What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Buyer, Toys and Gifts position at Books A Million?
About The Job
Are you ready to turn your love of gifts, games, toys, and all things fun into a career? If so send us your application today! We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Assistant Buyer to join our team and help us source and purchase a wide range of gifts, games, and toys that will delight our customers. As an Assistant Buyer in our Pop Culture Collectibles area, you will be responsible for keeping up with the latest trends and assisting your Buyer in finding the coolest new products to add to our collection. You’ll need to have an eye for what’s hot and what’s not and be ready to make some tough decisions (like whether or not to add another mushroom-themed item to our inventory). This entry level job is ideal for a recent Merchandising graduate or someone with a combination of retail store experience and demonstrated strong merchandising skills. The Assistant Buyer will evaluate sales trends, support their assigned Buyer, and work with both outside vendors and internal marketing teams. The successful candidate will be self-starting, flexible, organized, and results oriented.
Responsibilities
Management of Assigned Gift & Toy Categories (60%)
Books-A-Million, America’s hometown bookstore since 1917
Founded in 1917 as a street corner newsstand in Florence, Alabama, Books-A-Million, Inc. (BAM!) has grown to become the second largest chain of bookstores in the United States, operating over 220 stores in 32 states as well as an on-line store, www.booksamillion.com. Headquartered in Birmingham, AL, Books-A-Million stores range from 4,000 to 30,000 square feet and provide an expansive selection of books, magazines, bargain books, collectibles, and house toy and gift departments. Special category shops within the store range from Faithpoint, which features the best of references and writings for the Christian market to Pop Culture, which highlights an extensive Manga assortment and related collectibles.
Are you ready to turn your love of gifts, games, toys, and all things fun into a career? If so send us your application today! We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Assistant Buyer to join our team and help us source and purchase a wide range of gifts, games, and toys that will delight our customers. As an Assistant Buyer in our Pop Culture Collectibles area, you will be responsible for keeping up with the latest trends and assisting your Buyer in finding the coolest new products to add to our collection. You’ll need to have an eye for what’s hot and what’s not and be ready to make some tough decisions (like whether or not to add another mushroom-themed item to our inventory). This entry level job is ideal for a recent Merchandising graduate or someone with a combination of retail store experience and demonstrated strong merchandising skills. The Assistant Buyer will evaluate sales trends, support their assigned Buyer, and work with both outside vendors and internal marketing teams. The successful candidate will be self-starting, flexible, organized, and results oriented.
Responsibilities
Management of Assigned Gift & Toy Categories (60%)
- Execute merchandising activities including full life cycle of purchase orders through judgement and problem solving.
- Produce sales recaps and analysis to identify new and existing business opportunities. Communicate findings and advocates for intended purchases.
- Take initiative to develop collaborative vendor relationships, including cost negotiation, problem resolution and follow up.
- Make independent decisions on proper maintenance of data accuracy and integrity for the company without supervision.
- Ensure timely delivery of merchandise via consistent communication and follow up with vendors and distribution center.
- Develop planograms for in store merchandise sets that drive sales and fixture productivity.
- Communicate regularly with stores using appropriate communication channels.
- Travel to trade shows, vendor meetings and store visits.
- Monitor latest trends and share with Gift & Toy team to identify sales and marketing opportunities.
- Execute contracts and incentives including promotional partnerships.
- Provide organizational support for cross functional team projects.
- Monitor competitor merchandising and share findings with stakeholders.
- Projects as assigned by the Buyer/Divisional Merchandise Manager or Vice President.
- Bachelor’s degree in merchandising or business-related field or equivalent combination of work experience
- 2 -3 years of retail or relevant experience which may include retail internship
- Passion for the gift, game, and toy industry
- Knowledge and interest in popular culture and online trends, keen eye for developing trends
- Able to work independently and thrive in a multi-task, fast paced environment within an area that spans a high breadth of titles
- Exercise independent judgement to make decisions and work with minimal supervision
- Display strong business acumen with the ability to analyze data and draw conclusions
- Demonstrate assertiveness and intellectual curiosity
- Exhibit high standards, accountability, attention to detail and accuracy
- Utilize time management skills to include prioritizing tasks and meeting deadlines
- Develop strong business partnerships both internally and externally
- Adaptable, flexible and perseveres to overcome obstacles
- Present information effectively and accurately, expressing ideas clearly and concisely
- Prefer proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Outlook, and Word
- Up to 10% travel may be required depending upon the area assigned.
- This hybrid position is based at our Birmingham AL office and encompasses both work from home and in office work.
- Must be able to sit at a computer or desk for extended periods of time.
- Must be able to use hands/arms to operate keyboard, telephone and for repetitive motion activities.
- Must be able to lift objects up to 25 lbs. with or without assistance.
- Must be able to communicate using speech, sight, and sound with or without assistive device.
- Must be able to stand, walk, stoop or crouch while performing daily activities of the job.
Books-A-Million, America’s hometown bookstore since 1917
Founded in 1917 as a street corner newsstand in Florence, Alabama, Books-A-Million, Inc. (BAM!) has grown to become the second largest chain of bookstores in the United States, operating over 220 stores in 32 states as well as an on-line store, www.booksamillion.com. Headquartered in Birmingham, AL, Books-A-Million stores range from 4,000 to 30,000 square feet and provide an expansive selection of books, magazines, bargain books, collectibles, and house toy and gift departments. Special category shops within the store range from Faithpoint, which features the best of references and writings for the Christian market to Pop Culture, which highlights an extensive Manga assortment and related collectibles.
