Annie’s, located in Berne & Fort Wayne IN, is a rapidly growing, media division of DRG and our products include magazines, books, kits and supplies, online classes and TV programming, which are targeted to home and family interests, including crafts, nostalgia and home décor. It is part of the third generation Muselman family business.

Annie’s promise is to deliver exceptional products that enable creativity, nurture memories and uphold positive values. We are committed to a culture that attracts, motivates, inspires and retains extraordinary people in an environment characterized by a positive outlook, innovation, respect, integrity and family values. Come work with us!

ROLE: Develop business strategies to maximize sales and profits for the specified department or area. Utilize a working knowledge of the buying function including merchandise selection, negotiating, pricing, planning, and marketing merchandise.

Reporting relationship

• Retail Merchandise Director or Senior Buyer

Responsibilities

• Conduct category planning and select merchandise which supports area sales volume, gross margin, and turnover objectives.
• Analyze product trends and historical data at department/class level.
• Keep up-to-date on marketing and industry trends and anticipate changes in the market
• Develop and maintain vendor partnerships: negotiating costs, freight and payment terms, and planning assortment.
• Anticipate the performance of new products before launching and supply quantities for opening order
• Monitor inventory levels and work closely with senior buyer or director to plan markdown strategies
• Solve any problems that may arise with the merchandise and/or vendor
• Layout and review print catalog for your categories
• Monitor the website to ensure products are being showcased correctly, ensure upsells are being used, and give feedback to Assistant Merchandisers and Assistant Buyers on these things as needed
• Partner with the marketing to come up with seasonally appropriate campaigns that ensure our best products are showcased
• Partner with Senior Buyer and Director on the development of exclusive new products and imports
• Work closely with purchasing to collect product samples and pricing for new exclusive products
• Attend editorial reviews and walk-throughs for books and magazines in order to stay updated on upcoming projects
• Collaborate & communicate with other departments such as photo, web, and marketing as needed
• Give direction to the Merchandising Assistants and Assistant Buyers to keep them on task
• Assist with training and mentoring new hires by sharing experience & knowledge

Accountabilities

• Handle all responsibilities above and keep director and senior buyer updated as needed
• Meet all deadlines given
• Ensure that the merchandising assistant stays on task

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (including any physical requirements)

• Sit and work at a computer for long periods of time
• Basic clerical duties
• Communicate effectively with people inside and outside of the company
• Prepare & input information into databases
• Ability to travel by car or air to visit vendors and attend trade shows
• Able to lift 40 lbs.

Qualifications

• College Degree in merchandising, marketing, or another relevant field
• 3-5 years experience in retail merchandising or buying
• Excellent analytical and organizational skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, including Excel
• Knowledge of crafting - quilting, crocheting, or knitting experience is a plus
• Fundamental understanding of the statistical components of the business
• Clearly conveys and accurately receives information by a variety of methods and in various situations.
• Challenges the status quo, champions change and influences others to think outside of the box
• Uses business knowledge, innovative thinking, and sound judgment in the solution of problems or the pursuit of business opportunities.

We demonstrate our commitment to the talented people who make our company successful by offering:

• Competitive pay rates and bonus structures
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance options
• Holiday pay and PTO
• Education reimbursement assistance

You can learn more about Annie’s at www.annies-publishing.com