General Merchandise Buyer

Description

Wilson Farm is seeking a passionate and detail-oriented General Merchandise Buyer to manage purchasing, planning, and merchandising for a diverse range of non-perishable and seasonal goods. This includes categories such as home goods, kitchenware, gifts, toys, apparel, pet products, beauty and wellness items, and locally made or seasonal merchandise. The ideal candidate has a keen eye for product trends, strong vendor management skills, and a solid understanding of customer preferences, inventory flow, and retail profitability. This position starts at $26/hr commensurate with experience.

Key Responsibilities

Product Selection & Buying

• Source and curate a compelling assortment of general merchandise aligned with Wilson Farm’s unique brand and loyal customer base.
• Buy for and maintain core and seasonal categories including:
  • Home goods, candles, cookbooks, kitchenware, etc.
  • Gifts, books,  toys, and apparel
  • Pet supplies (treats, toys, accessories, natural care products)
  • Beauty and personal care (natural skincare, wellness, bath products)
  • Holiday, seasonal, and themed décor
• Attend trade shows, evaluate samples, and build relationships with vendors and local makers.
• Focus on high-quality, sustainable, natural, and locally produced items whenever possible.

Inventory Management

• Forecast demand and manage open-to-buy budgets to maintain appropriate stock levels.
• Analyze sales and inventory turnover to make informed buying decisions.
• Evaluate inventory to ensure timely delivery and restocking.

Vendor & Supplier Management

• Build and maintain strong vendor relationships, both local and national.
• Negotiate pricing, payment terms, freight, and return agreements.
• Maintain accurate vendor records, contracts, and purchase documentation.

Visual Merchandising & Promotions

• Collaborate with the team members to ensure merchandise is attractively displayed, refreshed regularly, and actively participate in stocking, rotating, and building displays as needed.
• Support planning and execution of seasonal transitions, sales promotions, and holiday merchandising.

Sales Performance & Reporting

• Monitor item-level performance, margins, markdowns, and customer feedback.
• Generate regular reports and present buying strategies and results to leadership.

Requirements

• 3+ years of buying or category management experience in retail, preferably in specialty, farm, or lifestyle environments.
• Strong understanding of the beauty, wellness, and pet product markets is a plus.
• Proven negotiation, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficient in Excel and reporting tools for analyzing sales and inventory metrics.
• Ability to work independently and cross-functionally in a fast-paced, seasonal business.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs. as needed.
• Comfortable working on your feet and in-store for extended periods.
• Required to work at least one weekend day, holidays, and/or evening hours during busy seasons.