What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Merchant position at Princeton University Store?
Position Title: Assistant Merchant
Location: Confidential - Corporate Offices
Reports to: Supervising Merchant
Overview
A unique retailer is expanding its merchandising capabilities to align with its consumer-centric omnichannel retail strategy. We seek an Assistant Merchant to support the supervising Merchant in executing merchandising strategies for Technology, Stationery and School Supplies, Dorm Room Furnishings, and Groceries.
This role will be instrumental in maintaining inventory accuracy, supporting vendor relationships, assisting in promotional planning, and contributing to data-driven decision-making that enhances category performance.
The Assistant Merchant will collaborate with the merchandising, marketing, athletics, and operations teams to ensure optimal product assortments, execute merchandising strategies, and contribute to an exceptional shopping experience. This role will also work with the eCommerce manager to support the online execution of relevant product categories.
Key ResponsibilitiesMerchandising & Inventory Support
Bachelor’s degree in Merchandising, Business, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
2-4 years of experience in retail merchandising, buying, or inventory management.
Proficiency in NetSuite is mandatory; familiarity with Zoined and Valogix is preferred.
Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret sales data and make recommendations.
Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, consumer-focused retail environment.
Who You Are
A detail-oriented professional with a passion for retail merchandising and consumer trends.
A problem solver who thrives in analyzing data and making strategic inventory decisions.
A collaborative team player who effectively communicates across departments.
A self-motivated individual who can manage multiple projects with accuracy and efficiency.
Location: Confidential - Corporate Offices
Reports to: Supervising Merchant
Overview
A unique retailer is expanding its merchandising capabilities to align with its consumer-centric omnichannel retail strategy. We seek an Assistant Merchant to support the supervising Merchant in executing merchandising strategies for Technology, Stationery and School Supplies, Dorm Room Furnishings, and Groceries.
This role will be instrumental in maintaining inventory accuracy, supporting vendor relationships, assisting in promotional planning, and contributing to data-driven decision-making that enhances category performance.
The Assistant Merchant will collaborate with the merchandising, marketing, athletics, and operations teams to ensure optimal product assortments, execute merchandising strategies, and contribute to an exceptional shopping experience. This role will also work with the eCommerce manager to support the online execution of relevant product categories.
Key ResponsibilitiesMerchandising & Inventory Support
- Assist in developing and executing merchandising strategies for assigned product categories.
- Maintain SKU databases, including setup, updates, and lifecycle tracking in NetSuite.
- Monitor inventory levels, analyze sales trends, and support the development of replenishment plans.
- Collaborate with the supervising Merchant to identify new product opportunities and promotional strategies.
- Support vendor communication, including order placement, tracking, and issue resolution.
- Assist in negotiating vendor terms to optimize costs, margins, and delivery schedules.
- Ensure timely execution of purchase orders and maintain accurate opentobuy tracking.
- Work with the operations team to coordinate inventory flow, minimize stockouts, and enhance product availability.
- Assist in planning and executing promotional programs that align with marketing objectives.
- Collaborate with visual merchandising to ensure engaging instore displays that drive conversion.
- Leverage sales data and customer insights to recommend assortment adjustments and promotional refinements.
- Partner with the eCommerce team to support the online representation of University Place product categories.
- Support the athletics department and merchandising programs as needed.
- Work closely with assistant merchants, junior staff, and sales associates, contributing to their development.
- Share best practices and insights with crossfunctional teams to enhance overall merchandising execution.
- Assist in training store teams on product knowledge, inventory processes, and merchandising updates.
- Inventory Accuracy Ensure data integrity within NetSuite and maintain optimal stock levels.
- Sales & Profitability Support category revenue goals through effective inventory management and merchandising execution.
- Vendor Compliance Monitor vendor performance, ensuring ontime shipments and adherence to agreed terms.
- Marketing & Promotional Impact Assist in measuring the effectiveness of promotions and customer engagement strategies.
Bachelor’s degree in Merchandising, Business, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
2-4 years of experience in retail merchandising, buying, or inventory management.
Proficiency in NetSuite is mandatory; familiarity with Zoined and Valogix is preferred.
Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret sales data and make recommendations.
Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, consumer-focused retail environment.
Who You Are
A detail-oriented professional with a passion for retail merchandising and consumer trends.
A problem solver who thrives in analyzing data and making strategic inventory decisions.
A collaborative team player who effectively communicates across departments.
A self-motivated individual who can manage multiple projects with accuracy and efficiency.