Assistant Buyer - Toys

The Paper Store, Inc.; Acton (MA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

The Paper Store, a TPS Group Holdings brand, is seeking an Assistant Buyer, Toys, to help build compelling toy assortments and drive category growth. You will support trend discovery, vendor collaborations, and detailed PO management in a fast-paced retail environment at our Acton, MA location.

Ideal candidates have 2+ years in Toy buying, strong Excel skills, and a degree in Business, Fashion, or Retail. This role involves onsite work 4 days/week in Acton, MA and offers opportunities to grow

Qualifications

• 2+ years in buying/merchandising in Toy retail.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Fashion, or Retail preferred.
• Proficiency in Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUPs a plus).
• Strong time management and prioritization.
• Analytical mindset with data-driven decisions.

Responsibilities

• Support trend discovery and product flow to inspire new ideas.
• Assist vendor meetings, trade shows, and product reviews.
• Track newness, best sellers, and opportunities in the category.
• Manage purchase orders with vendors from entry to follow-ups.
• Monitor order status, shipping accuracy, and cost discrepancies.
• Maintain SKU setup and vendor data in internal systems.
• Manage open orders, cancellations, and backorder resolution.
• Execute allocations and replenishment to meet store needs.
• Coordinate with Planning and DC for smooth product flow.
• Initiate transfers, consolidations, and recalls as needed.
• Analyze sales, markdowns, and inventory; report trends.
• Learn retail math and financial drivers for decisions.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with E‑Commerce and Marketing.

Skills

Toy category buying

Merchandising

Category management

Analytical mindset

Cross-functional collaboration

Time management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Fashion, or Retail preferred

Tools

Excel

Microsoft Office

Job description

TPS Group Holdings, a family of brands including The Paper Store, Uncharted, and Gifts & More, is all about transforming daily routines into joyful escapes that inspire and surprise. Our mission is to connect with every customer through carefully chosen products, immersive shopping experiences, and service that goes the extra mile, creating spaces that spark joy with every visit.Position Overview: As an Assistant Buyer, Toys, you will be a critical partner in building and executing compelling assortments that delight customers and drive category growth. We’re seeking a merchant with buying experience in the Toy category. You’ll support the Buyer in identifying new opportunities, analyzing performance, managing vendor relationships, and bringing innovative products to market. This role blends executional excellence with merchant curiosity and is ideal for someone looking to grow their expertise and impact within a fast-paced retail environment.What You’ll DoSupport Trend Discovery & Product FlowStay close to emerging trends across retail, social, and customer behavior to support new product ideasAssist in preparing for vendor meetings, trade shows, and product reviewsHelp track newness, best sellers, and opportunities within the categoryDrive Day-to-Day Buying OperationsOwn purchase order (PO) management including entry, updates, and follow-ups with vendorsMonitor order status, shipping, cost accuracy, and resolve discrepanciesMaintain SKU setup, vendor data, and product information in internal systemsManage open order reporting, cancellations, and backorder resolutionInventory & Allocation ExecutionExecute allocations and replenishment to support store inventory needsPartner with Planning and Distribution Center teams to ensure smooth product flowInitiate transfers, consolidations, and recalls as neededSupport inventory productivity through clean data and timely executionAnalyze the Business & Learn the FinancialsRun and maintain sales, markdown, and inventory reportsAnalyze performance (sell-through, turn, margin) and identify trendsSupport the Buyer in reacting to the business and adjusting strategiesBuild foundational knowledge of retail math and financial driversCross-Functional Merchandising ExecutionPartner with E-Commerce and Marketing to ensure accurate product setup onlinePrepare product information, images, and materials for digital channelsAssist in creating merchandising directives for storesSupport promotional events, seasonal launches, and key initiativesVendor & Relationship SupportCommunicate with vendors regarding samples, product details, and order updatesHelp maintain strong vendor relationships through follow-up and organizationSupport onboarding of new vendors and product introductionsWho You AreBring 2+ years of buying, merchandising, or category management experience within the Toy retail category in both brick-and-mortar and eCommerceBachelor’s degree in Business, Fashion, or Retail preferredProficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUPs a plus)Strong time management skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasksCurious and excited by trends, products, and what customers will love nextHighly organized with strong attention to detail and follow-throughAnalytical mindset with comfort working in Excel and using data to support decisionsThrive in a fast-paced retail environment where priorities shift quicklyStrong communicator who collaborates effectively across cross-functional teamsInterested in growing into a Buyer role and owning a category over timeAbility to work onsite 4 days per week in Acton, MATPS Group Holdings is an equal-opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, veteran status, or any other classification protected by state, local or federal law.This range reflects what the company reasonably expects to pay for this position at this location at the time of this postingJOB REQUIREMENTS:Must be proficient with Microsoft Office Suite: Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Outlook.Good organizational skills including prioritizing, time management, and meeting deadlines.Strong numerical and analytical aptitude.1-3 years of experience as an assistant buyer in a retail organization.Communication and negotiation skills/experienceAbility to work 4+ days/week at the Corporate Office in Acton, MAProfessional presentation in attire, demeanor, and appearance