About us KnitWell Group, a specialty retail operating company, comprises some of the most iconic brands in America - Ann Taylor, LOFT, Lane Bryant, and Talbots. Individually, our brands are unique and strong. Together, we are powerful. Our common thread is our commitment to create exceptional products, provide memorable experiences, and achieve superior results. Our associates are innovators who thrive through collaboration and are dedicated to excellence. At the heart of it all are the customers we serve. We are dedicated to creating fashion that not only looks good but also makes our customers feel good.
About The Role Individual contributor position responsible for assisting with the development and execution of the merchandise strategy. Assists the Buyer with historical analysis, competitive intelligence, and assortment planning and general organization of the product.
The impact you can have Pre-season: - Supports the buyer in developing a line that represents the brand by doing competitive intelligence, customer intimacy, and business analysis.
- Understands the customer. Works with Buyer in researching and anticipating what the customer wants next; uses information from store visits in decision making and planning process.
- Collects industry/ consumer/ competitor trend information. Reports on and integrates findings into the development of the strategic vision and the future selection of product.
- Synthesizes trend intelligence and determines its relevancy to LB's brand strategy.
- Works with Planning and Allocation on promotional cadence, flow order, color/size buys, minimum /maximum quantities, etc.
- Determines, based on history, trend, market information and customer knowledge, the ranking of each item in their assortment.
- Ensures all samples are ordered for marketing purposes post product milestone meetings.
- Ensures that all purchasing deadlines are met and communicated to appropriate cross functional partners.
In-season: - In season, supports Buyer in reacting to current business trends; ensures the integration of fashion newness, develops upside strategies, recognizes product evolution and potential voids; prepares contingency plans to drive sales and profit objectives.
- Works cross functionally with planning, product development, and design to ensure the flow of the vertical process in maintained.
- Patterns competitors and fashion leaders and understands how they are projecting their brand. Focuses on overall assortment, fashion offering, pricing/promotional cadence, and presentations. Reports on and uses findings/information in season and future line planning.
- Prepares samples for PR and Marketing.
- Partners with Visual on floor set placement of product to ensure that all styles are represented, and volume and fashion projection objectives are met.
- Partners with Store Ops to develop appropriate educational and event tools for stores.
- Collaborates with Ecomm and Outlet merchants to ensure all channel needs are met.
- Maintains all samples for the season.
- Helps Merchants prep for meetings.
- Understands the assortment.
Post-season: Responsible for hind-sighting product performance.
You'll bring to the role - 1-2 years of experience in a merchandising related position for a fashion retailer.
- Bachelor's degree in fashion merchandising, retail management or business-related field preferred along with industry related internship.
- Proficient in Word, Excel and Power Point, and Outlook. MicroStrategy preferred.
- Ability to build and sustain relationships quickly.
- Acute attention to detail.
- Must have a sense of urgency.
- Strong interpersonal skills, prioritizing, communication skills, and time management.
- Ability to multitask and pivot based on priorities.
Benefits At KnitWell Group - Merchandise discount at our brands: 50% off regular-priced merchandise at Ann Taylor, LOFT, Lane Bryant & Talbots (in store and online)
- Support for your individual development plus 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) retirement*
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Time off - paid time off & holidays*
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. This position works in a hybrid model, worked in our Columbus, OH office. #LI-AP1
Location: LB OH Corp Office-LaneBryant-New Albany, OH 43054
Position Type: Regular/Full time
Equal Employment Opportunity The Company is committed to hiring and developing the most qualified people at all levels. It is our policy in all personnel actions to ensure that all associates and potential associates are evaluated on the basis of qualifications and ability without regard to sex (including pregnancy), race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability that can reasonably be accommodated without undue hardship, genetic information, military status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected classification under federal, state, or local law. We do not discriminate in any of our employment policies and practices. All associates are expected to follow these principles in all relationships with other associates, applicants, or others with whom we do business.