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About us

Talbots is a leading omni-channel specialty retailer of women's clothing, shoes and accessories. Established in 1947, we are known for modern classic style that's both timeless and timely, fine quality craftsmanship and gracious service. At Talbots relationships are the key to our business, we hire individuals who bring new ideas to the table, understand smart risk taking and can enhance an already thriving culture. With a commitment to offer modern classic style for every body type, through a full range of sizes, inclusive to every woman in your life.

The Associate Merchant is responsible for merchandising a selected area(s) within the Merchant’s scope of responsibility. This position is responsible for collaboration with the Merchant on the strategy, development, and merchandising of the department. In this position one executes quarterly buy strategies at the style/color level, exhibits passion and eye for product, conducts in-depth analysis, both financial and trend, and works collaboratively with cross-functional partners.

What We Offer:

• Growth! Here at Talbots our goal is to give you the opportunities to grow with us. Our Performance Feedback Program allows for healthy career conversations and goal setting throughout the year.
• Condensed Work Week! If we have no work obligations and have fulfilled our 40-hour week, our Life-Work balance approach allows for us to start our weekend at 1pm on Fridays.
• Complete Benefit Package! Our benefits kick off the first day of the month after your start date! Discover more about our full benefits package here. We have competitive time off, including paid time to volunteer within the community.
• Merchandise Discounts! Our associates receive 50% off Talbots and select Haven Well Within brand items. Additionally, you may also be eligible for discounts at the brands across KnitWell Group.

What You’ll Do:

• Assist in building seasonal framework for selected area(s) within the Merchant’s scope of responsibility.
• Analyze business performance on a weekly basis; present results to cross-functional and leadership teams as needed.
• Highlight prior seasons through extensive product analysis, trend analysis, and productivity results to plan the next season.
• Utilize both product strategies and analytical results to plan all merchandise buys, in accordance to budget, for each quarter and present investments at product investment review.
• Partner with planning and inventory management on reviewing sales, receipt, and style/color count; partner on managing in-season business results and markdown cadence.
• Partner with sourcing to achieve target IMU plans, make seasonal fabric projections, participate in discussions on costs, deliveries, and other vendor related matters.
• Partner with design team to evolve our proven core product and introduce merchandise that is new, trend right, works within our brand filter, and moves the business forward.
• Develop understanding of the Talbots customer and ability to strategize product selections that are complementary to the brand and the customer’s preference.
• Share responsibility with Assistant Merchant on maintenance of purchase order system as well as entering seasonal purchase orders by style, color, and size as needed.
• Minimal travel to Talbots stores or shopping the competition.
• Maintain knowledge of catalog and web industry trends, shop competition frequently.
• Analyze direct business metrics, evaluate customer demand performance in conjunction with sales.
• Prepare for and attend catalog layout reviews and web thumbnail reviews, ensure accuracy and placement.

Who You Are:

• Bachelor’s degree
• 2+ years of experience in a buying, planning, and/or inventory management role preferred
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, with intermediate level to advanced Microsoft Excel skills
• Innate sense of fashion and ability to analyze and translate trends
• Possess analytical skills, ability to draw smart conclusions and make thoughtful recommendations
• Strong organizational skills, ability to multitask, prioritize and complete tasks on tight deadlines
• Excellent attention to detail, understands importance of accuracy and thorough completion of tasks
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team
• Strong writing and presentation skills
• Must be able to thrive in a fast paced, dynamic environment

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Equal Employment Opportunity

The Company is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from diverse candidates. Hiring decisions are based upon a candidate's qualifications as they relate to the requirements of the position under consideration and are made without regard to sex (including pregnancy), race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, genetic information, military status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other category protected by applicable law. The Company is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for job applicants with disabilities. If you require an accommodation to perform the essential duties of the position you are seeking or to participate in the application process, please contact myHRSupport@knitwellgroup.com. The Company will make reasonable accommodations for otherwise qualified applicants or employees, unless such accommodations would impose an undue hardship on the operations of the Company’s business. The Company will not revoke or alter a job offer based on an applicant’s request for reasonable accommodation.