Buyer (Footwear)

Half-Moon Outfitters is a fiercely independent regional chain of Outdoor Stores that was founded in 1993 in downtown Charleston, S.C. We thrive on presenting a boutique selection of the best the Outdoor Industry has to offer and pride ourselves on being the first to the dance on the new, innovative, and most interesting products! Half-Moon cares deeply about a service model that is meaningful to employees, vendors, and most importantly to the consumer. We are currently hiring an experienced Footwear Buyer to join our team in Charleston, S.C. Local candidates are encouraged to apply!

What you should know:

Buyers play a critical role in supporting Half-Moon Outfitters merchandising efforts. The position is responsible for selecting appropriate product and implementing product strategies to drive sales growth, particularly in one or more merchandise segments. Buyers must have a strong passion for outdoor gear, apparel, and footwear. They must also be well organized and detail oriented.

What you will do:

1. Research and investigate emerging trends and brands.

2. Regularly travel to and meet with brand partners to strengthen the Company’s presence in the branded community.

3. Evaluate and update all go-forward items on liquidations at the beginning of each month.

4. Pre-line and evaluate product with vendors.

5. Invest time and develop relationships with upper management of vendor partners.

6. Evaluate and take corrective action regarding overperforming and underperforming brands.

7. Identify common power items and brands to be marketed by the Company to strengthen its brand image.

8. Meet with the Merchandise Planning team to discuss and determine brand initiatives.

9. Travel to Half-Moon locations to understand store needs.

10. Coordinate with District Managers to evaluate category performance.

11. Utilize strong verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred Skills and Abilities:

· 1 year of experience in fashion/footwear industry merchandise buying, inventory management, retail, or related field preferred.

· BA or BS in Business, Finance, Fashion Merchandising, Consumer Retail studies, Textile management, or related field preferred.

· Excellent understanding of retail math and its application in planning and analysis.

· Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including advanced functions and data analysis tools.

Additional responsibilities:

· Special projects, as assigned.

· Possess strong understanding of retail math fundamentals.

· Must be comfortable presenting in various settings among both internal and external groups.

Benefits:

At Half-Moon Outfitters, each eligible employee can participate in Medical, Dental, Vision, LTD, STD, 401(k) with company match, merchandise discounts, Paid-Time-Off, Sick Pay, and Holidays.

EOE

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Application Question(s):

• Do you have VP/Executive level contacts with footwear companies such as Hoka, On, Chaco, Salomon, etc. ?
• How many years of recent/current footwear buying experience do you possess?

Experience:

• Microsoft Excel: 5 years (Preferred)
• Inventory management: 5 years (Preferred)
• Analysis skills: 5 years (Preferred)
• Retail math: 5 years (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• North Charleston, SC 29405 (Required)

Willingness to travel:

• 25% (Required)

Work Location: In person