Buyer

Unique Brands; New York (NY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Forever 21 is seeking a skilled Merchant to lead the buying strategy across all categories for our e-commerce site. This role shapes assortments, drives sales and margins, and collaborates with Design, Planning, and Production to realize the brand vision.

You will forecast trends, manage Open-to-Buy, and monitor performance to maximize opportunities while maintaining brand integrity. This in-office role supports cross-functional milestones and product development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Merchandising, Business, or related field.
• 3–5+ years of buying experience in fashion retail.
• Strong understanding of fashion trends and consumer behavior.
• Proven success managing sales, margin, and inventory metrics.
• Analytical and creative thinker with cross-functional collaboration.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and self-motivated.
• Ability to influence peers and senior leadership.
• Passion for product, innovation, and building a winning assortment.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute a clear product strategy and seasonal business plan.
• Align with cross-functional partners in Design, Planning, and Production to bring the vision to life.
• Forecast trends and translate them into customer-relevant assortments.
• Own the Open-to-Buy and manage inventory flow to achieve margins.
• Monitor sales performance in real-time and optimize opportunities.
• Lead and contribute to business meetings and drive accountability.
• Support team initiatives and projects as assigned.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Influence leadership

Creative mindset

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Merchandising, Business, or related field

Job description

Job Title: Merchant – All Categories - Forever 21

Reports To: Director of Merchandising

Location: In-Office | Monday–Friday

Position Summary

We’re looking for a passionate and results-driven Merchant to lead the buying strategy for our e-commerce website across all departments. This role is responsible for building trend-right, brand-right assortments that drive sales, margin, and inventory turn. You'll play a key role in shaping the product design, strategy, collaborating across departments, and ensuring consistent performance and innovation.

Key Responsibilities

Define and execute a clear product strategy and seasonal business plan. Align with cross-functional partners in Design, Planning, and Production to bring the vision to life.

Trend & Product Development:

Partner with the Design team to forecast trends and translate them into customer-relevant assortments. Focus on delivering innovative, brand-aligned products.

Stay informed on competitors and the broader marketplace. Make strategic, data-informed decisions to position the assortment ahead of trends and customer needs.

Build and manage seasonal plans for sales, markdowns, receipts, and inventory flow. Own the Open-to-Buy, focusing on achieving margin and Weeks of Supply targets.

In-Season Management:

Monitor sales performance in real-time. Identify opportunities to chase or pull back, maximizing top-line results and minimizing markdowns.

Performance Analysis:

Continuously evaluate the business to identify areas for improvement. Quickly respond to emerging trends and shifts in customer behavior.

Lead and contribute to business meetings, ensuring alignment on goals, timelines, and deliverables. Drive clarity and accountability.

Other Duties:

Support team initiatives and projects as assigned.

This is an in-office role, Monday–Friday.

Collaboration is focused around product development, milestone meetings, and key approvals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Merchandising, Business, or related field.
• 3–5+ years of buying experience in a specialty or fashion retail environment.
• Strong understanding of fashion trends and consumer behavior.
• Proven success managing sales, margin, and inventory metrics.
• Analytical and creative thinker — able to challenge and collaborate with both Planning and Design teams.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and self‑motivated.
• Ability to influence peers and senior leadership.
• Passion for product, innovation, and building a winning assortment.

Pay Range and Compensation Package

The annual base salary for this position starts at 100k. Actual starting pay is determined by various factors, including but not limited to relevant experience.

Equal Opportunity Statement

We are committed to diversity and inclusivity.