Retail Buyer

Company Description

L’AGENCE, founded in 2008, is a lifestyle brand that combines Southern California’s relaxed vibe with the timeless elegance of Parisian fashion. Starting with ready-to-wear and denim, the brand has expanded to include categories such as footwear, swimwear, belts, and hats. Designed to complement every aspect of a jet-setting lifestyle, L’AGENCE offers versatile pieces that transition seamlessly between settings. The brand is distributed in approximately 450 specialty stores worldwide, including top retailers like Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, and Harrods. Headquartered in Los Angeles, L’AGENCE also operates showrooms in New York City, Paris, and Seoul.

Job Summary

The Retail Buyer is responsible for the buying, planning, and allocating of products across multiple categories within a designated division or region. This role is critical for ensuring our physical stores have the right products in the right quantities to support in-season replenishment and the long-term brand strategy. The Buyer is accountable for managing the investment and execution of buys within their division to drive retail growth.

Examples of Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

·  Manage the placing of buys within the assigned division, focusing on replenishment for area of responsibility (Region/Division/Category)

·  Work with the Merchandise Planning team to develop balanced investment and inventory strategies for both the retail and DTC channels.

·  Support with business strategies including OTB management, style/product management, promotional strategies, and product presentation for the seasonal assortment.

·  Rank styles based on historical and current product performance to inform reorder strategies and identify redundancies in the product assortment.

·  Manage the Purchase Order (PO) lifecycle from creation through receipt. Reconcile and report out on monthly receipts, demonstrating financial responsibility for business success.

·  Manage weekly reporting and seasonal buys to support in-season strategies related to product presentation, sales targets, and inventory management.

·  Work closely with the Production and Sales Ops Customer Service teams to maintain and pre-distribute POs as needed to manage short shipments and re-allocation requirements prior to the final pick.

·  Create and maintain complete and accurate details for all styles within store assortments. Track and follow through on all changes communicated by the brand production and/or merchant teams.

·  Collaborate closely with other Buyers, Merchandisers, and Planners to ensure a seamless cross-channel experience for the customer.

·   Conduct weekly / bi-weekly in-store meetings with Store Managers to review sales performance, solicit business feedback, and discuss local support and improvement strategies.

·   Travel to retail stores out of state on an as needed basis.

Primary Focus

·  Providing accurate, detailed weekly reporting and performance summaries.

·  Partner with key retail management stakeholders in aligning on regional assortments, identifying opportunities for growth (challenges risks), and inventory management as it pertains to OTB.

·   Review Execute all weekly store replenishment needs to maintain optimal stock levels.

Qualifications:

·   3 years of experience in a Retail Buyer or Senior Associate Buyer role, managing a specific product division or region.

·   Direct experience managing and accountable for Open-to-Buy (OTB).

·    Strong analytical ability with expertise in retail math, sales forecasting, inventory management, and performance ranking.

·   Product Merchandising and Planning experience a plus

·   Proficient in Microsoft Excel (e.g., pivot tables, analysis) and retail inventory management systems.

·   Excellent negotiation and communication skills, with the ability to influence cross-functional teams.

·    Experience buying for a multi-channel business that includes both brick-and-mortar retail.

·    Bachelor’s Degree 

Competencies & Skills

·       Strong leadership skills, including the ability to lead and motivate teams. They should also be able to influence and negotiate with others. 

·       Excellent communication skills, both written and oral. 

Physical Requirements:

·   This position requires frequent use of a computer, mouse, and keyboard. 

·   Frequent sitting. 

·   Occasional standing, walking, bending, and stooping. 

·   Must be able to lift up to 20 lbs. 

·   Must be able to travel to local retail stores.

The base salary range for this position is $85,000-$100,000 per year which represents the current range for the base salary for this exempt position. Please note that actual salaries will vary based on factors including but not limited to location, experience, and performance. As such, on occasion and when applicable, there is the possibility that the final, agreed-upon base salary may be outside of the upper end of the range. Please also note the range listed is just one component of the company’s total rewards package for exempt employees. 

Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Continued employment remains on an “at-will” basis.