Associate Buyer, Kids-HYBRID

At Designer Brands, we are the proud parent company of DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse, The Shoe Company, and Rubino, operating nearly 675 stores across North America and a billion-dollar digital commerce business. We lead the footwear industry with a diverse portfolio of iconic brands, including Topo Athletic, Keds, Vince Camuto, Kelly & Katie, Jessica Simpson, Lucky Brand, Mix No. 6, Crown Vintage, and others. With expertise in design, production, and sourcing, we create on-trend footwear and accessories, delivered through a robust omni-channel infrastructure and national wholesale distribution. At Designer Brands, we are committed to fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity, where each employee’s unique perspective contributes to our success. Anchored by our core values of “We Love What We Do,” “We Own What We Do,” “We Do What’s Right,” and “We Belong,” we continuously drive forward together, building a future where everyone can put their best foot forward.

The Opportunity: Associate Buyer 

At Designer Brands, we don’t just follow trends—we help shape them. As an Associate Buyer, you’ll be part of the team that curates the styles our customers love. This role is perfect for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and is ready to take ownership of a product category with the guidance of a Senior Buyer.

You’ll play a key role in building compelling assortments, analyzing performance, and making data-driven decisions that directly impact our shelves—and our customers’ closets. If you’re passionate about product, love digging into the numbers, and want to grow your career in merchandising, this is your moment. This position is HYBRID in our Columbus. OH office.

What You’ll Be Doing

You’ll be the connective thread between product, planning, marketing, and vendors—bringing strategy to life through smart, customer-focused decisions.

Business & Financial Strategy

• Analyze sales reports and business trends to recommend actionable strategies.
• Manage day-to-day subclass performance, including pre-season and in-season financial planning.
• Adjust Open to Buy (OTB) manually to reflect current business needs.

Assortment Planning & Product Management

• Use MAP systems to manage product attributes and ensure accurate data.
• Localize assortments by store group using historical sales, vendor insights, and trend data.
• Partner with planners to ensure key item sizing and integrity align with strategy.

Trend & Market Research

• Conduct competitive analysis using NPD data, trend observations, and color/style forecasting.
• Identify emerging trends and translate them into actionable product decisions.

Vendor Relations & Negotiation

• Attend vendor appointments and present assortment strategies.
• Negotiate pricing and exclusive styles (inline/SMU) to maintain competitiveness and meet customer expectations.
• Collaborate with vendors and internal teams to ensure timely and accurate deliveries.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work with Purchase Order Management (POM) to track shipments and resolve delivery issues.
• Align with Store Planning and Allocation on distribution strategies and execution.
• Partner with Marketing to select featured products and support storytelling across channels.

Strategic Planning & Leadership Support

• Contribute to seasonal and annual financial planning with the Senior Buyer.
• Identify key items and collaborate with planners on sales forecasts and inventory flow.
• Participate in monthly and quarterly hindsight reviews to inform future buys.

What You’ll Need

We’re looking for someone who’s detail-oriented, curious, and ready to grow. Here’s what will help you succeed in this role:

Core Skills

• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Analytical mindset with a love for numbers and trends
• Collaborative and team-oriented approach
• Developing negotiation skills

Experience & Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Retail Merchandising, Marketing, Business, or a related field
• Previous retail experience is a plus

Technical Proficiency

• Intermediate to advanced skills in Microsoft Excel and Word
• Willingness to learn MicroStrategy and other merchandising systems

Perks and Benefits You’ll Enjoy! 

• Your Sole Well-Being: Our benefits package is crafted with our associates in mind! We support you with benefits like free virtual health care, robust family/fertility benefits, 401(k) w/ match, and more. Explore our offerings at https://mymobilewalletcard.com/dbi.
• Stride with Flexibility: We offer hybrid and remote work opportunities, giving you the freedom to stay connected, productive, and inspired—wherever you do your best work.
• Stepping Up Your Career: Take advantage of training programs, professional development, and education assistance to advance your career with a company that celebrates bold ideas and fresh perspectives.
• We are Shoe-Obsessed: Because we know a great pair of shoes can change your day, you’ll enjoy 30% off at DSW & DSW.com, plus discounts across our family of brands.