Assistant / Associate Merchant

Abercrombie & Fitch; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Incentive Bonus Program

Paid Time Off

Work From Anywhere flexibility

Volunteer Day

Merchandise discount

Medical, Dental and Vision insurance

Life and Disability insurance

Associate Assistance Program

Paid parental and adoption leave

Headspace access

401(k) with company match

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

Abercrombie & Fitch Co. in Columbus, OH is seeking an emerging brand merchandising professional to influence product lifecycle decisions from concept to promotion. You will collaborate with design and product teams to craft on-trend assortments and work with Planning to meet financial targets.

The role demands leadership, strong sales analytics, and a passion for fashion across Abercrombie & Fitch brands. Travel may be required as part of the role.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with a cumulative GPA 3.0 or higher.
• 1–4 years of merchandising or buying experience, preferably in apparel.
• Proven leadership experience and ability to thrive in team-based settings.
• Passion for the merchandising role, fashion retail, and Abercrombie & Fitch brands.
• Acute eye for product and trend with strong sales analytics.
• Excellent presentation skills and comfort communicating with leadership.
• Proficient in MS Office and cross-functional collaboration.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as needed.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the assortment strategy of an emerging brand across the product lifecycle.
• Collaborate with design and product development to create on-trend products.
• Partner with Planning and Inventory to hit financial targets.
• Serve as the expert in current selling analysis and historical data.
• Interpret customer interests and trends from stores, media, and competitor activity.
• Identify emerging trends from fashion shows and blogs and translate to customer needs.
• Present selling analysis, strategies, and trend ideas to senior leadership.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical skills

Presentation skills

Collaboration

Travel willingness

Sales analysis

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Overview

Merchandising is the central function that sets the course for our brands’ product, ensuring all teams move in sync to deliver a beautiful, compelling, and profitable assortment. This role is based in our Global Home Office in Columbus, Ohio and may be placed on any of our brands, including Abercrombie & Fitch, abercrombie kids, Hollister, or Gilly Hicks.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the assortment strategy of an emerging brand, influencing decisions at every stage of the product lifecycle—from concept and product development to buying, pricing, placement, marketing, and promotions.
• Collaborate with design and product development teams to create on-trend products that fit our customers.
• Work closely with Planning and Inventory Management to drive strategies that maximize key business areas and meet financial targets for the category and overall brand.
• Serve as the expert in current selling analysis and historical selling knowledge for your department.
• Dive into customer interests and preferences by observing shopping patterns, active lifestyle behaviors, competitor activities, and feedback from stores, while monitoring media platforms.
• Identify emerging fashion trends by monitoring fashion weeks, runway shows, blogs, and aspirational brands, and interpret these ideas for our customer.
• Present to senior leadership, including slides on selling analysis, business strategies, style information, and trend ideas.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• 1–4 years of merchandising or buying experience, preferably in apparel.
• Proven leadership experience and ability to thrive in team‑based settings.
• Passion for the merchandising role, fashion retail, and the Abercrombie & Fitch portfolio of brands.
• Acute eye for product and trend.
• Deep understanding of sales analysis and financial metrics that relate to business.
• Strong presentation skills and confidence communicating with leadership.
• High comfort level with analytical sales tools and proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Collaborative approach to working with cross‑functional partners to achieve the brand vision.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as needed by the department.

Benefits

• Incentive Bonus Program
• Paid Time Off and Work From Anywhere flexibility
• Paid Volunteer Day per year to give back to community
• Merchandise discount
• Medical, Dental and Vision insurance (available)
• Life and Disability insurance
• Associate Assistance Program
• Paid parental and adoption leave
• Access to Headspace for healthy, happier lives from the inside out
• 401(k) savings plan with company match
• Opportunities for career advancement and internal promotion

ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO. IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.