise in our stores.

Industry

Retail

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Chesapeake, VA, US

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