Assistant Buyer

Citi Trends, Inc.; New York (NY); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Citi Trends, Inc. is seeking a Merchandise Assistant Buyer to support our Buying team in driving profitable assortments and managing vendor partnerships.

You will ensure inventory aligns with customer demand and business strategy, and collaborate with merchandising and visual teams on product placement. The role emphasizes strong analytics, advanced Excel, and PO management to deliver timely orders, pricing strategies, and reports.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Merchandising, Business, Marketing, or related field.
• Experience with sales analysis, purchase order management, and vendor relations preferred.
• 1-3 years of experience in retail buying, merchandising, or purchasing.

Responsibilities

• Support purchase order placement - ensuring accuracy in pricing, quantities, and delivery schedules.
• Track and follow up on orders to ensure timely delivery and resolve discrepancies.
• Build and maintain strong vendor relationships.
• Research trends and analyze sales data to support merchandise selection.
• Identify top-performing products and recommend replenishment, markdowns, or promotions.
• Collaborate with merchandising and visual teams on product placement and assortment strategy.
• Coordinate samples, product descriptions, and imagery.
• Assist in pricing strategy, margin review, and promotional planning.
• Prepare sales, inventory, and vendor performance reports.
• Provide administrative and operational support to the Buying team.

Skills

Advanced Excel

PowerPoint

Data-driven decisions

Attention to detail

Vendor relationship management

Analytical skills

Multiple priorities

Retail market trends

Education

Bachelor's degree in Merchandising/Business/Marketing

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Are you passionate about product, trends, and turning data into smart buying decisions?

We're looking for a Merchandise Assistant Buyer to support our Buying team in driving profitable assortments, managing vendor partnerships, and ensuring inventory aligns with customer demand and business strategy.

This is an incredible opportunity to grow your merchandising career within a fast-paced, collaborative retail environment where your insights directly impact what customers see in stores.

What You'll Do

As a Merchandise Assistant Buyer, you will:

• Support purchase order placement - ensuring accuracy in pricing, quantities, and delivery schedules
• Track and follow up on orders to ensure timely delivery and resolve discrepancies
• Build and maintain strong vendor relationships
• Research trends and analyze sales data to support merchandise selection
• Identify top-performing products and recommend replenishment, markdowns, or promotions
• Collaborate with merchandising and visual teams on product placement and assortment strategy
• Coordinate samples, product descriptions, and imagery
• Assist in pricing strategy, margin review, and promotional planning
• Prepare sales, inventory, and vendor performance reports
• Provide administrative and operational support to the Buying team

You'll play a key role in building a positive team culture, supporting change initiatives, and helping drive employee engagement within our retail organization.

What You Bring

• Strong analytical skills - able to interpret sales trends and make data-driven recommendations
• Advanced Excel skills (required) and PowerPoint proficiency
• Exceptional attention to detail
• Strong communication and vendor relationship management skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced retail environment
• Solid understanding of customer preferences and market trends
• Experience working with retail or merchandising systems

Excel and PowerPoint are required. Strong systems skills are essential.

• Bachelor's degree in Merchandising, Business, Marketing, or related field
• 1-3 years of experience in retail buying, merchandising, or purchasing
• Experience with sales analysis, purchase order management, and vendor relations preferred

Why Join Us?

This role offers hands-on exposure to buying strategy, vendor partnerships, trend forecasting, and assortment planning - making it an ideal next step for someone looking to build a long-term career in merchandising.

You won't just support the business - you'll help shape it.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.