Retail Buyer: Apparel & Soft Goods

JOB SUMMARY – BUYER, Apparel & Soft Goods

The Buyer works with the Director of Retail in developing, sourcing, and purchasing strategies that align with organizational goals. This role is responsible for forecasting product needs, planning, product development and managing vendor relationships to ensure product‑appropriate and quality‑driven purchasing of Apparel & Soft Goods for EAA’s retail operations.

Roles And Responsibilities

• Work closely with the Director of Retail to develop the buying strategy, planning, and execution of merchandise in concert with broader organizational strategies and business objectives.
• Analyze and monitor market trends and sales results to develop the buying strategy. Collaborate throughout the organization to identify needs and opportunities for merchandise sales.
• Attend trade shows, meet new suppliers, negotiate terms of contract. Source new merchandise and review existing to ensure products remain competitive to maximize profits and provide a viable range at competitive prices.
• Ensure merchandise inventories are maintained at an appropriate level to optimize sales, margins and inventory investment objectives. Analyze financial objectives by establishing inventory budgets, margin, and open-to-buy.
• Collaborate with E-Commerce supervisor on presentation of merchandise on EAA.org, in the gift shop, and AirVenture.
• Create related purchase orders per procedural requirements.
• Ability to input accurate purchase orders, merchandise requisitions and merchandise splits.
• Coordinate buying plan with fixture fill and planograms for AirVenture.
• Monitor and report on merchandise performance: sell-through, open to buy, and promotional events.
• Buy special projects for other departments within the organization.
• Work closely with receiving and accounts payable to resolve receipt and/or invoice matching issues.
• Work with the retail team for the weeks leading up to and during AirVenture for tent set up, stocking, managing and visual merchandising.
• Embraces and supports the EAA mission and performs safe practices in the workplace and aviation environment.
• Participate in the hiring, scheduling, and training of AirVenture one‑week staff—working with the retail team to ensure effective staffing across all retail locations and Red One Markets.
• Collaborate with Publications and produce and market the annual EAA World of Flight calendar.
• Participate in the planning and execution of the Author’s Corner during AirVenture.
• All other duties as assigned.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

• 3-5 years Buying experience.
• Positive history of procurement results.
• 3-5 years of retail operations experience
• Requires PC proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook).
• Driver’s License required.
  
  

COMPETENCIES

• Project & Time Management
• Plans and executes buying activities effectively, managing multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Strategic Thinking & Initiative
• Understands the broader retail strategy, takes ownership of tasks, and proactively seeks improvements.
• Communication & Collaboration
• Communicates clearly in both oral and written forms; builds trust and works effectively across teams and vendors.
• Analytical & Problem‑Solving Skills
• Uses data and critical thinking to evaluate products, vendors, and inventory needs; identifies issues and recommends solutions.
• Attention to Detail & Organizational Skills
• Maintains accuracy in purchase orders, data, and product specifications; organizes work efficiently in a fast‑paced environment.
• Relationship Building
• Develops and maintains strong, professional relationships with internal partners and external vendors.
• Technical Proficiency
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and comfortable using technology to support buying functions.
  
  

Physical Requirements

Typical office setting involving sedentary work.

Preparation for AirVenture or other events may require lifting up to 50 lbs. occasionally, standing and walking for extended periods of time while bending, squatting, kneeling, twisting, and push and pull motions.

EEO STATEMENT

EAA provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.