Buyer

The Swank Company; Augusta (GA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Employee discounts across group brands

Growth opportunities

Job summary

Escape Outdoors, a premier boutique outdoor and lifestyle brand based in Augusta, GA, seeks a strategic Buyer/Procurement Coordinator or Manager to own the product lifecycle. This hybrid role requires onsite work and regular travel among Augusta-area stores to ensure online and in-store merchandising alignment.

The ideal candidate has hands-on DTC retail experience, familiarity with Shopify, and a track record as a Buyer/Procurement/Sourcing Manager in apparel or outdoor spaces.

Qualifications

• Retail expertise in DTC is essential.
• Shopify knowledge is a plus.
• Experience as Buyer/Procurement/Sourcing Manager in apparel/outdoor/lifestyle.
• Organized, self-motivated, able to lead initiatives end-to-end.
• Willingness to travel between local stores.

Responsibilities

• Sourcing and vendor relationship management with reputable suppliers.
• Own buying logic using data-driven insights to decide purchases, markdowns, and events.
• Manage product catalogs and Shopify collections, coordinate with virtual assistant team for data entry and online merchandising.
• Collaborate with operations, logistics, and marketing on product launches and seasonal events.
• Be hands-on with visual merchandising in stores and implement merchandising improvements.
• Lead initiatives and strategies with autonomy to drive growth for the business.

Skills

Sourcing & vendor relations

Inventory strategy

Catalog & collections management

Cross-functional teamwork

Visual merchandising

Travel readiness

Tools

Shopify

Job description

About Escape Outdoors & Our Retail Group

At Escape Outdoors, we equip our community for everyday adventure. As a premier boutique outdoor and lifestyle brand, we pride ourselves on offering top-tier apparel, footwear, and gear across our active physical store locations and our growing direct-to-consumer (DTC) e-commerce business.

Escape Outdoors is proud to be part of an award-winning, locally founded retail group based in Augusta, Georgia, which also includes The Swank Company (contemporary women's fashion, shoes, and gifts) and Posh Tots (children’s apparel and gifts). Together, our brands deliver vibrant shopping experiences both in-store and online across the Augusta area and nationwide.

Position Summary

Location: Augusta, GA (Onsite, multi-location)

Job Type: Full-Time or Part-Time

Department: Buying & Receiving

We are looking for a strategic, hands-on Buyer / Procurement Coordinator or Manager / Sourcing Coordinator or Manager (depending on experience) to take true ownership of our product lifecycle. This is a dynamic, hybrid role where you will balance analytical procurement with strategic visual merchandising. You will be expected to work onsite and travel regularly among our Augusta-area stores, including West Lake Commons, Furys Ferry Rd., Surrey Center, and Riverwood, to ensure our vision comes to life both online and on the sales floor.

Key Responsibilities

• Sourcing & Vendor Relations: Identify, negotiate, and build strong relationships with reputable vendors, suppliers, and distributors. Lead regular vendor reviews to ensure quality and brand alignment.
• Inventory Strategy: Own the buying logic. Use data-driven insights to know exactly when to buy, hold, or execute markdowns and sales events.
• Catalog & Collections Management: Take full responsibility for our product catalog and Shopify collections for Escape Outdoors. You will proactively and regularly collaborate with our virtual assistant team to ensure seamless data entry, accurate digital merchandising, and organized online storefronts.
• Cross-Functional Teamwork: Partner with operations and logistics teams for timely product arrivals, and work hand-in-hand with our marketing team to align on product launches, promotions, and seasonal events.
• Visual Merchandising: Step into our brick-and-mortar locations to proactively identify opportunities for bettering our product placements and layout, propose fresh ideas, and physically implement merchandising improvements.
• Drive Growth: Operate as a self-managed leader. Our management team is highly receptive to new ideas, giving you the freedom to plan, direct, and execute strategies that elevate our business.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Retail Expertise: Proven, hands-on experience in Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) retail is an absolute must.
• Platform Knowledge: Strong familiarity and working knowledge of Shopify is a plus.
• Professional Background: Solid experience as a Buyer, Procurement Specialist, or Sourcing Manager in the apparel, outdoor, or lifestyle space.
• The Right Mindset: You are highly organized, self-motivated, and comfortable leading initiatives from start to finish with a mix of creative and analytical thinking.
• Flexibility: Reliable transportation and a willingness to travel frequently between our local stores.
• Competitive compensation based on experience and qualifications
• Employee discounts across all group retail brands (Escape Outdoors, The Swank Company, and Posh Tots)
• Opportunities for growth within a dynamic, expanding local retail group