Anchorage, AK
Full-Time Regular
618

Overview:

Furniture Enterprises of Alaska is seeking a strategic and trend-driven Buyer to help shape a compelling merchandise assortment that supports sales growth, profitability, and an exceptional customer experience. This role plays a key part in identifying market opportunities, selecting products that resonate with our customer, and partnering across the business to bring assortments to life in our stores. The ideal candidate combines strong analytical ability, sound merchandising judgment, and a passion for product to drive performance across assigned categories.

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Furniture Enterprises of Alaska

https://www.furnitureenterprisesak.com/ is a 12-store furniture retailer with some of the top name brand Furniture companies in the country. Come join our team and work in an atmosphere of trust where every employee is valued and important to our success. We use Continuous Improvement training and methodology to improve our operations and enhance the customer experience. Furniture Enterprises of Alaska is a leading employer and recognized as one of the Top 10 Best Places to Work in the Furniture Industry within the U.S.

Title: Buyer

Position Summary: The Buyer reports to the Merchandise Manager and is responsible for developing a balanced assortment that meets or exceeds sales and gross margin plans across assigned departments and brand categories. This role partners closely with the Merchandising Manager to create seasonal and monthly assortment strategies that drive sales growth and improve profitability.

The Buyer is expected to shop the market and identify merchandise that aligns with customer demographics and business trends. This individual combines strong analytical skills with sound merchandising judgment to make informed product decisions and is accountable for the development, execution, and communication of assortment strategies. This includes a post-market presentation upon return to provide key stakeholders Sales and Store Management with an overview and Product Education on the new product. This includes why it fits into the assortment and the features, advantages and benefits (FAB). In addition, since many manufacturer reps do not visit AK frequently ensure that a consistent schedule is in place for continuing product education.

Responsibilities:

Buying Duties:

  • Partner with the Merchandise Manager to develop annual, seasonal, monthly, and weekly financial plans.
  • Collaborate with planning partners to assign product valuations based on historical data, current trends, and future business opportunities.
  • Analyze weekly and monthly sales and inventory to drive sales and minimize markdowns.
  • Communicate a clear, fact-based point of view on product performance and assortment needs.
  • Provide trend analysis and recommendations to inform cancellations, future purchases, and assortment strategies.
  • Manage open-to-buy, pricing, ticketing, and markdown strategies.
  • Create and execute merchandise strategies that support financial objectives.
  • Shop local competitors, markets, and trade shows to select, refine, and build balanced assortments that meet customer demand.
  • Manage all aspects of the product life cycle, including style selection, cost negotiation, retail pricing, product changes, and vendor delivery coordination.
  • Oversee SKU- and style-intensive businesses while managing location-specific assortments.

Visual Duties:

Create and maintain furniture and accessory displays that are trend-right, visually compelling, and designed to maximize product sales.

Leadership Duties:

  • Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners.
  • Partner with store and support teams to ensure the original product vision and intent are executed effectively.
  • Collaborate with store teams to deepen understanding of customer needs and preferences.

Qualifications:

Job Required Knowledge, Skills and Education:

  • Bachelor’s degree in business, Fashion Merchandising, or a related field.
  • 3–5 years of merchandising, planning, buying, or equivalent retail experience preferred.
  • Experience with visual merchandising concepts and display execution.
  • Trade show and market experience preferred.
  • Strong understanding of customer demographics and the ability to identify products that appeal to the target customer.
  • Solid knowledge of retail math and the key metrics used in financial reporting.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word, as well as point-of-sale (POS) systems.

PERKS AND BENEFITS

What We Offer:

  • Health, Vision, Dental Insurance, 401K Plan w/match and paid time off, professional development opportunities, and a fun friendly workplace with long term committed employees and management.
  • If you are a driven and results-oriented buying professional looking for a challenging and rewarding opportunity, we want to hear from you!
  • Equal Opportunity Employer: Furniture Enterprises of Alaska is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their protected status.