What are the responsibilities and job description for the Buyer position at Lids?
About Our Company
Lids Sports Group is the largest licensed sports retailer in North America, selling fan and fashion-oriented headwear and apparel across the US. Operating out of Indianapolis, IN, our retail stores offer officially licensed headwear and apparel from collegiate and professional sports teams, plus top brands like Nike, New Era, Lululemon, and Mitchell & Ness. In addition, to our wide assortment we are the industry leader in on demand customization.
We currently operate 1,300 brick and mortar locations, including specialty concept stores for the NBA, NHL, and the two largest MLB franchises, via our Yankees & Dodgers Clubhouse. Lids has built partnerships and collaborations with iconic global brands including Marvel/Disney, Playboy, Travis Scott’s Cactus Jack, and Post Malone. Creating a community where fans, fashion, and culture collide.
General Position Summary
The buyer is responsible for the purchase and promotion of all product for their department(s) of responsibility. The primary objective for this position is profitable sales and achievement of all departmental financial goals through proper product assortment.
Principle Duties and Responsibilities
- Develop and manage the entire process and timeline for product development/selection through delivery, to include communication and coordination with vendors, price negotiation to achieve maximum margin, sample approvals, and coordination with sourcing to ensure on-time delivery of quality merchandise.
- Create seasonal assortments for the appropriate merchandise categories. Prepare and maintain assortment plans for all categories of responsibility.
- Work with merchandising and sourcing teams to ensure appropriate planning, allocation, and order placement of specific categories.
- Research the market regularly to understand the competitive landscape and brand opportunities by category.
- Prepare and make seasonal product presentations regularly to a variety of internal and external audiences.
- Compile and communicate product information to be used in direct-to-consumer marketing and operational vehicles.
Job Required Knowledge & Skills
- Bachelors degree in Merchandising or related field of study
- 5 years of related experience
- Strong communication skills to include presentations
- Strong project management skills
- Strong ability to make sound decisions
- Strong negotiation skills
- Must have strong knowledge of standard concepts, practices, and procedures of a merchandise buyer and product development
- Must rely on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals
- A certain degree of creativity and latitude is required to perform responsibilities.
Work Envorinment
- Onsite office work environment.
- Standard business hours from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., flexibility may be provided upon request.
Physical Demands and Travel Requirements
- Ability to constantly sit at a desk in a sedentary work environment
- Ability to frequently communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing
- Ability to view electronic/written materials and adjust focus when needed (i.e. computers screens, documents, etc.)
- Ability to frequently use a computer, keyboard, mouse, and other standard office equipment.
- Ability to occasionally stand and walk throughout the office.
- Ability to occasionally lift or move items up to 15 pounds.
- Ability to occasionally present information to small and large groups, including team members and leadership.
- The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.