Buyer

Lids; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement match

Employer-paid benefits (disability, AD

Parental leave

Bonus opportunity

Employee discount

Paid time off

Summer hours

Education reimbursement

Collaborative environment

Early wage access

Job summary

Lids is seeking a Buyer to drive profitable sales through strategic product assortment and strong vendor partnerships. Based in Indianapolis, you will own the full product lifecycle from development to delivery within assigned departments.

You will negotiate with vendors, manage seasonal assortments, and coordinate with merchandising and sourcing to ensure timely delivery of quality merchandise. Strong communication, project management, and analytical skills are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Merchandising or related field is required.
• 5+ years of buying/merchandising experience.
• Strong communication and presentation abilities.
• Proven project management capabilities.
• Ability to make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong negotiation skills.
• Knowledge of merchandise buying, product development, and retail financials.
• Creative thinking and professional latitude to excel in the role.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage the full process for product development to delivery, coordinating with vendors.
• Negotiate pricing and terms with vendors to maximize margin and profitability.
• Approve product samples and coordinate with sourcing for on-time delivery of quality merchandise.
• Create seasonal assortments and maintain detailed assortment plans.
• Collaborate with merchandising and sourcing on planning, allocation, and orders.
• Conduct market research to identify opportunities and competitive landscape.
• Prepare and present seasonal product line reviews to stakeholders.
• Communicate detailed product information for marketing and operations.

Skills

Bachelor’s degree in Merchandising

5+ years buying experience

Strong communication

Presentation skills

Project management

Negotiation skills

Retail financials knowledge

Creative thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Merchandising or related field

Job description

About Our Company

At Lids Sports Group, we don’t just sell hats — we fuel fandom. As the largest licensed sports retailer in North America, we bring sports, fashion, and culture together in more than 1,300 stores nationwide. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, Lids delivers premium, fan-driven products and unforgettable retail experiences.

Brief Description

Buyer

About Our Company

At Lids Sports Group, we don’t just sell hats — we fuel fandom. As the largest licensed sports retailer in North America, we bring sports, fashion, and culture together in more than 1,300 stores nationwide. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, Lids delivers premium, fan-driven products and unforgettable retail experiences.

Our stores feature officially licensed headwear and apparel from collegiate and professional teams, alongside top brands like Champion, Nike, New Era, Lululemon Athletica, and Mitchell & Ness. We’re also the industry leader in on-demand customization, offering in-store embroidery that turns everyday gear into one-of-a-kind statements.

From specialty concept stores for the NBA and NHL, to iconic clubhouse destinations for the Yankees and Dodgers, we create immersive retail experiences that celebrate the teams fans love. Through collaborations with brands like Marvel, Peanuts, and The Walt Disney Company, Lids continues to redefine how fans represent their teams — in style.

Position Summary

The Buyer is responsible for the purchase and promotion of all product for their assigned department(s). The primary objective of this position is to drive profitable sales and achieve departmental financial goals through strategic product assortment and effective vendor partnerships.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and manage the full process and timeline for product development and selection through delivery, including communication and coordination with vendors.
• Negotiate pricing and terms with vendors to ensure maximum margin and profitability.
• Approve product samples and coordinate with sourcing to ensure on-time delivery of quality merchandise.
• Create seasonal assortments across assigned merchandise categories; maintain detailed assortment plans.
• Collaborate with merchandising and sourcing teams to ensure effective planning, allocation, and order placement.
• Conduct market research to understand competitive landscape and identify brand/category opportunities.
• Prepare and present seasonal product line reviews to internal and external stakeholders.
• Compile and communicate detailed product information for marketing and operational needs.

Job Required Knowledge And Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Merchandising or related field.
• 5+ years of relevant buying or merchandising experience.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Strong project management capabilities.
• Ability to make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong negotiation skills.
• Knowledge of merchandise buying, product development, and retail financials.
• Ability to leverage experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals.
• Creativity and professional latitude required to excel in the role.

Physical Demands & Requirements

• Ability to constantly sit at a desk in a sedentary work environment.
• Ability to frequently communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to view electronic/written materials and adjust focus when needed.
• Ability to frequently use a computer, keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment.
• Ability to occasionally stand and walk throughout the office.
• Ability to occasionally lift or move items up to 15 pounds.
• Ability to occasionally present information to small and large groups, including team members and leadership.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

What We Offer

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Retirement plan with company match
• 100% employer-paid benefits, including short-term and long-term disability, life and AD&D insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Parental Leave
• Competitive annual bonus opportunity
• Generous employee discount and exclusive perks
• Attractive paid time off package including holidays and floating holidays
• Flexible summer hours opportunity for eligible employees
• Ongoing career development and professional training, including discounted secondary education courses and certification reimbursement
• A collaborative, innovative, and team-oriented work environment
• Early Wage Access options

Work Environment

• Onsite office work environment.
• Standard business hours from 8 a.m.–5 p.m.; flexibility may be provided upon request.

Additional Information

Employment Requirements

Candidates must possess the experience, skills, physical abilities, and qualifications, with or without reasonable accommodation, to perform the essential duties of the role and must be able to meet all applicable employment standards. Being legally authorized to work in the United States is a pre-condition of employment for this position. Current or future employment-based visa sponsorship is not available for this role.

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Notice to Applicants

In connection with your application, we collect information that identifies, reasonably relates to, or describes you (“Personal Information”). The categories of Personal Information we collect include your name, email address, mailing address, other contact information, employment history, and educational history. We collect and use this information for human resources and business management purposes, including identifying and evaluating candidates for employment or future contract opportunities, and maintaining recruiting and hiring records. Upon a conditional job offer, we may require additional Personal Information for business purposes and background checks as permitted by law, including but not limited to government-issued identification numbers, work authorization, emergency contact information, criminal record information, and demographic data used for analytics and compliance with applicable legal requirements and Company policies.

Need Accessibility Assistance?

Applicants who require accessibility assistance to submit an employment application may email [e-mail]. A member of our Talent team will respond as soon as reasonably possible. This email address is only for individuals seeking reasonable accommodation when applying for a career at Lids.