Merchandise Assistant

Born Primitive; Virginia Beach (VA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

B Born Primitive in Virginia Beach is seeking a Merchandise Assistant to manage the sample lifecycle from request to receipt, labeling, and distribution. You will support Product Development, Design, Merchandising, Marketing, and QA to ensure samples arrive on time for fittings, line reviews, photoshoots, and sales needs.

The role requires high organization, attention to detail, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment.

Qualifications

• Experience managing a sample lifecycle from request to receipt, labeling, and distribution.
• Strong organization and attention to detail in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment.
• Proficiency with PLM or sample management tools.

Responsibilities

• Manage inbound/outbound sample traffic including proto, fit, SMS, PPS, TOP, and marketing samples.
• Maintain detailed sample logs, tracking status, location, and deadlines in PLM.
• Inspect samples for accuracy and quality against request specs.
• Tag, organize, and store samples in a retrievable system.
• Coordinate sample needs across Product Development, Design, Merchandising, Marketing, and Sales.
• Prepare samples for fittings, design reviews, line reviews, and seasonal assortment meetings.
• Support Marketing by organizing samples for photo shoots and influencer sends.
• Manage sample check-in/check-out with internal teams and external partners.
• Analyze sales data to identify opportunities; maintain weekly dashboards.
• Provide competitive research and trend input for merchandising decisions.
• Communicate ETAs and delays with vendors; escalate concerns when needed.
• Track sample comments and approvals to relevant teams.
• Keep sample room clean and organized; support seasonal archiving and disposal.
• Prepare sample boxes and manage shipping logistics.

Job description

Position Summary

The Merchandise Assistant is responsible for managing all aspects of the sample lifecycle—from request to receipt, tracking, organization, and distribution. This role supports Product Development, Design, Merchandising, Marketing, and QA teams by ensuring samples arrive on time, are accurately labeled, and are readily available for fittings, line reviews, photo shoots, and sales needs. The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, and thrives in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment.

Key Responsibilities:

Sample Management & Tracking

• Manage all inbound and outbound sample traffic, including proto, fit, SMS, PPS, TOP, and marketing samples.
• Maintain detailed sample logs, tracking status, location, and deadlines in PLM or sample management tools.
• Inspect incoming samples for accuracy, quality, and alignment with sample request specifications.
• Tag, organize, and store samples in a structured, easy-to-retrieve system.

Cross-Functional Support

• Coordinate sample needs across Product Development, Design, Merchandising, Marketing, and Sales teams.
• Prepare samples for fittings, design reviews, line reviews, and seasonal assortment meetings.
• Support the Marketing team by organizing samples for photo shoots, influencer sends, and press kits.
• Manage sample check-in/check-out to internal teams and external partners.

Analysis & Reporting

• Assist in analyzing sales data to identify opportunities, best sellers, and slow movers.
• Maintain weekly reporting dashboards and product trackers.
• Support competitive research and trend analysis to inform merchandising decisions.

Communication & Vendor Coordination

• Communicate sample ETAs, delays, and issues with vendors and factories.
• Follow up on missing, late, or incorrect samples and proactively **escalate concerns**.
• Ensure all sample comments and approvals are tracked and relayed to the correct teams.

Operational Organization

• Maintain a clean, well-organized sample room that supports efficient workflow and seasonal transition.
• Assist in seasonal sample archiving, donation, or disposal following company guidelines.
• Prepare sample boxes and manage shipping logistics—packaging, labeling, and documentation.

Data & Documentation

• Upload photos, measurements, and sample details into PLM or tracking systems.
• Support sample‑related reporting for leadership and cross‑functional teams.

Compensation Information

Born Primitive is committed to pay transparency. The compensation range for this position is $45,000 - $50,000 annually, based on skills and experience. Candidates whose experience exceeds the stated qualifications are encouraged to apply, and we will evaluate compensation based on the skill set and experience they bring. This is a salaried, full‑time position.

General Information

This job description is not intended to provide a complete and comprehensive list of all job duties, requirements, and responsibilities. Instead, it is provided as a general overview of the expectations for the position. This is an on‑site, salaried position at our Virginia Beach headquarters. Success is measured by results, and the role requires the flexibility to meet the needs of the business whenever they arise.