Associate Buyer - Beauty

Role Summary

Urban Outfitters is looking for an Associate Buyer who supports the development of a customer-focused, trend-relevant product assortment that aligns with the Urban Outfitters (UO) brand. This role works closely with the Buying, Planning and Allocation teams to assist in assortment planning, vendor communication, and product development. The Associate Buyer uses data and market insights to inform decisions, contributing to both core business and fashion-forward initiatives.

Role Responsibilities

Assortment Strategy

• Assist in building a balanced and brand-appropriate assortment by analyzing customer feedback and market trends.
• Support the development of core business categories while incorporating seasonal newness and new brands.
• Help maintain the appropriate mix of private label and branded products across categories.
• Contribute to monthly shop planning and seasonal line reviews.

Fashion & Trend Awareness

• Stay informed on beauty trends, styles, and cultural shifts through industry publications, fashion shows, and social media.
• Provide input on product selection with a strong sense of style and customer relevance.
• Monitor competitive landscape and identify emerging trends to support assortment decisions.

Vendor Relationships

• Communicate professionally with vendors to support product development and delivery timelines.
• Assist in negotiating pricing, delivery, and terms under the guidance of the Buyer.
• Help identify and onboard new suppliers and brands to enhance the product mix.

Planning & Financial Support

• Support Open to Buy (OTB) management by maintaining flow sheets and item plans.
• Monitor business performance and assist in executing reorders, cancellations, and markdowns.
• Understand seasonality and contribute to inventory planning and profitability strategies.

Data Utilization

• Analyze sales velocity, returns, markdowns, and customer behavior to inform buying decisions.
• Participate in in-season and post-season hindsight reviews to evaluate performance and identify opportunities.
• Use data to support product recommendations and assortment adjustments.

Collaboration & Communication

• Work cross-functionally with Planning, Allocation, and Buying teams to ensure alignment on product and business goals.
• Communicate clearly and professionally across teams and with external partners.

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Role Qualifications

Education: Fashion or merchandising degree or equivalent experience desired. 

Experience: 3+ years of experience in a buying or retail role is preferred. 

Demographic Knowledge: Demonstrate an understanding of the target customer and the ability to select the appropriate product/trend that will appeal to the customer and meet their expectations.

Analytical Understanding: Comfort with use of statistical components of the business (IMU%, MD%, GM%, selloff, WOS, etc.) and the OTB.

Communication: Positive, professional, and timely communication with teams, supporting departments, vendors, and suppliers. 

Time Management: Proactively plans and controls time to efficiently deliver team priorities and meet deadlines. 

Detail Orientation: Focus on and manage the small details of a task or project to consistently produce high-quality work. 

Ownership: Take responsibility for the outcomes of your work and the decisions that lead to those outcomes. Hold yourself accountable. 

Inclusivity: Commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion within the workplace.

The Perks

URBN offers comprehensive Perks & Benefits to employees. Availability and eligibility to specific benefits may be subject to your location and employment status. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, PTO, generous employee discounts, retirement savings and much more! For additional information visit www.urbn.com/work-with-us/benefits

EEO Statement

URBN celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We are proud to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity or expression), religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, citizenship, service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic as established by law. We believe strongly in fostering a safe, fair and respectful work environment. To ensure compliance with our non-discrimination and anti-harassment policies, we offer anti-harassment training to managers and employees.