What Does a Burlington Stores Assistant Buyer Do?

Burlington Stores is a leading off-price retailer offering a wide selection of fashionable, brand-name apparel, home goods, and accessories at up to 65% off other retailers’ prices.

An Assistant Buyer at Burlington Stores is responsible for supporting the Buyer in the selection and purchase of merchandise for the store. This includes researching trends, analyzing sales data, and working with vendors to negotiate prices and terms. The Assistant Buyer must also ensure that the merchandise meets the company’s quality standards and is in line with the company’s overall strategy. Additionally, the Assistant Buyer must stay up to date on the latest trends and be able to identify new opportunities for the store.

Burlington Stores Assistant Buyer Job Duties

A Burlington Stores Assistant Buyer typically has a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:

• Assist the Buyer in developing and executing merchandise strategies that meet or exceed financial goals
• Analyze sales trends, customer feedback, and market research to identify opportunities for growth
• Develop product assortments that are on-trend, competitively priced, and profitable
• Monitor inventory levels and ensure timely replenishment of stock
• Negotiate with vendors to secure best pricing and terms
• Manage vendor relationships to ensure quality products and services
• Create and maintain accurate records of all purchases and transactions
• Prepare reports and presentations for management review
• Participate in weekly meetings to discuss current performance and future plans
• Collaborate with marketing team to develop promotional campaigns
• Attend trade shows and industry events to stay abreast of new trends and developments
• Provide support to buyers as needed, including researching potential vendors, analyzing data, and creating purchase orders

Burlington Stores Assistant Buyer Salary

The salary for an Assistant Buyer at Burlington Stores is determined by a variety of factors, including the individual’s experience and qualifications, the current market rate for similar positions, the company’s budget, and the competitive landscape. Additionally, the size of the company, the location of the job, and the specific duties associated with the position can all affect the salary offered.

• Median Annual Salary: $64,504 ($31.01/hour)
• Top 10% Annual Salary: $83,460 ($40.13/hour)

Burlington Stores Assistant Buyer Job Requirements

To be considered for the position of Assistant Buyer at Burlington Stores, applicants must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, or a related field. Previous experience in retail buying, merchandising, or a related field is preferred. Candidates must also have excellent communication and organizational skills, as well as the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Additionally, applicants must be able to work independently and as part of a team. Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and other related software is also required. Finally, applicants must be able to travel as needed.

Burlington Stores Assistant Buyer Skills

Burlington Stores Assistant Buyer employees need the following skills in order to be successful:

Analysis of Data: Assistant buyers use data to make informed purchasing decisions. They analyze sales data to determine which products to order and which products to discontinue. They also analyze data to determine which products to promote and which products to feature in advertisements. Assistant buyers use data to determine which products to stock in each store location and which products to ship to each store location.

Problem Solving: Problem solving is the ability to identify and address issues. As a store assistant buyer, you may be responsible for finding solutions to problems that arise during the purchasing process. For example, if you notice that a supplier is out of stock on a certain product, you may be able to find a similar product that meets the store’s needs.

Client Service: Client service is the ability to interact with customers in a friendly and helpful manner. As an assistant buyer, you may be the first person a customer speaks to when they enter the store. You should be able to answer their questions and direct them to the appropriate person if you don’t have the answer.

Time Management: Time management is the ability to prioritize tasks and complete them within a set time frame. As an assistant buyer, you may be responsible for managing the store’s budget, which means you need to ensure you spend the company’s money wisely. This may mean you need to prioritize which products to order and which ones to decline. You may also be responsible for managing the store’s inventory, which means you need to ensure you order the right amount of products to meet customer demand.

Communication: Communication is the act of exchanging information with others. As a stores assistant buyer, you may communicate with other members of your team, suppliers and customers. Effective communication can help you build relationships with others and learn more about your industry.

Burlington Stores Assistant Buyer Work Environment

Assistant buyers typically work in an office setting, although they may travel to trade shows, vendors, and other locations to meet with suppliers and review products. They typically work a standard 40-hour workweek, although overtime may be required during peak times. Assistant buyers must be able to work independently and have excellent organizational and communication skills. They must also be able to work under pressure and handle multiple tasks simultaneously. They must be able to work with a variety of people, including vendors, buyers, and other staff members.

Burlington Stores Assistant Buyer Trends

Here are three trends influencing how Burlington Stores Assistant Buyer employees work.

Greater Use of Social Media Marketing

Social media marketing is becoming increasingly important for assistant buyers to understand and utilize. With the rise of digital platforms, it’s essential that assistant buyers are able to leverage these channels to reach potential customers and build relationships with them.

Assistant buyers need to be aware of how social media can be used to promote products and services, as well as how to use analytics to measure the success of campaigns. They should also be familiar with different types of content, such as videos, images, and stories, and know how to create engaging posts that will capture the attention of their target audience. Understanding the power of social media marketing is key for assistant buyers in order to stay competitive in today’s market.

Increasing Customer Focus

Assistant buyers are increasingly being asked to focus on customer needs and preferences. This means that assistant buyers must be able to identify trends in the market, understand customer behavior, and anticipate future demand.

Assistant buyers must also be aware of new technologies and tools that can help them better serve customers. For example, AI-driven analytics can provide insights into customer buying patterns and preferences, allowing assistant buyers to make more informed decisions about product selection and pricing. Additionally, social media platforms can be used to monitor customer sentiment and feedback, which can inform product development and marketing strategies.

Strategic Sourcing of Vendors and Suppliers

Assistant buyers are increasingly relying on strategic sourcing to identify and select the best vendors and suppliers for their organization. This process involves researching, evaluating, and selecting vendors based on criteria such as cost, quality, delivery time, and customer service.

Assistant buyers must be able to analyze data from multiple sources in order to make informed decisions about which vendors and suppliers will provide the most value to their organization. They must also have a good understanding of market trends and pricing dynamics in order to negotiate favorable terms with vendors and suppliers. Strategic sourcing is an important skill for assistant buyers to understand in order to ensure that their organization gets the best possible deals.

Advancement Prospects

Assistant buyers typically start out in entry-level positions and work their way up to more senior roles. As they gain experience, they may be promoted to buyer, which is a more senior role. Buyers are responsible for selecting merchandise for stores, negotiating prices, and managing inventory. They may also be responsible for developing relationships with vendors and suppliers. With additional experience, assistant buyers may be promoted to senior buyer or even to a managerial role, such as department manager or store manager.

Interview Questions

Here are five common Burlington Stores Assistant Buyer interview questions and answers.

1. Do you have experience managing a team? Give us an example of your leadership style.

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your leadership skills and how you interact with others. Use examples from previous work experiences or include information about the type of leader you are in your response.

Example: “I have experience managing a team at my current position, where I am responsible for hiring new employees. In my role as an assistant buyer, I also manage a small team of buyers who report directly to me. My management style is collaborative, which allows us to discuss ideas and make decisions together. I like to encourage my team members to share their opinions and give them opportunities to develop their skills.”

2. Do you have any experience with forecasting?

Forecasting is a key part of the job, so interviewers may ask this question to see if you have any experience with it. If you do, share an example of how you used forecasting in your previous role. If you don’t have experience with forecasting, explain that you are eager to learn more about it and would be willing to take on additional responsibilities as needed.

Example: “In my last position, I was responsible for creating monthly forecasts based on sales data from the previous month. This helped me understand what products were selling well and which ones weren’t performing as expected. It also gave me insight into customer preferences and allowed me to make informed decisions when selecting new inventory.”

3. Do you know what vendors we are currently using?

This question is a great way to test your research skills and knowledge of the company. Before you go into the interview, make sure you know which vendors Burlington Stores uses for its products. This will allow you to answer this question with confidence and show that you have done your homework on the company.

Example: “I did some research before coming in today, and I found out that Burlington Stores currently works with three major vendors for its clothing lines. The first vendor is XYZ Clothing Company, which provides the majority of the company’s women’s clothing. The second vendor is ABC Clothing Company, which provides most of the company’s men’s clothing. Finally, the third vendor is DEF Clothing Company, which provides shoes and accessories.”

4. Can you tell me about a time when you were given a project that went over your head, how did you manage it?

This question is a great way to assess your problem-solving skills and ability to ask for help. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention that you asked for help from someone who was more experienced than you and how they helped you complete the project successfully.

Example: “When I first started working as an assistant buyer, my manager gave me a large project with very little direction on what she wanted. At first, I felt overwhelmed by the task, but I decided to reach out to her for some advice. She told me exactly what she was looking for in the product and I was able to find several options that fit her needs.”

5. How do you approach your workday and prioritize tasks?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you approach your work and what methods you use to stay organized. Your answer should include a few examples of how you prioritize tasks, manage time and meet deadlines.

Example: “I start my day by checking emails and reviewing any messages from my manager or other team members. I then look at my calendar for the day to see which meetings I have scheduled and make sure I am prepared with all necessary documents and materials. Throughout the day, I check in with my coworkers to see if they need anything and ask them about their progress on projects. At the end of each day, I review my to-do list and make sure that I completed everything on time.”