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About the Role

Responsible for supporting the implementation and execution of strategies to drive a compelling and holistic assortment for the AEO Brand. This individual will play a critical role on a small, high-performing team to drive business results and category growth through industry research, strategy and product development, and overall execution.

Responsibilities

• Establish, drive and execute a strategic Omni product vision and business plan through effective communication and coordination with cross-functional business partners inclusive of design, international merchandising, planning, etc.
• Work closely with Design team to interpret and forecast trends for assigned areas through the customer lens. Develop and assort trend right and brand right product. Drive product innovation.
• Understand competition and marketplace inclusive of Brick and Mortar AND Digital competition. Make brand right and informed decisions for assigned departments/categories based upon the competitive landscape/marketplace and the needs of the customer.
• In partnership with the planning team, establish seasonal strategic plans for sales, markdowns, inventory, and growth opportunity. Effectively manage in-season business to maximize topline sales and minimize markdowns. Work in conjunction with planning to manage the Open-to-Buy as far as receipts, sales, margin, markdowns, and Weeks of Supply.
• Analyze performance and plans constantly to look for sales and margin opportunities to exceed plan; quickly adapt and respond to changes/trends occurring in the business and in the marketplace.
• Responsible for building an edited collection for the varying formats that maximize sales and margin while meeting the customer needs within reduced space.
• Develop and drive test and react strategy across all channels.
• Effectively and efficiently run business meetings to ensure objectives and deadlines are met.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Able to work in a hybrid environment, meaning that some work may be performed remotely but certain essential functions must be performed in-person/in-office based on the needs of the business.
• In person/in-office collaboration is required, the frequency of such in-person/in-office collaboration is dictated by business needs. Such collaboration includes work centralized around product development, milestone meetings, approvals, etc.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree required; Retail, Finance, or Business focus preferred.
• 3+ years of experience as an Assistant Merchant and/or Associate Merchant from a specialty store.
• The ability to operate in both a strategic and hands-on capacity is required.
• Passionate with a keen sense of the latest fashion trends while being able to interpret them for the customer.
• Strong organization, communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to sell and influence.
• Strong financial and analytical skills; ability to utilize Google Office Suite.
• Demonstrated success in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment; flexibility and team orientation.
• Ability to act as liaison between cross functional teams.
• Ability to travel.

Skills

• Merchandising
• Trend forecasting
• Product innovation
• Competitive analysis
• Strategic planning
• Inventory management
• Open-to-Buy management
• Sales analysis
• Margin analysis
• Test and react strategy
• Business meeting facilitation
• Communication
• Presentation
• Negotiation
• Financial analysis
• Analytical skills
• Google Office Suite
• Flexibility
• Team orientation

Location

• New York City, NY

Work Type

• Hybrid Schedule
• In-Person Connection Required

Experience Level

• 3+ years of experience as an Assistant Merchant and/or Associate Merchant

Education Level

• Bachelor’s Degree required; Retail, Finance, or Business focus preferred.

Benefits

• Generous Associate Discount
• Summer Fridays
• Casual Dress Code
• Hybrid Schedule
• In-Person Connection
• FOMO (Fun Office Moments Only) Events
• Health care benefits (including medical, vision, and dental)
• Wellness benefits
• 401(k) retirement benefits
• Life and disability insurance
• Employee stock purchase program
• Paid time off
• Paid sick leave
• Parental leave and benefits
• Discretionary bonuses and other incentives

About the Company

• Aerie is a fast-growing lifestyle brand offering the comfiest intimates, apparel, swim and accessories made to wear in and out. Aerie Real stands for inclusivity and real representation. We celebrate our community by advocating for power, positivity and no retouching. Always & forever REAL™.
• American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (NYSE: AEO) is a leading global specialty retailer with a portfolio of beloved apparel brands including American Eagle, Aerie, OFFL/NE by Aerie, Todd Snyder and Unsubscribed.
• Rooted in optimism, inclusivity and authenticity, AEO’s brands empower every customer to celebrate their unique personal style by offering casual, comfortable, timeless outfitting and high-quality products that are made to last.
• In addition to a robust e-commerce business, we operate stores in the United States, Canada and Mexico, with merchandise available in more than 30 countries through a global network of license partners.
• At AEO, we believe in the power of our people and our brands. Our Better Together culture creates a mutual desire to succeed–inspiring our community to excel, while driving future growth for the business and associates.
• Through experience, exposure and education we empower associates to build their unique career journey.

Equal Opportunity

• AEO is committed to building an inclusive culture that is welcoming and fosters a sense of belonging for everyone.
• AEO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to complying with all federal, state and local equal employment opportunity ("EEO") laws.
• AEO prohibits discrimination against associates and applicants for employment because of the individual's race or color, religion or creed, alienage or citizenship status, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity or expression, marital or partnership status, domestic violence or stalking victim status, genetic information or predisposing genetic characteristics, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
• This applies to all AEO activities, including, but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, compensation, assignment, training, promotion, performance evaluation, discipline and discharge.
• AEO also provides reasonable accommodation of religion and disability in accordance with applicable law.