A
Buyer
full-time•Chicago
About this role
Buyer
About AKIRA
In 2002, AKIRA opened the doors to its first women's clothing boutique in Chicago. Since then, the company has extended its reach to 35+ stores across the United States, as well as a thriving eCommerce business (shopAKIRA.com). AKIRA is extremely well-poised for sustained growth as we continue to build a nationally recognized brand. AKIRA's culture has one very large, distinct difference from other high fashion competitors: Other-Worldly Customer Service and Fanatical, Obsessive Attention to the consumer's needs and desires. The core principle for all employees at AKIRA is to Act and Think Like an Owner, and this belief can be reflected across all areas of the company.
Position: Buyer
Location: Chicago, IL (On-site)
Position Overview:
The Buyer is responsible for driving sales growth and profitability within a designated category by building compelling, market-leading assortments across both brick-and-mortar and e-commerce channels. This role requires a strong foundation in specialty retail merchandising, sharp analytical skills, and exceptional operational execution.
The ideal candidate has a proven track record of developing winning merchandising strategies through strong vendor partnerships, exclusive product development, and a deep understanding of customer behavior. A consistent eye for quality, trend relevance, and urgency is essential in building assortments that resonate with the customer and deliver financial results.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and execute detailed annual business plans, including sales, margin, inventory turns, and inventory composition, aligned with company strategy
- Own seasonal open-to-buy (OTB) planning; manage and reconcile receipts against plan
- Build and execute assortment and allocation strategies that optimize performance across channels
- Coach and mentor Assistant Buyers to drive improvements in sales, margins, and inventory productivity
- Identify and capitalize on emerging fashion trends early in their lifecycle to maximize selling opportunities
- Analyze business performance to identify opportunities to increase sales, improve margins, optimize inventory, and reduce markdowns
- Prepare and present financial analyses, including sell-through, margins, and key item performance; recap results versus plan
- Develop a deep understanding of the customer and leverage insights to inform product development, assortment, and allocation decisions
- Ensure financial objectives and timelines are met; proactively communicate actions to maximize profit and minimize risk
- Build and maintain strong vendor relationships; collaborate on exclusive product development and strategic opportunities
- Represent the brand professionally and enthusiastically in all vendor and industry interactions
Qualifications:
- 4+ years of buying experience, including product development
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Fashion Merchandising, or a related field
- Proven success managing large, multi-category assortments with high SKU counts
- Strong ability to translate sales data, customer insights, and market trends into actionable merchandising strategies
- Established relationships with market brands and/or private label resources
- Demonstrated ability to identify high-impact opportunities and respond quickly
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and the ability to quickly learn new systems and tools
- Proven ability to drive revenue growth and improve profitability
The Ideal Candidate:
- Has a strong passion for fashion, trends, and continuous learning around materials, construction, and product design
- Thrives in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment with a strong sense of ownership and urgency
- Is highly organized, detail-oriented, and effective at managing multiple priorities
- Is a confident, outgoing communicator comfortable presenting and building relationships in person, over the phone, and digitally
- Is collaborative, responsive, and motivated by team success
- Ability and willingness to travel if needed
Benefits and Perks:
AKIRA offers competitive benefits for full-time employees, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Pet Insurance, Life, LTD, FSA/HSA/Dependent Care FSA, Flex Transit (CTA), 401(k), and a generous employee discount. We're committed to internal growth, providing meaningful development and career advancement opportunities.
Employment Type: Full-time
What you'll do
- The Buyer is responsible for driving sales growth and profitability by building market-leading assortments across brick-and-mortar and e-commerce channels. This includes developing annual business plans, managing open-to-buy planning, and analyzing business performance to optimize inventory and sales.
About AKIRA
AKIRA first opened in 2002 as a single women’s clothing boutique in the trendy Bucktown/Wicker Park neighborhood of Chicago and is owned by Eric Hsueh, Erikka Wang, Sarah Hughes, Gordon Liao and Mark Ricard. Over the years, AKIRA has expanded to over 40 stores, a thriving eCommerce website, and an expanding wholesale business. AKIRA now has stores in over 12 states with more on the way and offers a full line of women’s clothing, footwear, and accessories.
At AKIRA, we believe in breaking down the barriers of the traditional retail experience and embracing the individuality of both our team and our clients. We’re on the lookout for extraordinary individuals who thrive on creativity, innovation, and pushing the boundaries of what's possible.
Join our team and become part of a culture that values diversity, fosters personal growth, and encourages out-of-the-box thinking.
We know that true success lies in the hands of passionate individuals who take risks, challenge conventional norms, and provide unforgettable experiences for our clients. With our unique product, we strive to be at the forefront of the fashion industry, setting new trends and redefining what it means to be fashionable.
But it's not just about the product. We are committed to creating a supportive and inclusive environment where our employees can thrive and be themselves, always. We believe that by empowering our team members, we can foster a sense of ownership and pride, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to make a significant impact on our brand's journey. If you’re ready to launch a rewarding career that combines your love for fashion and your entrepreneurial spirit, you’ve come to the right place.
Ready to join AKIRA?
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Buyer do at AKIRA?
As a Buyer at AKIRA, you will: the Buyer is responsible for driving sales growth and profitability by building market-leading assortments across brick-and-mortar and e-commerce channels. This includes developing annual business plans, managing open-to-buy planning, and analyzing business performance to optimize inventory and sales..
Is the Buyer position at AKIRA remote?
The Buyer position at AKIRA is based in Chicago, United States. Contact the company through Clera for specific work arrangement details.
How do I apply for the Buyer position at AKIRA?
You can apply for the Buyer position at AKIRAdirectly through Clera. Click the "Apply Now" button above to start your application. Clera's AI-powered platform will help match your profile with this opportunity and guide you through the application process.