Anthropologie - Assistant Merchandiser - Homeware

URBN; Greater London; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading retail company is seeking an Assistant Planner to maximize sales and profit through robust merchandise plans. The role involves trading support for Homeware, analysis for buying decisions, and collaboration with the buying team. Candidates should possess experience in merchandising and strong analytical skills. This position offers a dynamic work environment and several perks, including flexible work arrangements and employee discounts.

Benefits

Flexible start and finish times

Bring your dog to work

Employees Assistance program

Free gym facility

Private Medical Insurance

Up to 40% discount at all brands

Cycle to work scheme

Season ticket loan

Paid volunteer day

Qualifications

• Proven experience working within a Merchandising and Planning function.
• Strong understanding of retail maths and commercial planning.
• Excellent analytical and statistical skills.

Responsibilities

• Support planning and trading of Homeware.
• Produce clear analysis to support buying decisions.
• Review weekly sales and KPIs.

Skills

Retail maths

Advanced Excel skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Job description

About Us

Founded in 1992, Pennsylvania, USA, by current URBN chairman and president Dick Hayne, Anthropologie was named after his college major (with a decidedly French twist) Anthropologie, which now operates over 200 stores worldwide, has evolved into a leading one-of-a-kind destination for those seeking a curated mix of clothing, accessories, gifts and home décor to reflect their personal style. In 2009 the brand launched its first store in London and now has over 18 stores in the UK and Europe.

Role Summary

Anthropologie is a dynamic retailer that prides itself on being creatively unique and of high quality, both through our Stores and our Online business. This is a fantastic chance to work for such an outstanding retailer. Offering a diverse assortment across Fashion, Accessories, Home Décor and Furniture, our range exhibits a range of influences from vintage to global. We also collaborate with artists and designers that we have discovered from all over the globe, from ceramicists in South Africa to artisans in Wales. Customers delight in Anthropologie's handwriting and diversity with merchandise constantly changing and exhibiting a broad range of influences.

The role of the Assistant Planner is to maximise sales and profit by developing robust merchandise plans that support Company goals for Sales, Full price sell through, Stock turn and Margin.

What You'll Be Doing

• Support the planning and trading of Homeware, including planning promotions, reorders and reforecasting to drive profitable decision‑making.
• Produce clear, accurate analysis to support buying decisions across a wide variety of attributes such as style, size, colour and price. Identify opportunities to build momentum or shape future ranges.
• Review weekly sales and KPIs, partnering closely with the buying team to optimise in‑season trading and maximise sell‑through.
• Own line flows and reorders, coordinating with the buyers on delivery requirements, lead times and quantities.
• Contribute analytical insight to future option planning and sign offs, hindsighting past season performance and lessons learnt.
• Forecast sales, markdown, stock and margin, clearly highlighting risks such as overstocks/understocks.
• Manage the markdown process, identifying lines to markdown or promote, whilst monitoring spend and performance through the WSSI to ensure KPIs are met.
• Assist in building new‑season ranges and analysing performance of past seasons.
• Update and manage intake data, communicating changes clearly month‑to‑month.
• Support, mentor and develop an Allocator.
• Help implement and refine new systems and processes to improve efficiency.

What You'll Need

• Proven experience working within a Merchandising and Planning function.
• Strong understanding of retail maths and commercial planning.
• Excellent analytical and statistical skills with advanced Excel and strong systems proficiency.
• Strong communication skills and ability to build relationships across all areas of the business, from your team, throughout head office and to the DC team.
• Develop strong partnerships with buyers to understand their vision and direction, establishing an understanding of the customer and buying trends.
• Confidence to question the norm, suggesting new ideas backed with figures.
• Highly organised, enthusiastic and proactive. Able to prioritise effectively in a fast‑paced environment.
• Collaborative team player with adaptability and a positive, solution‑focused mindset.
• Displaying leadership potential, including the ability to guide and develop junior team members.

The Perks

Work‑life balance:

• Flexible start and finish times
• Bring your dog to work

Wellbeing:

• Employees Assistance program to support with mental, physical and financial health
• Fully equipped free gym and on‑site wellness room in Brick Lane and 50% discount of external gym memberships
• Private Medical Insurance

Employee Discount:

• Up to 40% off at all URBN Brands!

Community:

• One paid day to either volunteer or fundraise for a charity of your choice

Travel:

• Cycle to work scheme
• Season ticket loan

Continued Development:

• We offer structured support within the business alongside continued learning and development

Equal Opportunity Statement

URBN is an Equal Opportunities Employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We provide equal employment opportunities regardless of age, sexual orientation, sex, gender reassignment, pregnancy, marital status, religion, race, or disability. We base all our employment decisions on merit, job requirements and business needs.