Associate Merchant

About us

Talbots is a leading omni-channel specialty retailer of women's clothing, shoes and accessories. Established in 1947, we are known for modern classic style that's both timeless and timely, fine quality craftsmanship and gracious service. At Talbots relationships are the key to our business, we hire individuals who bring new ideas to the table, understand smart risk taking and can enhance an already thriving culture. With a commitment to offer modern classic style for every body type, through a full range of sizes, inclusive to every woman in your life.

About the role

The Associate Merchant is responsible for merchandising a selected area(s) within the Merchant’s scope of responsibility. This position is responsible for collaboration with the Merchant on the strategy, development, and merchandising of the department. In this position one executes quarterly buy strategies at the style/color level, exhibits passion and eye for product, conducts in-depth analysis, both financial and trend, and works collaboratively with cross-functional partners.

The impact you can have

Omni-Channel:

• Assist in building seasonal framework for selected area(s) within the Merchant’s scope of responsibility.
• Analyze business performance on a weekly basis; present results to cross-functional and leadership teams as needed.
• Highlight prior seasons through extensive product analysis, trend analysis, and productivity results to plan the next season.
• Utilize both product strategies and analytical results to plan all merchandise buys, in accordance to budget, for each quarter and present investments at product investment review.
• Partner with planning and inventory management on reviewing sales, receipt, and style/color count; partner on managing in-season business results and markdown cadence.
• Partner with sourcing to achieve target IMU plans, make seasonal fabric projections, participate in discussions on costs, deliveries, and other vendor related matters.
• Partner with design team to evolve our proven core product and introduce merchandise that is new, trend right, works within our brand filter, and moves the business forward.

Direct:

• Maintain knowledge of catalog and web industry trends, shop competition frequently.
• Analyze direct business metrics, evaluate customer demand performance in conjunction with sales.
• Review and collect all catalog and web content for department as released, work with teams to ensure accurate product representation.

You’ll bring to the role

• 
  Innate sense of fashion and ability to analyze and translate trends
• Possess analytical skills, ability to draw smart conclusions and make thoughtful recommendations
• Strong organizational skills, ability to multitask, prioritize and complete tasks on tight deadlines
• Excellent attention to detail, understands importance of accuracy and thorough completion of tasks
• Strong communication and collaboration skills and the ability to work as part of a team
• Must be able to thrive in a fast paced, dynamic environment
• Must be a creative and critical thinker, with the ability to problem solve
• Must be self-motivated, driven to succeed and have a passion for learning

Benefits

• You will be eligible to receive a merchandise discount at select KnitWell Group brands, subject to each brand’s discount policies.
• Support for your individual development plus opportunities for career mobility within our family of brands.
• A culture of giving back – local volunteer opportunities, annual donation and volunteer match to eligible nonprofit organizations, and philanthropic activities to support our communities. *
• Medical, dental, vision insurance & 401(K)*
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Time off – paid time off & holidays*
• On-site: This position works on-site at least 4 days per week consistent with the needs of the business at our Talbots office location in Hingham, MA.

• Any job offer will consider factors such your qualifications, relevant experience, and skills. Eligibility of certain benefits and associate programs are subject to employment type and role.

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Location:

Hingham Corporate Office

Position Type:

Regular/Full time

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Company is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from diverse candidates. Hiring decisions are based upon a candidate's qualifications as they relate to the requirements of the position under consideration and are made without regard to sex (including pregnancy), race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, genetic information, military status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other category protected by applicable law. The Company is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for job applicants with disabilities. If you require an accommodation to perform the essential duties of the position you are seeking or to participate in the application process, please contact myHRSupport@knitwellgroup.com. The Company will make reasonable accommodations for otherwise qualified applicants or employees, unless such accommodations would impose an undue hardship on the operations of the Company’s business. The Company will not revoke or alter a job offer based on an applicant’s request for reasonable accommodation.