Assistant Merchant, Bottoms - Talbots

In Merchandising, we are committed to your growth and development. If you are looking for an opportunity to thrive in a fast paced, dynamic environment and kick-off your Merchandising career, then keep reading! We are currently working in a hybrid & collaborative setting which consists of being onsite in our Hingham, MA Corporate Office as often as project and product calendar dictate.

What We Offer:

• Growth! Here at Talbots our goal is to give you the opportunities to grow with us. Our Performance Feedback Program allows for healthy career conversations and goal setting throughout the year.
• Condensed Work Week! If we have no work obligations and have fulfilled our 40-hour week, our Life-Work balance approach allows for us to start our weekend at 1pm on Fridays.
• Complete Benefit Package! Our benefits kick off the first day of the month after your start date! Discover more about our full benefits package here. We have competitive time off, including paid time to volunteer within the community.
• Merchandise Discounts! Our associates receive 50% off Talbots and select Haven Well Within brand items. Additionally, you may also be eligible for discounts at the brands across KnitWell Group.

What You’ll Do:

This position is responsible for actively assisting the Merchant with the strategy, development, and selection of merchandise while supporting the department through the entire product lifecycle. Assistant Merchants will be assigned to a specific category.

• Prepare weekly/monthly/quarterly reporting and assist Merchant in analyzing performance; initiate and perform additional ad hoc analytical assignments as requested.
• Review and compile seasonal commits by style, color, and size partnering with Sourcing and Allocation partners.
• Monitor and track purchase orders and inventory through receipt reconciliation process.
• Order, track, and organize samples for every season; ensure all photo samples are accurate and follow proper protocol for incorrect samples.
• Work cross functionally with other partners and teams to ensure accurate product representation for photo shoots and floor sets.
• Provide data for copy cards for all items in catalog.
• Review shot sheets for catalog, ensure all product is being shot and has appropriate selling space.
• Prepare for and attend catalog, store set layout and web thumbnail reviews, to ensure accuracy, timeliness of delivery and placement.
• Review and correct all catalog and web content for department as released, work with teams to ensure accurate product representation.
• Maintain knowledge of retail industry trends, shop competition and visit Talbots stores frequently.
• Consistently check department landing page on the web to ensure accurate product information, gallery ranking, and any helpful customer reviews. Partner with web merchandising team on any callouts.
• Assist merchant in generating reports weekly to analyze sales and business trends.
• Gather / recap history as a stepping off point for future buys.

 Who You Are:

• Bachelor’s degree
• 1 -2 years merchandising, retail sales, buying or internship experience preferred.
• Broad-based business acumen with the potential to grow to the Merchant level and beyond!
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel skills to include VLOOKUP, Pivot Tables, and numerical formulation or and have aptitude to learn these technical applications quickly.
• Knowledge and familiarity with Power Point to be able to create decks and presentations.
• Innate sense of fashion and ability to analyze and translate trends
• Strong communication and organizational skills, ability to multitask and work collaboratively.
• Excellent attention to detail, understands importance of accuracy and thorough completion of tasks Ability to hit concurrent deadlines, manage and prioritize own workload.