Kripalu Shop Apparel Buyer

Job Title: Apparel Buyer

Department: Kripalu Shop

Salary: The posted salary, in good faith, represents the starting salary for the position. This position may see a salary adjustment commensurate with experience.

Schedule: This position is part-time with the eligibility to work remotely up to two days per week

Position Summary

The Apparel Buyer at Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health plays a vital role in curating a retail experience that reflects Kripalu’s mission and values while driving revenue growth. The Apparel Buyer will be responsible for selecting, purchasing, and merchandising apparel across Men’s, Women’s, and Children’s categories. This role involves close collaboration with various teams to ensure product offerings align with Kripalu's brand and seasonal trends, as well as managing vendor relationships and overseeing inventory to meet business goals.

Key Responsibilities

Product Selection and Curation

• Source and procure high-quality yoga, activewear, loungewear, and lifestyle apparel that aligns with Kripalu’s ethos.

• Collaborate with the retail, programming, and marketing teams to align product offerings with seasonal trends, guest needs, and Kripalu’s brand identity.

• Stay informed about industry trends in yoga, wellness, and sustainable fashion to ensure the apparel offerings remain relevant and appealing to guests.

• Analyze guest demographics and purchasing patterns to guide product selection and pricing strategies.

• Buy additional product categories as needed.

Performance Management

• Track and report on sales performance, inventory turnover, and customer satisfaction metrics.

• Provide insights and recommendations to the Senior Director of Revenue Management to improve the category’s overall performance.

Vendor Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with vendors, prioritizing local, women and BIPOC-owned, organic, fair trade, and environmentally sustainable brands.

• Negotiate contracts, pricing, and delivery schedules to secure the best terms while supporting ethical sourcing practices.

• Regularly evaluate vendor performance and seek new partnerships to enhance product selection and alignment with Kripalu’s mission and revenue goals.

Inventory Management

• Oversee inventory levels to ensure an optimal balance between demand, stock availability, and cost efficiency.

• Conduct regular inventory assessments to identify bestsellers, slow-moving items, and restocking needs.

• Utilize inventory management software to track sales and adjust purchasing strategies as needed.

• Partner with the stockroom team to address vendor disputes, returns, and exchanges promptly and effectively.

Collaborative Merchandising

• Partner with the retail team to create engaging and aesthetically beautiful in-store displays.

• Continuously analyze product placement with sale volume to optimize in-store experiences.

Feedback and Education

• Integrate guest feedback into purchasing decisions.

• Educate staff with product knowledge to enhance the guest shopping experience.

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in retail buying, preferably in apparel.

• Demonstrated ability to analyze sales data and market trends to inform purchasing decisions.

• Excellent negotiation, communication, and relationship-building skills.

• Proficiency in inventory management systems and Microsoft Office Suite.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Retail Management, Business, Fashion Merchandising, or related field preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit for extended periods of time while performing desk-based tasks, including analyzing reports and entering data into inventory management systems.

• Manual dexterity is required for typing, using office equipment, and interacting with product displays and merchandise.

• Ability to lift and move up to 25 pounds, including merchandise and boxes.

• Occasional standing or walking for extended periods while managing in-store displays, inventory, and interacting with staff and customers.

Additional Skills and Abilities (nice to have, but not necessary)

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Ability to multi-task and prioritize in a fast-paced retail environment.

• Knowledge of sustainable fashion trends and a commitment to ethical sourcing practices.

• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, including retail, marketing, and programming departments.