Buyer - Plus Size

Buyer – Plus Size

The Buyer plays a key role in driving Rainbow's Plus Size assortment strategy, selecting and purchasing trend-right, value-focused fashion that resonates with the Plus customer while maximizing sales, margin, and inventory productivity. This position requires a deep understanding of the Plus Size customer, including fit, fabric, silhouette, trend adoption, and purchasing behaviors.

The ideal candidate will have proven experience buying Plus Size apparel, strong vendor relationships within the Plus Size market, exceptional trend awareness, and the analytical skills necessary to manage a high-volume, fast-paced business. This individual will be responsible for developing compelling assortments that deliver fashion, fit, and value while supporting Rainbow's growth objectives.

Responsibilities

• Research and analyze market trends, competitor assortments, and customer buying patterns to identify emerging styles and opportunities aligned with Rainbow's target demographics.
• Develop and curate seasonal product assortments, including selecting styles, colors, fabrics, and quantities that balance fashion appeal, value pricing, and profitability.
• Negotiate with domestic and international vendors/suppliers on pricing, terms, delivery schedules, minimums, and quality standards to achieve optimal cost and margin targets.
• Manage open-to-buy (OTB) plans, monitor inventory levels, and adjust purchases based on sales performance, markdown strategies, and inventory productivity metrics (e.g., turn, GMROI, sell-through).
• Collaborate closely with merchandising, planning, allocation, visual, and store operations teams to ensure seamless product flow, in-store presentation, and promotional execution.
• Track and evaluate post-purchase performance through sales data, reports, and store feedback; make data-driven adjustments to future buys.
• Maintain strong vendor relationships and stay ahead of industry developments through market visits, trade shows, and trend resources.
• Contribute to budgeting, forecasting, and strategic planning for assigned categories or divisions.
• Support special projects, new store openings, and growth initiatives as needed.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Fashion Merchandising, Business, Retail Management, or a related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• 3–5+ years of experience as a Buyer, with significant focus on Plus Size women’s apparel.
• Proven track record in retail math: strong proficiency in markup, margin planning, open-to-buy management, inventory productivity measures (e.g., turn, sell-through, GMROI), and sales forecasting.
• Excellent eye for fashion trends and deep understanding of Rainbow's value-conscious, trend-driven customer base.
• Strong negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills with the ability to make quick, informed decisions.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (advanced spreadsheets, pivot tables, data analysis) and other retail systems; familiarity with merchandising/planning software a plus.
• Exceptional organizational, multi-tasking, and communication skills (verbal and written) in a high-volume, deadline-driven environment.
• Positive, upbeat, team-oriented personality with flexibility to adapt to shifting priorities.
• Bi-lingual (English/Spanish) a significant advantage.
• Willingness to travel as needed for market research, vendor meetings, or trade shows.

Benefits

• Annual compensation review program
• PTO & Paid Holidays
• 401k retirement savings plan (with generous company match)
• Medical, dental, vision, life & disability and other insurance benefits...even pet care!
• Health Savings and Transit Accounts
• Merchandise discounts
• Health and financial wellness programs
• Holiday, birthday and length of service recognition
• Onsite fitness center and employee cafeteria
• Free/ secured parking