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Variety Distributors

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Merchandise Buyer

Harlan, IA · On-site

$19 - $25/hr

The Buyer plays a crucial role in managing purchase orders, negotiating costs, and maintaining strong vendor relationships to ensure optimal inventory control. This position involves working with ...

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How much do merchandise buyer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for merchandise buyer in the United States is $25.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $32.93 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can a merchandise buyer become a merchandise buyer?

A merchandise buyer can become a more experienced or specialized merchandise buyer by gaining additional industry knowledge, developing negotiation skills, and obtaining relevant certifications such as Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM). Career advancement often involves increasing responsibilities, such as managing larger product categories or leading purchasing teams.

What does a merchandise buyer do?

A Merchandise Buyer selects and purchases products for a retail business based on customer demand, market trends, and company goals. They analyze sales data, negotiate with suppliers, and manage inventory levels to ensure profitability. Buyers also collaborate with merchandising and marketing teams to optimize product placement and promotions. Strong analytical skills, market awareness, and negotiation abilities are essential for success in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a merchandise buyer?

To thrive as a Merchandise Buyer, you need strong analytical skills, market research abilities, negotiation expertise, and experience in retail buying or merchandising, often supported by a business-related degree. Familiarity with inventory management systems, ERP platforms like SAP, and data analysis tools is essential in this role. Effective communication, attention to detail, and the ability to build relationships with vendors are standout soft skills. These competencies enable Merchandise Buyers to source the right products at optimal terms, contributing directly to profitability and customer satisfaction.

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Merchandise Buyer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Merchandise Buyer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,991 per year, or $25.5 per hour.

Merchandise Buyer

Herschend Entertainment Company LLC

Peachtree Corners, GA

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

ABOUT US

Herschend is the world’s largest family-held themed attractions company, with a portfolio of over 45 family entertainment brands, including destinations, resorts, theme parks, water parks, immersive experiences, and content enjoyed by audiences worldwide.

While each of our family brands offers something unique, all are united by a shared purpose: Bringing Families Closer Together by Creating Memories Worth Repeating®. Our 22,000 passionate hosts make this purpose possible through everyday acts of love and service—what we call Heartspitality®—the intersection of heart and hospitality.

As an equal-opportunity employer, we strive to provide environments where every host, guest, and partner feels welcome, valued, and loved. We firmly believe that words and actions matter, which is why all individuals are to be treated equally and with respect.

For more information, visit www.Herschend.com.

POSITION SUMMARY
The Merchandise Buyer is responsible for providing strategic leadership, developing and executing concepts and buying plans utilizing internal and external resources to attain pre-determined goals in all key result areas. This position reports to the Senior Merchandise Buyer.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Ensure that profit targets are met and/or exceeded and that all appropriate budget and accounting tools, targets and timelines are utilized and met.
  • Utilizes teamwork with Merchandise operational leadership to ensure that retail product mix and availability, display, pricing, and advertising are of such a quality that revenue and customer satisfaction results meet or exceed expectations.
  • Develops concepts, plans strategies and budgets financials for assigned buying categories.
  • Develops assortment plans and key vendors within theme guidelines.
  • Provides maps and layouts of shop plan-o-grams.
  • Identifies and rapidly acts on merchandise trends.
  • Analyzes business and reacts quickly to rate of sale.
  • Effectively and efficiently works with computer inventory management systems to input and manage purchase orders and analyze business.
  • Maintains inventory turnover and gross margin return on investment (GMROI) to budgeted levels.
  • Develops market plans and strategies and travels to various craft, gift, souvenir, clothing, and home décor markets to purchase merchandise and develop ideas.
  • Creates a “sense of newness” in assigned shops on an ongoing basis.
  • Ensure proper handling of customer credit card information in compliance with Property Procedures and Purchasing Card Industry (PCI) standards.

EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION

  • College degree in related field of study preferred
  • Theme Park, retail inventory-related, buying support experience, or equivalent experience preferred
  • Experience troubleshooting and analyzing retail business-related data
  • Experience with retail inventory software

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

  • Experience with Microsoft Office Suite and Merchandise POS and inventory systems
  • Ability to work efficiently, handle multiple tasks, prioritize workflow, and meet deadlines
  • Strong communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends and holidays
  • Ability to work effectively with others in a friendly, professional manner
  • Detail oriented and analytical

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