Assistant Buyer - (BG10279)

It's a great time to join Lillian Vernon Corporation, one of America's most highly recognized catalog and online retailers with a 54-year tradition of success marketing home decor/gift, house wares, gardening, seasonal, and children's products.

Job Title: Assistant Buyer

Department: Merchandising

Reports to: Buyer

Job Function: Provides support directly to the buyer, working in tandem with the assigned Control Buyer, in all activities related to the acquisition and development of product within designated categories. Assists in all aspects of buying functions for the catalogs. Partner with buyer in creating the strategy for the assigned categories. Emphasis on preparation and maintenance of key merchandise information as it relates to the product selection and purchase.

Job Responsibilities:

SOURCING/VENDOR COMMUNICATION: Source and develop new products within assigned categories. Maintain ongoing communication with vendors, both domestic as well as overseas for new product opportunities. As sales are accessed, and successes identified, search for line extensions and similar function items to build product category. Follow up on product development items.

ANALYSIS: Be aware of key competitors within categories. Study product formats and pricing. Maintain files of competitive research. As each of our core catalogs "drop," be aware of square inch analysis, and the performance of items within pertinent category. Create a visual manual or presentation board for "squinch" reference.

POR's: Negotiate with vendors for best pricing and terms. Have a clear understanding of: Purchase Order Requests, initial product costs, ports of entry, MOQ's, how to access freight and margins at select retail price points.

MIF's: Prepare Merchandise Information Sheet for every item purchased, with key selling points. Cross reference key information as presented by competitors. Hand off to creative copywriting in a scheduled manner. Proof catalog copy.

ITEM SET-UP: Responsible for all item set up in the mainframe system. Must monitor and maintain item status in system.

SAMPLES: Track in samples from vendors, whether they are those selected for the line, or those under consideration. Follow through on sample control reports/meetings. Troubleshoot sample problems with vendors. Be aware of catalog shoot dates, and coordinate effort with sample room/Merchandise Assistant as it relates to photography. Continue communication regarding any revisions needed.

TRADESHOWS: Attend trade shows to follow-up with vendor contacts in the sourcing of new product.



Job Requirements:

? College Degree-Business or Merchandising preferred
? At least 2 years related experience - must have product merchandising experience
? Microsoft Office preferred-Word, Excel, Outlook
? Good verbal and written communication skills
? Internal department communication, as well as with adjacent departments of Creative, Merch. Planning and Inventory Control
? Knowledge of comparable product categories, markets, merchandising, trends.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.

Our office is conveniently located in Virginia Beach, VA. We offer a competitive compensation and benefit package as well as an in-house cafeteria. If you have the qualifications we seek and would like to join us in our effort to "Build Customer Relationships with Great Brands, Well Sold," please send your resume and salary history (REQUIRED) using the instructions below.

EEO M/F/D/V


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