WSS has been the leading retailer of footwear, apparel, and accessories since its establishment in 1984. With over 100 stores nationwide, WSS offers thousands of styles from top-name brands, delivering exceptional customer service and setting the standard for value and style in the "Best Neighborhood Store" concept. In 2021, Foot Locker, Inc. successfully completed its acquisition of WSS. As a prominent retailer of athletic shoes and apparel, Foot Locker's acquisition of WSS enables the expansion of its presence into the casual footwear market. WSS is committed to becoming the ultimate Neighborhood Store, fostering authentic connections with local communities, and providing unparalleled service and value to Hispanic communities across the country. To learn more, please visit www.shopwss.com.
Position Overview:
The Men's Apparel Buyer will work with the DMM and CMO to create an annual financial Plan for their area of responsibility. This will include an overall number for sales, margin and inventory turns. Once this Plan is created, the Buyer is then charged with meeting or exceeding the Plan in their area.
A Buyer must be a leader; a leader who has a strategy and vision and can communicate these to their team along with delegating and prioritizing the tactics and responsibilities necessary to achieve success.
A successful Buyer at WSS will enjoy the freedom and creativity to lead in the development of their business; Skills and creativity including, but not limited to, retail and cost engineering designed to surpass margin rate plans while driving topline retail sales growth and the foresight & consumer understanding to develop trend-right, timely assortments. A Buyer must understand that they are a critical member of the team, but that the team's success is more important than their individual success.
Buyers will be paired with a Planner and a Merchandiser who will function with the Buyer as business partners to achieve the financial Plan.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Maximize the retail growth and profitability of their assigned area(s).
Enhance and maintain excellent vendor relationships highlighting the ability to develop and negotiate reasonable business solutions.
Collaborate with design and production teams to create private label product assortments.
Display strong assortment planning skills and the ability to clearly articulate and present seasonal strategies to Senior Management from a financial and product perspective.
Exhibit leadership qualities as you manage, hire and develop a team of Buyer Assistants and Merchandise Coordinators.
Excellent Planning and Allocation skills and understanding of key retail concepts.
Display strong in-season retail management skills including re-order skills, markdown strategy & execution, inventory consolidation, redistribution strategy and PO push/cancel/modification skills, etc.
Develop and execute relevant advertising strategies that highlight the assortment investment and drive retail sales and margin.
Strong cross functional skills in working with the Marketing, Store Operations and Visual Merchandising teams to communicate their vision and assortment plans to the customer, which results in the business meeting and achieving the financial Plans.
Build strong relationships across internal organization and with external partners. Communicate in a professional manner and respond with timely and accurate information.
Provide daily support to all teammates including, but not limited to, Planners, Merchandise Analysts, Buyer Assistants and Merchandise Coordinators.
Must be based in the Los Angeles or surrounding areas. Required in-office days are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursdays every week.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: • 5+ years of Men's apparel buying experience in a department, athletic or specialty store. • Proficiency in private label apparel, particularly in constructing line plans. • In addition, the ideal Buyer candidate will have performed the following roles in their previous work experience: retail store sales associate, store assistant manager/manager, merchandiser, allocator and/or planner. • Experience and high skill level in various ERPs. • Experience and high skill level in the use of Microsoft Excel, Word, and email software. • Bachelor's Degree preferred.
WSS is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetics or any other basis forbidden under federal, state, or local law. WSS is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment.