Assistant Buyer | Toys & Baby

The Paper Store, Inc.; Acton (MA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

TPS Group Holdings in Acton, MA is seeking an Assistant Buyer for Toys, Baby & Kids. You will help build compelling assortments, analyze performance, and manage vendor relationships in a fast-paced retail environment.

The role requires 2+ years in buying/merchandising in Toys/Baby/Kids, a Bachelor’s in Business, Fashion, or Retail preferred, strong Excel skills, and the ability to work onsite four days a week in Acton, MA.

Qualifications

• 2+ years buying, merchandising, or category management experience in Toys, Baby, Kids, or related retail.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Fashion, or Retail preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUPs a plus)

Responsibilities

• Support trend discovery and product flow for new ideas and reviews.
• Own PO management, order status, and data in internal systems.
• Execute allocations and replenishment with planning and DC teams.
• Analyze sales, markdowns, and inventory; identify trends and opportunities.
• Collaborate with E‑Commerce and Marketing for product setup online.
• Communicate with vendors and manage samples, updates, and onboarding.

Skills

Buying experience

Merchandising

Category management

Excel skills

Time management

Vendor relations

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Fashion, or Retail

Job description

Job Details: Job Location: 0099 - Corporate - Acton, MA 01420, Position Type: Full Time, Salary Range: $65,000.00 - $85,000.00 Salary, 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, Baby & Kids, 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 experience in Toys, Baby, Kids, Children's Apparel, Specialty Gift, or related retail categories who understands product trends, customer preferences, and the unique dynamics of these businesses. 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 Do

Support Trend Discovery & Product Flow

• Stay close to emerging trends across retail, social, and customer behavior to support new product ideas
• Assist in preparing for vendor meetings, trade shows, and product reviews
• Help track newness, best sellers, and opportunities within the category

Drive Day-to-Day Buying Operations

• Own purchase order (PO) management including entry, updates, and follow-ups with vendors
• Monitor order status, shipping, cost accuracy, and resolve discrepancies
• Maintain SKU setup, vendor data, and product information in internal systems
• Manage open order reporting, cancellations, and backorder resolution

Inventory & Allocation Execution

• Execute allocations and replenishment to support store inventory needs
• Partner with Planning and Distribution Center teams to ensure smooth product flow
• Initiate transfers, consolidations, and recalls as needed
• Support inventory productivity through clean data and timely execution

Analyze the Business & Learn the Financials

• Run and maintain sales, markdown, and inventory reports
• Analyze performance (sell-through, turn, margin) and identify trends
• Support the Buyer in reacting to the business and adjusting strategies
• Build foundational knowledge of retail math and financial drivers

Cross-Functional Merchandising Execution

• Partner with E-Commerce and Marketing to ensure accurate product setup online
• Prepare product information, images, and materials for digital channels
• Assist in creating merchandising directives for stores
• Support promotional events, seasonal launches, and key initiatives

Vendor & Relationship Support

• Communicate with vendors regarding samples, product details, and order updates
• Help maintain strong vendor relationships through follow-up and organization
• Support onboarding of new vendors and product introductions

Who you are

• Bring 2+ years of buying, merchandising, or category management experience within the Toys, Baby, Kids, Children's Apparel, Specialty Gift, or related retail categories in both brick-and-mortar and eCommerce
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Fashion, or Retail preferred
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUPs a plus)
• Strong time management skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks
• Curious and excited by trends, products, and what customers will love next
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail and follow-through
• Analytical mindset with comfort working in Excel and using data to support decisions
• Thrive in a fast-paced retail environment where priorities shift quickly
• Strong communicator who collaborates effectively across cross-functional teams
• Interested in growing into a Buyer role and owning a category over time
• Ability to work onsite 4 days per week in Acton, MA

Qualifications: JOB 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/experience
• Ability to work 4+ days/week at the Corporate Office in Acton, MA
• Professional presentation in attire, demeanor, and appearance

TPS 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 posting.