JD Finish Line · 2 months ago
Associate Buyer
Customer Central - Indianapolis, IN
Full-time
Onsite
New Grad, Entry LevelJD Finish Line is seeking a passionate Associate Buyer to join their dynamic merchandising team. The ideal candidate will support one of the buyers in sourcing, selecting, and purchasing footwear products that align with the brand's aesthetic and financial goals, while effectively exhibiting the company's core values.
ApparelRetail
Responsibilities
Support the buyer in identifying and evaluating new suppliers, brands, and product opportunities that align with company strategy and customer preferences
Participate in market research to stay abreast of current and emerging footwear trends, competitor activities, and consumer demands
Attend trade shows, fashion events, and vendor meetings to discover new products and build relationships
Support the buyer in curating a compelling and balanced footwear assortment across various brands & categories (e.g., classics, seasonal, basketball, running) ensuring a fresh and relevant offering
Analyze product performance and customer feedback to inform future buying decisions
Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with new and existing suppliers
Monitor vendor performance, ensuring adherence to quality standards, delivery timelines, and ethical practices
Possess the capability to problem solve, and follow up in great detail on order placement, order tracking, and changes to deliveries/quantities
Resolve any issues or discrepancies with suppliers promptly and effectively
Partner with brands to assess performance and take action to maintain company profitability and credibility in the US market
Support the buyer in developing and executing seasonal buying plans, including open-to-buy (OTB) and inventory forecasts
Support the buyer in monitoring inventory levels, sales performance, and markdown strategies to optimize stock turnover and minimize liabilities
Collaborate with the planning and allocation teams to ensure optimal product distribution across channels
Analyze sales data, margins, and other key performance indicators (KPIs) to identify opportunities for growth and improvement
Collaborate with the integrated marketing teams to brief seasonal assortment plans, for the creation of our go to market (category and brand levels)
Collaborate with visual merchandising to ensure effective product presentation in-store and online
Partner with the digital operations & brand team to optimize online product presentation, descriptions, and customer experience
Participate in presentations to provide product knowledge and training to retail, visual merchandising, and allocation as needed
Qualification
Required
Relevant branded buying or merchandising experience is advantageous but not essential
Associates degree with a focus in the field of merchandising, buying or planning advantageous also but not essential
Retail experience
Internal JD Finish Line experience is a plus
Strong understanding and knowledge of current and upcoming sports fashion trends within the markets
Fully literate in Microsoft Office: PowerPoint, Word, Excel, as well as Google Suite
Organizational skills are essential, as well as ability to utilize critical thinking skills
Must be able to work in a fast-paced buying office environment
Should have basic to intermediate knowledge and abilities with Google Suite, Microsoft, Excel, and PowerPoint
Company
JD Finish Line
We are JD Finish Line, a premium retailer providing the latest and most exclusive athletic sneakers, apparel and accessories since 1976.
Founded in 1976
10001+ employees
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
unknown2018-03-26Acquired
1992-06-21IPO
Leadership Team
Michael Grimes
Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer JD NORTH AMERICA
Adela Zyniak
Talent Acquisition Partner
Recent News
BizTimes Milwaukee
2025-08-29
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