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

The Merchant will lead a cross-functional team to achieve divisional financial goals by inspiring collaboration and positive cross functional relationships. The Merchant develops and drives the business strategy to meet financial objectives and client expectation. This entails successfully executing on seasonal business strategies to include building and executing a collection that embodies the brand, client and overall experience.

The impact you can have

• Analyze business and make recommendation on how to drive the business based on sales, history, and market trends. Develop and drive departmental strategies.

• Partner with Merch Planning to develop a balanced investment strategy by channel. Align on strategic inventory management to maximize sales and margin, while minimizing risks through markdown and promotional strategies, receipt shifts and changes and chase opportunities.

• Partner with Design and Production to exceed IMU goals and ensure timely delivery of goods.

• Lead Cross-functional team to drive results and make decisions that support the departmental strategies. Demonstrate ability to influence key decisions makers. Build relationships through effective collaboration that contributes to a high performing team.

• Partner with Visual and Marketing to communicate big ideas, key investments, strategies, special needs

• Identify how current trends will impact future strategies and adjust as needed. Analyze LY information and market information to support strategy development.

• Identify opportunities for growth /decline in prog /cc and product / classification opportunities. 

• Work with manager to edit and balance the line in partnership with Design. Ensure assortment supports department strategies and falls within brand aesthetic.

• Own style and aps ranking and articulate rationale and identify comp styles and key items. Confirm store levels and attributes

You'll bring to the role

• 4 – 6 years experience in Merchandising

• Bachelors degree or equivalent

• Ability to take analysis into action, executes to timelines and provides timely solutions

• Exceptional leadership capabilities and the ability to influence others across functions; build support and engagement

• Strong analytical skills and clear understanding of financial measurements and how to impact them

• Strong decision making capabilities; strong point of view and negotiation skills

• Clear understanding of brand, client and experience

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Applications

Benefits at KnitWell Group

• Merchandise discount at our brands: 50% off regular-priced merchandise at Ann Taylor, LOFT, Lane Bryant, Talbots and Haven Well Within (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*

• The target salary range for this role is: $85,000 - $95,000*

*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.

Applicants to this position must be authorized to work for any employer in the US without sponsorship. We are not providing sponsorship for this position.

This position works in a hybrid model, with three days per week worked in the Times Square Towerlocation and two days per week worked remotely.

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Location:

Times Square Tower-ANN-New York, NY 10036

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.