Associate Merchant

Job Description 

Merchandising is the central function setting the course for our brands’ product; the hub of the wheel that ensures all teams are moving in the right direction to deliver a beautiful, compelling and profitable assortment. Working hand-in-hand with our design, visual, and planning teams, merchants are the bridge between the strategy and creative direction of their line. Our merchandising teams possess a blend of analytical ability and creative thinking, drawing from historical data and market trends to craft an assortment that stays true to our brands and excites our customer. This position has potential to be placed on any of our exciting brands (Abercrombie & Fitch, abercrombie kids, Hollister, Gilly Hicks).

This job is located at our Global Home Office in Columbus, Ohio.  

What Will You Be Doing? 

• Contributing to the assortment strategy of an emerging brand by influencing decisions at every stage of the product lifecycle; from concept and product development, to buying and pricing, to product placement, marketing and promotions.
• Collaborating with our design and product development teams to create product that is on-trend and right for our customer.
• Working closely with Planning and Inventory Management to drive a strategy that maximizes key areas of the business and meets the financial targets of the category and total brand.
• Serving as the expert in current selling analysis and historical selling knowledge for your department.
• Diving into the interests and preferences of our customer by observing shopping patterns, active lifestyle behaviors, shopping our competitors, seeking out feedback from our stores, and monitoring media platforms.
• Identifying emerging fashion trends in the market by monitoring fashion weeks, runway shows, blogs, and aspirational brands, and interpreting these ideas for our customer. 
• Presenting to senior leadership, including presentations on selling analysis, business strategies, style information and trend ideas.

What Do You Need To Bring? 

• A Bachelor's degree or related experience 
• 2+ years of Merchandising or Buying experience, preferably in apparel
• Proven leadership experience and ability to thrive in team-based settings
• Passion for the merchant role, fashion retail and the Abercrombie & Fitch brand
• An acute eye for active product and trend
• A deep understanding of sales analysis and financial metrics that relate to your business
• Strong presentation skills and the ability to communicate confidently to leadership
• A high comfort-level with analytical sales tools and proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
• A collaborative approach to working with cross-functional partners to achieve the vision of the brand
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as needed by the department

Our Company  

Abercrombie & Fitch Co. is a global, digitally led omnichannel specialty retailer of apparel and accessories catering to kids through millennials with assortments curated for their specific lifestyle needs. 

The company operates a family of brands, including Abercrombie & Fitch, YPB, abercrombie kids, Hollister and Gilly Hicks, each sharing a commitment to offer products of enduring quality and exceptional comfort that support global customers on their journey to being and becoming who they are. Abercrombie & Fitch Co. operates over 750 stores under these brands across North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East, as well as the e-commerce sites abercrombie.com, abercrombiekids.com, and hollisterco.com. 

At Abercrombie & Fitch Co., we lead with purpose and always put our people first. We’re proud to offer equitable compensation and benefits, including flexibility and competitive Paid Time Off, as well as education and engagement events, including various Associate Resource Groups, volunteer opportunities and additional time off to give back to our global communities.  

Benefits & Perks  

As an Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (A&F Co.) associate, you’ll be eligible to participate in a variety of benefit programs designed to fit you and your lifestyle. A&F Co. is committed to providing competitive and comprehensive benefits that align with our company’s culture and values, but most importantly – with you! We also provide competitive incentives to reward the commitment our associates have for moving our global business forward:  

• Incentive bonus program 
• Annual companywide review process 
• Flexible spending accounts 
• Medical, dental and vision insurance 
• Life and disability insurance 
• Associate assistance program 
• Paid parental and adoption leave 
• Access to fertility and adoption benefits through Carrot 
• Access to mental health and wellness app, Headspace 
• Paid time off and one paid volunteer day per year, allowing you to give back to your community 
• Work from anywhere (Mondays and Fridays are “work from anywhere” days for most roles and six work from anywhere weeks per year) 
• Seven associate wellness half days per year 
• Merchandise discount on all of our brands 
• Opportunities for career advancement, we believe in promoting from within 
• Access to multiple Associate Resource Groups 
• Global team of people who will celebrate you for being YOU! 

ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO. IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER