We inspire purpose-filled living that brings joy to the modern home. With a team of more than 8,000 associates spanning 130 store and distribution locations across the U.S. and Canada, we achieve together, drive results and innovate to inspire. Drawn together by a shared passion for our customers and a spirit of fun, we deliver high-quality home furnishings that are expertly designed, responsibly sourced and bring beauty and function to people’s homes. From the day we opened our first store in Chicago in 1962 to the digital innovations that engage millions of customers today, our iconic brand is over 60 years in the making—and our story is still unfolding.

We’re here for it. We think you should be too. We’re looking for a driven professional with an inclusive mindset to join our team as an Associate Merchant.

This position supports the Sr. Merchant in all aspects of product assortment, financial planning and vendor partnerships in accordance with the sales, margin, turnover and flow goals for the assigned product category.

This is a hybrid position based out of our Northbrook, Illinois corporate office and currently requires 4+ days/week in office. 

A day in the life as an Associate Merchant…

• Make recommendations to Merchant regarding product assortment, pricing and merchandising strategies reflecting goals based on trends and forecasts
• Participate in the final decision making process by providing expert recommendations to Merchant regarding seasonal and core product mix for a given department
• Analyze sales information in order to identify opportunities to increase sales and margins
• Based on research and analysis, participates in recommending, setting and approving product-pricing strategies to achieve specific margin objectives and executes exit strategies as needed.  
• Negotiate product costs, terms, subsidy and VIR
• Develop and maintain vendor partnerships by providing analytical metrics to Merchant, influencing the supplier management strategy to support overall department strategy and works to improve all aspect of supplier relationship
• Build and maintain assortment plans and SKU counts
• Gather and synthesize information from partners to make strategic recommendations to Merchant
• Analyze business trends and opportunities by identifying and maximizing key items via test strategies
• Provide recommendations regarding short term buying plans and long term strategies
• Conduct competitive intelligence and use information to identify opportunities and challenges for in-season business and future seasons
• Lead product sequencing, including layouts and copy edits and communication with cross-functional teams
  
  

What you’ll bring to the table…  

• An understanding of merchandising plans and processes
• Strong financial acumen and experience with negotiations
• Mastery of Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint and Word
• Strong communication skills
• Highly collaborative 
• Attention to detail

We’d love to hear from you if you have…  

• 3+ years retail merchandising experience, or education equivalent or related area
• Bachelor’s degree

#li-hybrid