Coopers Uptown Buyer/Visual Merchandiser

Smile, you're at Coopers Uptown!  Join our Coopers Uptown and lead a one-of-a-kind retail and cafe experience located in the heart of Kenosha.  What makes Coopers Uptown unique is not only its 100+ years of history, but it truly stands alone in that it is both an award-winning shopping and dining destination. Whether it's our thoughtfully curated selection of merchandise, or our delicious homemade food, this one-stop shop was made for the purpose of making generations of people smile.

JOB SUMMARY 

As our Buyer/Merchandiser, you will be responsible for selecting and purchasing products for the retail store, analyzing market trends, negotiating with suppliers, and managing inventory to maximize profitability. This role involves taking ownership of all merchandise buying of Coopers Uptown retail items. This position will facilitate engaging retail and window displays, accentuate products and merchandise to encourage sales. 

JOB EXPECTATIONS 

Product Curation & Selection 

• Source and select merchandise that aligns with Coopers brand and customers.   

• Continuously introduce new, unique and on trend items to keep assortments fresh and relevant.  

• Build and maintain strong relationships with vendors and local business partnerships. 

• Balance creativity with financial responsibility to ensure we delight customers while driving profitability. 

Business & Financial 

• Assist in developing quarterly/seasonal buying strategies that integrate replenishment of ongoing goods while also introducing new vendors and/or categories to test. 

• Help manage the open-to-buy budget mark ups and inventory in partnership with the corporate partners and retail store manager. 

• Receive new product and enter data into POS system. 

Customer & Market 

• Continually understand Coopers target audiences. 

• Stay ahead of fashion, retail, and cultural trends. 

• Design creative but effective displays with store merchandise for the gift shop, café, and tobacco departments that equate to strong sales. 

• Collaborate with retail store manager and marketing to ensure the merchandise aligns with customer experiences and events. 

Operations 

• Own the merchandise buying process from vendor selection and negotiation, through purchasing and replenishment, product set up, pricing and inventory management. 

• Partner with store leadership and vendors to train staff on product stories. 

• Return damaged or incorrect merchandise. 

• Keep shipping and receiving area clean and organized. 

Misc 

• Travel required for buying shows, vendor meetings, etc. 

• Ability to move, lift and reposition up to 25 lbs. 

QUALIFICATIONS 

REQUIRED: 

• Proven work experience as a Merchandise Buyer, Store/Retail Manager, General Manager, Hospitality Manager or similar role 

• Proven experience managing vendor relationships and buying product