Western Boot Buyer

A Western Boot Buyer plays a key role in ensuring that our retail stores have the right products, at the right price, in the right quantities, and at the right time. This position focuses on buying merchandise that cater to a "Western" style or lifestyle. You will be buying mens, womens and kids boots for our multi door retail chain.

Key Responsibilities:

Product Selection:

• Research, select, and purchase products that align with the store's Western lifestyle focus and customer demand.
• Source Western-themed footwear products from vendors and suppliers.
• Stay informed of market trends, new product developments, and customer preferences within the Western lifestyle niche.

Supplier Management:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers and manufacturers.
• Negotiate prices, quantities, and delivery terms to secure the best deals for the store.
• Monitor supplier performance and ensure quality control standards are met.

Inventory Management:

• Monitor inventory levels to ensure that sufficient stock is available without over-purchasing.
• Forecast demand and manage stock replenishment for high-selling products.
• Must be able to read reports in order to identify slow-moving items and plan discount strategies.

Budgeting & Financial Analysis:

• Develop and manage purchasing budgets, ensuring all purchases are within financial guidelines.
• Analyze sales and purchasing data to make informed buying decisions, reduce overstock, and maximize profit margins.

Trend & Market Analysis:

• Analyze sales trends, customer feedback, and competitive activity to anticipate customer needs.
• Keep up-to-date with the latest Western fashion trends and lifestyle changes to adjust the buying strategy accordingly.

Pricing & Promotion Strategy:

• Work closely with marketing and merchandising teams to establish pricing strategies that align with business objectives.
• Coordinate promotional efforts to move stock and attract customers.

Collaboration & Communication:

• Collaborate with store managers, marketing teams, and merchandising departments to create cohesive product offerings.
• Attend trade shows, events, and industry networking opportunities to stay ahead of trends and identify new suppliers.

Qualifications:

• 3+ years of experience in a buying role within retail, ideally within the Western wear or lifestyle segment.
• Strong negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of Western culture, fashion trends, and customer preferences.
• Ability to analyze data, make informed decisions, and manage budgets.
• Proficiency in inventory management systems and Excel or similar software.
• Ability to travel to supplier meetings, trade shows, and store locations as needed.

Key Skills:

• Product knowledge in Western lifestyle brands and trends.
• Strong vendor negotiation and relationship management skills.
• Financial acumen for budgeting, forecasting, and margin management.
• Data analysis and inventory management.
• Ability to work cross-functionally with different teams.

Additional Information:

• This role may require travel to attend trade shows, visit suppliers, and monitor store locations.
• In this role you may be required to attend pop up selling events and overnight travel.
• During 4th quarter you may be asked to work Saturdays in our retail stores.
• Understanding of Western culture and rural lifestyle will be highly beneficial in selecting products that resonate with customers.

The Western Boot Buyer is an exciting role for someone passionate about the Western lifestyle and retail, combining creativity with business acumen to drive the success of a retail store.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person