Experienced Apparel Buyer

We are looking for our next Dream Maker to join the buying team. We are looking for an experience Apparel buyer preferably dresses and occasion wear. 5-8 years experience with a large OTB.

From Aisle to Algorithm and for All Life’s Moments, at David’s Bridal, we empower our customers and our employees to stay true to their dreams and find the one, whether that means the event or the wedding dress that matches a personal style—or the career that is a perfect fit. Join a company that dominates the products in their category – 1 out of 3 being sold by them and taking care of them with one of the highest customer service scores in retail!

If you are passionately enthusiastic, endlessly curious, and customer obsessed, say “I do” and apply today!

The Apparel Dress Buyer is responsible for developing and executing merchandise strategies that drive sales, profitability, and customer satisfaction across Prom, Homecoming and Guest Of Wedding dress categories. This role combines fashion expertise, customer insight, trend forecasting, and financial acumen to create compelling assortments that align with brand objectives and deliver a seamless omnichannel shopping experience.

The ideal candidate is a strategic merchant who can translate market trends and customer needs into profitable product assortments while building strong partnerships across planning, product development, sourcing, marketing, and store operations.

Key Responsibilities

Merchandise Strategy & Assortment Planning

• Develop and execute seasonal merchandise strategies that support company sales, margin, and growth objectives.
• Curate balanced assortments that reflect current fashion trends, customer preferences, and brand positioning.
• Establish category pricing strategies that optimize value perception, profitability, and market competitiveness.
• Identify opportunities for assortment expansion, category growth, and product innovation.

Business & Financial Management

• Own category performance, including sales, gross margin, inventory productivity, and turnover.
• Partner with Planning teams to develop financial plans, forecasts, and inventory strategies.
• Manage open-to-buy budgets and inventory investments to maximize return while minimizing risk.
• Analyze sales performance, customer behavior, and market trends to inform merchandising decisions.

Product Development & Vendor Partnerships

• Collaborate with Design, Product Development, and Sourcing teams to create exclusive and differentiated product offerings.
• Build and maintain strong vendor relationships to ensure product quality, delivery performance, and competitive costing.
• Lead negotiations related to pricing, costs, lead times, and business terms to achieve margin objectives.
• Monitor competitive trends and marketplace developments to identify new opportunities.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Marketing, E-commerce, Visual Merchandising, and Store Operations teams to ensure consistent product storytelling and execution.
• Support product launches, promotional campaigns, and seasonal initiatives across all customer touchpoints.
• Present category performance, assortment strategies, and business recommendations to senior leadership.

Leadership & Team Development

• Mentor and develop Assistant Buyers, Associate Buyers, and Merchandising Coordinators.
• Foster a collaborative, performance-driven culture focused on accountability and continuous improvement.
• Share industry insights, best practices, and merchandising expertise across the organization.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Merchandising, Fashion Merchandising, Business, Marketing, or a related field.
• 5–8 years of buying, merchandising, or category management experience within apparel, fashion, bridal, or specialty retail.
• Experience managing product assortments and financial performance in a multi-channel retail environment.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong fashion trend forecasting and market awareness
• Customer-focused merchandising mindset
• Advanced retail math and financial planning skills
• Inventory management and open-to-buy expertise
• Vendor negotiation and relationship management
• Data-driven decision making and analytical problem solving
• Excellent presentation, communication, and influencing skills
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic retail environment
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and merchandising systems

Success Measures

Success in this role will be measured by:

• Achievement of sales and gross margin targets
• Inventory productivity and turnover performance
• Assortment productivity and sell-through rates
• New product launch performance
• Vendor performance and cost savings
• Customer satisfaction and category growth
• Team development and leadership effectiveness

Bottom of Form

Now that we’ve popped the question, please say “I do”.

Full Time Opportunity – A comprehensive benefits package is available.

• Rewarding Environment and Competitive Pay
• Generous Dream Maker Discount After First Pay Period
• Referral Incentive Program
• Dayforce Wallet – Get Paid Early!
• Health/Dental/Vision Insurance
• 401K Program
• Paid Vacation, Wellness Days & Holidays, including your Birthday off!
• Pet Benefits

Love wins when love is for Everyone!

Our mission at David’s Bridal is to embrace the ideas of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. It is our goal to build a workforce that is as representative as the customers we serve. We vow to create a culture where all forms of diversity are celebrated and seen as valuable.

David’s Bridal encourages applications from all qualified candidates. David’s Bridal has a great record of accommodating persons with disabilities. Contact Human Resources at [email protected] or 610.943.5048 if you need accommodation at any stage of the application process or want more information on our accommodation policies.

Policy: Candidate Use of AI in Live Interviews

We conduct interviews to evaluate each candidate’s own knowledge, judgment, and communication. During any live interview (virtual or in-person), candidates must not use real-time generative AI tools to compose or feed their answers. Candidates may use assistive technologies (e.g., screen readers, live captions) and may request reasonable accommodation in advance.

Disclaimer: The preceding job description has been designed to highlight the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive description of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. Actual duties and responsibilities will vary. The standard base pay range for this role is posted at a minimum and maximum rate.

The starting rate of pay offered will vary based on factors including, but not limited to, position offered, location, training, and/or experience, and internal equity. This base pay range is specific to the state this role is posted in and may not be applicable to other locations. At David’s Bridal, it is rare for an individual to be hired at the high end of the range in their role, and compensation decisions are dependent upon the details and circumstances of each position and candidate.