Job Title: Merchant – All Categories - Forever 21
Reports To: Director of Merchandising
Location: In-Office | Monday–Friday
Position Summary:
We’re looking for a passionate and results-driven Merchant to lead the buying strategy for our e-commerce website across all departments. This role is responsible for building trend-right, brand-right assortments that drive sales, margin, and inventory turn. You'll play a key role in shaping the product design, strategy, collaborating across departments, and ensuring consistent performance and innovation.
Key Responsibilities: Strategy & Vision:
- Define and execute a clear product strategy and seasonal business plan. Align with cross-functional partners in Design, Planning, and Production to bring the vision to life.
- Trend & Product Development:
- Partner with the Design team to forecast trends and translate them into customer-relevant assortments. Focus on delivering innovative, brand-aligned products.
- Market Awareness:
- Stay informed on competitors and the broader marketplace. Make strategic, data-informed decisions to position the assortment ahead of trends and customer needs.
- Sales & Inventory Planning:
- Build and manage seasonal plans for sales, markdowns, receipts, and inventory flow. Own the Open-to-Buy, focusing on achieving margin and Weeks of Supply targets.
- In-Season Management:
- Monitor sales performance in real-time. Identify opportunities to chase or pull back, maximizing top-line results and minimizing markdowns.
- Performance Analysis:
- Continuously evaluate the business to identify areas for improvement. Quickly respond to emerging trends and shifts in customer behavior.
- Collaboration & Meetings:
- Lead and contribute to business meetings, ensuring alignment on goals, timelines, and deliverables. Drive clarity and accountability.
Other Duties: Support team initiatives and projects as assigned.
Work Environment:
This is an in-office role, Monday–Friday. Collaboration is focused around product development, milestone meetings, and key approvals.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Merchandising, Business, or related field.3–5+ years of buying experience in a specialty or fashion retail environment.
Strong understanding of fashion trends and consumer behavior.
Proven success managing sales, margin, and inventory metrics.
Analytical and creative thinker — able to challenge and collaborate with both Planning and Design teams.
Excellent communication and presentation skills.
Highly organized, detail-oriented, and self-motivated.
Comfortable working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
Ability to influence peers and senior leadership.
Passion for product, innovation, and building a winning assortment.
Pay Range and Compensation Package:
The annual base salary for this position starts at 100k. Actual starting pay is determined by various factors, including but not limited to relevant experience.
Equal Opportunity Statement: We are committed to diversity and inclusivity.
