Associate Buyer

International Shoppes is all about delivering the best service and product assortment to the traveling public since 1951.

We are proud to operate across some of the nation's busiest and most dynamic airports, serving travelers from coast to coast. Our current locations include New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in Terminals 1, 4, and 5; Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) in Terminal B; Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) in Concourse A-B; Bradley International Airport (BDL) in Connecticut's Main Terminal; and Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Terminals C & D.

As part of our continued growth and expansion, we are excited to welcome several newly acquired operations to our network, including Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) in Honolulu, Kahului Airport (OGG) in Maui, and additional operations at JFK Terminal 4 with our business partner, ARI. Together, we are New York Duty Free.


This expanding footprint reflects our commitment to delivering exceptional service in premier travel destinations across the United States. With a presence spanning major metropolitan hubs and world-renowned island gateways, we are excited about the future and the opportunities ahead for both our team members and the travelers we serve.

Position Overview:

The Hermes Buyer is dedicated to the Hermes brand supporting all aspects of the buying cycle. The Buyer will develop business strategies to maximize the development of the brand, sales and profits. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities, develop, and execute strategies to build strong assortments that will achieve the brand sales objective. You will work closely with the Hermes Store Manager to ensure alignment on all objectives and seamless execution. Manage and develop Associate and Assistant Buyers.

To be successful a Buyer, you should be confident, highly organized and an excellent communicator. An outstanding buyer has a passion for the category and analytical mind.

Responsibilities:

• Formulate and profitably execute the development, selection, procurement and promotion for the brand
• Run and analyze weekly and monthly sales reports
• Weekly review of core availability for monthly re-orders
• Review push offers against business needs to react in timely fashion
• Utilize ERP system for data to build customized reports
• Run and analyze Hermes specific reporting such as open orders and invoice reports
• Review sales performance and make recommendations to adjust forecast plans.
• Identify product opportunities and trends, which will affect the business
• Liaise with store management and visual team for placement of product to ensure merchandised to standards.
• Market advance prep and participation in product selection and assortment
• Analyze sales trends, key items, vendor profitability and aged inventory and make recommendations for driving improved performance.
• Writing orders, changes, cancellations and necessary follow-up (both internally and externally) to ensure key shipments are delivered and processed.
• Monitoring of merchandise reports, Open-to-Buy, stock analysis and other ad hoc analyses.
• Manage product set up, SKU maintenance and merchandise hierarchy
• Manage incentives and RTV process
• Establish and maintain relationships with outside vendors to stay informed of supply availability, new products, lead times and delivery.
• Run relevant sales, margin and price point reporting and provide recommendations based on results to improve business portfolio.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Warehouse, Airport, Marketing, Finance, Operations and IT

Education & Experience:

• 3+ years of experience in Luxury/Fashion Buying Role
• Bachelor's degree or Equivalent Business experience is required.
• Experience using Net Suite is a plus.
• Strong Excel skills (Pivot Table, V lookup) and proficient in MS Word.
• Grasp and navigate a wide range of business relationships; negotiation skills.
• Creative product skills and comprehensive market knowledge.
• Ability to think conceptually and strategically regarding business; creative problem solver.
• Strong analytical and communication skills.
• Strong knowledge of and ability to apply retail math concepts, including elements of markup, margin planning, open to buy, and inventory productivity measures.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Must be able to work independently.
• Results oriented and self-motivated with a strong sense of urgency.
• Demonstrates initiative, is conscientious and provides complete follow-through on all aspects of responsibility.
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment, detail oriented and highly organized.
• Comfortable with team-based work structure, ability to demonstrate flexibility.
• Excellent time management and communication skills.

Requirements:

• This position will split time between the Valley Stream office, Hermes store at JFK, and home office.
• International travel required minimum 4-6x/year
• Must present professional appearance while interacting with clients and adhering to brand image standards
• Team oriented
• Participate in semi-annual inventory
• Must pass airport security background check