Assistant Buyer-Accessories-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: Assistant Buyer 

 

At Designer Brands, we believe great style starts with great ideas—and that’s where you come in. As an Assistant Buyer, you’ll be the engine behind the scenes, helping to bring our merchandise strategy to life. You’ll work closely with Buyers, planners, vendors, and marketers to ensure the right products reach the right customers at the right time.

This is more than a support role—it’s a launchpad. You’ll gain hands-on experience in trend analysis, vendor relations, and strategic planning, all while contributing to the success of a category you’ll help shape. If you’re detail-oriented, curious, and ready to grow in the world of fashion retail, this is your moment. This position is HYBRID in our Columbus, OH office.

What You’ll Be Doing

You’ll be a key player in keeping the buying office running smoothly, translating strategy into action and ensuring every detail is accounted for.

Business Analysis & Strategy Support

• Analyze selling reports and provide insights by style/color (CC) to the Buyer.
• Recap portions of the business and recommend actions for weekly share-outs and hindsight meetings.
• Support the Buyer in responding to current business trends and making timely adjustments.
• Manage and update Open to Buy (OTB) tracking.

Product & Order Management

• Enter orders accurately in the system, selecting the right product attributes and aligning with assortment strategy.
• Work proactively with the buying team to meet vendor order deadlines.
• Localize assortments by store group using sales trend data and historical performance.

Vendor & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Communicate directly with vendors on open issues, including PO deliveries, style details, and sample management.
• Partner with vendors or Buyers on shifts, reorders, or cancellations.
• Review PO tracking reports to ensure timely shipments and alignment with marketing timelines.
• Collaborate with Planning on distribution strategies and ensure key item deliveries are on time and accurate.

Trend & Market Insights

• Provide competitive intelligence, trend observations, pricing, and style analysis to inform buying decisions.
• Maintain the marketing sample document and coordinate with vendors for sample requests.

Pricing, Markdown & Financial Planning

• Recommend pricing for incoming orders and execute based on Buyer direction.
• Manage the markdown (outdate) process and make recommendations based on business performance.
• Support the buying team in understanding and contributing to annual and seasonal financial plans.
• Take ownership of a subclass within a category, as assigned by the Buyer.

What You’ll Need

We’re looking for someone who’s organized, analytical, and excited to learn. Here’s what will help you thrive in this role:

Core Skills

• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication, with strong follow-up
• Analytical thinking and a love for working with data
• Collaborative mindset and team-first attitude

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