Title:  Omni Associate Merchant - Aerie Bralettes         
Reports To:  Merchandise Manager
Location:  This role will be hybrid and can be based in our New York Design or Pittsburgh Office.

 

About Aerie
Aerie is a fast-growing lifestyle brand offering the comfiest intimates, apparel, swim and accessories made to wear in and out. Aerie Real stands for inclusivity and real representation. We celebrate our community by advocating for power, positivity and no retouching. Always & forever REAL™.

Get to Know the Role:
The Associate Merchant is a critical support role within the AEO Merchandising team, responsible for assisting in the development and execution of the seasonal product assortment strategy. This individual will work closely with cross-functional business partners to analyze business performance, identify key trends, and manage the product lifecycle from concept to delivery. The ideal candidate is highly analytical, detail-oriented, and has a passion for the brand, with a strong ability to collaborate cross-functionally to drive sales and profitability.

What You’ll Do:

Business & Financial Analysis:

Analyze sales performance, identifying key drivers and areas for opportunity. Quickly adapt and respond to changes and trends occurring in both the business and the marketplace. Partner with a cross functional team to establish seasonal strategic plans for sales, markdowns, inventory, and growth opportunities. Effectively manage in-season business to maximize topline sales and minimize markdowns. Work in conjunction with planning on a daily basis to manage receipts, sales, margin, markdowns, and inventory. Support the overall development of seasonal line plans and financial targets.

Product Assortment & Strategy:

Assist in building and curating a compelling, balanced, and profitable product assortment that reflects the AEO brand identity and appeals to the target customer.  Conduct competitive analysis to identify market trends, pricing strategies, and product opportunities. Maintain and manage product information in internal systems.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

Serve as a key liaison between Merchandising and cross-functional partners, including Design, Production, Planning, Marketing, and Visual Merchandising. Communicate product strategy and assortment changes to all relevant teams. Collaborate with CFT to ensure accurate and timely forecasting and inventory management. Work with the Marketing and E-commerce teams to ensure products are presented in a compelling and accurate way across all channels.

Day-to-Day Operations & Ownership:

Assist in the management and organization of product samples, ensuring they are readily available for meetings, photoshoots, etc. Prepare for key meetings and milestones, including assortment meetings, financial line reviews, and cross-functional business presentations. Proactively troubleshoot and problem-solve daily business issues as they arise, escalating to manager as needed.

What You Bring:

Bachelor’s Degree required; Retail, Finance, or Business focus preferred. 3+ experience as an Assistant and/or Associate Merchant. Strong analytical and quantitative skills with the ability to interpret data, identify trends, and make informed business decisions. Proficiency in Google Office Suite/Excel is a must. Excellent written and verbal communication with strong presentation and negotiation skills. Demonstrated ability to sell and influence. Strong POV and presence.  Ability to operate in both a strategic and hands-on capacity effectively and collaboratively in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment. Meticulous attention to detail and strong organizational skills. A genuine passion for the brand and a solid understanding of target audience in order to interpret trends for our customer. Has a keen eye for fashion trends and a deep understanding of the competitive retail landscape. Ability to travel.

 

Get to Know AEO
American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (NYSE: AEO) is a leading global specialty retailer with a portfolio of beloved apparel brands including American Eagle, Aerie, OFFL/NE by Aerie, Todd Snyder and Unsubscribed.

Rooted in optimism, inclusivity and authenticity, AEO’s brands empower every customer to celebrate their unique personal style by offering casual, comfortable, timeless outfitting and high-quality products that are made to last. In addition to a robust e-commerce business, we operate stores in the United States, Canada and Mexico, with merchandise available in more than 30 countries through a global network of license partners.

At AEO, we believe in the power of our people and our brands. Our Better Together culture creates a mutual desire to succeed–inspiring our community to excel, while driving future growth for the business and associates. Through experience, exposure and education we empower associates to build their unique career journey.

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access at AEO
We remain committed to building an inclusive culture that is welcoming and fosters a sense of belonging for everyone.  Please see more about our initiatives here.

 

Pay/Benefits Information:

Actual starting pay is determined by various factors, including but not limited to relevant experience and location. Subject to eligibility requirements, associates may receive health care benefits (including medical, vision, and dental); wellness benefits; 401(k) retirement benefits; life and disability insurance; employee stock purchase program; paid time off; paid sick leave; and parental leave and benefits. Paid Time Off, paid sick leave, and holiday pay vary by job level and type, job location, employment classification (part-time or full-time / exempt or non-exempt), and years of service.  For additional information, please click here. AEO may also provide discretionary bonuses and other incentives at its discretion.