Associate Buyer

About Our Company

At Lids Sports Group, we don’t just sell hats — we fuel fandom. As the largest licensed sports retailer in North America, we bring sports, fashion, and culture together in more than 1,300 stores nationwide. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, Lids delivers premium, fan-driven products and unforgettable retail experiences.

Our stores feature officially licensed headwear and apparel from collegiate and professional teams, alongside top brands like Champion, Nike, New Era, Lululemon Athletica, and Mitchell & Ness. We’re also the industry leader in on-demand customization, offering in-store embroidery that turns everyday gear into one-of-a-kind statements.

From specialty concept stores for the NBA and NHL, to iconic clubhouse destinations for the Yankees and Dodgers, we create immersive retail experiences that celebrate the teams fans love. Through collaborations with brands like Marvel, Peanuts, and The Walt Disney Company, Lids continues to redefine how fans represent their teams — in style.

Position Summary

Work in a fast-paced buying and merchandising department for a major specialty retail company. You will participate in all aspects of Buying and Merchandising within the department such as analyzing sales, inventory levels, purchase orders, trends, profitability, competition, and work closely with your supervisors to make decisions and determine the best direction for the distribution of product within certain categories or departments inside Lids Retail to maximize the profitability of Lids Sports Group.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide data and analysis for Buyers; responsible for sales recaps to ensure the buyer(s) is able to maximize reporting effectiveness.
• Management responsibilities include administering and evaluating individual performance plans and providing direction to merchandisers to ensure knowledge, accuracy, efficiency, and sound judgment.
• Analyze reports related to sales, orders, inventory, and trends to make accurate and efficient buying and allocation decisions that maximize profitability.
• Work in tandem with buyer(s) to manage product performance in order to achieve all financial goals.
• Write purchase orders.
• Review replenishment by store and make adjustments to maximize opportunities and minimize liabilities.
• Develop strong working relationships among colleagues and vendors.
• Identify and review competition and marketplace trends to help exceed financial goals.

Job Required Knowledge and Skills

• Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion/Apparel Merchandising or related field.
• Minimum of two years of retail buying or retail management experience.
• High proficiency in MS Excel, Outlook, and Internet applications.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, decision-making, organizational, interpersonal, and math skills.
• Strong and effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to foster a positive and motivating work environment, encourage feedback, and drive innovation.
• Self-motivated with critical attention to detail and deadlines.
• Ability to adapt to changes in direction and priority in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment.

Physical Demands & Requirements

• Ability to constantly sit at a desk in a sedentary work environment.
• Ability to frequently communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to view electronic/written materials and adjust focus when needed.
• Ability to frequently use a computer, keyboard, mouse, and other standard office equipment.
• Ability to occasionally stand and walk throughout the office.
• Ability to occasionally lift or move items up to 15 pounds.
• Ability to occasionally present information to small and large groups, including team members and leadership.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

What We Offer

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Retirement plan with company match
• 100% employer-paid benefits, including short-term and long-term disability, life and AD&D insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Parental Leave
• Competitive annual bonus opportunity
• Generous employee discount and exclusive perks
• Attractive paid time off package including holidays and floating holidays
• Flexible summer hours opportunity for eligible employees
• Ongoing career development and professional training, including discounted secondary education courses and certification reimbursement
• A collaborative, innovative, and team-oriented work environment
• Early Wage Access options

Work Environment

• Onsite office work environment.
• Standard business hours from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.; flexibility may be provided upon request.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION