Paragon Sports, New York City's finest sports specialty store, located in Union Square since 1908, is currently looking for an experienced Apparel Buyer. Our collections include Women’s, Men’s and Kids lines across product categories including:

• Outerwear

• Jackets

• Midlayers

• Tops

• Bottoms

• Run / Train

• Travel

• Swim

• Shorts

• Shells

• Baselayers

• Socks

We are looking for a self-starter, an individual who can work independently, decisively and collaboratively. If you’re driven and have a minimum of 3 years of buying experience, this job is for you. This position is a five day a week in office role and includes moderate travel.

Creativity with a passion for what you do every day combined with strong analytical, communication and negotiation skills are essential for this position. Your ability to work in a multi-faceted environment where change is part and parcel of each day is core to your success.

A personalized cover letter for this position is required in order to give us an overview of past experiences, not just work related, that you feel have prepared you for this rare opportunity and what your professional goals are.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Creating product assortments, sales and inventory plans for assigned merchandise departments

• Presenting pre-season line reviews to company leaders

• Expertise in specific and associated product category

• Analyzing consumer buying patterns and understanding future trends, both local and worldwide

• Regularly reviewing performance indicators, such as sales, gross profit, markdowns and sell thru.

• Managing plans for stock levels and SKU counts

• Reacting to changes in demand and logistics

• Meeting suppliers and negotiating terms of contract

• Maintaining relationships with existing suppliers and sourcing new suppliers for future products

• Attending trade shows and/or digital presentations

• Initiating and participating in marketing activities

• Training and mentoring sales staff to enhance product knowledge

• Engage and elevate best practices across the company to drive productivity and efficiencies. Act as a representative for the Buying office on cross-functional projects

Desired Qualifications include:

• A minimum of 3 years of retail buying experience in the apparel category

• Demonstrated experience in growing existing and ongoing brands and classifications with an ability to also seek out qualitative new products

• Proficient in relevant retail software suites

• Must be creative and demonstrate an instinctive understanding of the apparel market

• Demonstrates high level of time management, organization management and leadership skills

• Strong verbal and written communication skills; active listener

• Ability to think outside the box and develop pathways for retail innovation

• Collaborative team approach with excellent problem solving ability

• Detail oriented and able to manage multiple tasks

• Commitment to outstanding customer service

THE PLUSES:

• Comprehensive benefit programs including health, dental, life insurance, and other benefits

• 401 (k) plan

• Generous associate discount

• Paid time off

• Professional growth and development opportunities

• A work environment where respect, integrity, fun, and commitment to our staff are just a few of our core values!

Paragon is committed to equal opportunity for all employees and applicants and encourages applications from all qualified candidates. As a proud Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE), we do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, religion, sex, sexual stereotyping, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, mental or physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, pregnancy (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, and medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), or any other protected category recognized by state, federal or local laws.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $65,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year