International Merchandiser

As an International Merchant, you will be running a multi-million dollar international business within your first year. By working directly with senior leadership, our planning teams and design teams, you will develop and market a product line for a specific clothing category (denim, tees, outerwear, etc.) to be sold in Abercrombie & Fitch Co. stores around the world.

The International Merchant oversees the product from flat sketch through all stages of international production until it is ready to be sold in stores. The International Merchant is responsible for all communication and negotiations with our international vendor base and is accountable for understanding the buying patterns of our customers around the world.

The International Merchant position is the backbone of driving A&F’s business and is the role responsible for producing and delivering the highest quality casual apparel to A&F stores around the world!

International Merchandiser responsibilities and percentages of time spent:

• [30%] Responsible for daily communication with international vendor base and factories to ensure on-time deliveries and high garment quality. Will utilize knowledge of EU trade agreement where applicable.
• [15%] Analyze selling information from A&F’s international store base on a by store, by country and by region basis. Assess global trends and identify future volume drivers acknowledging differences among European, Asian and North American buying trends.
• [10%] Research current and forecast future international fashion and business trends in style, color and fabrication to incorporate in future seasons.
• [10%] Negotiate costing and production timelines with international manufacturers. Costing includes material and labor costs as well as freight and unique duty rates by exporting country.
• [5%] Buy necessary global inventory levels needed by style. Will utilize past sales history as well as knowledge of specific international markets to predict future buying patterns.
• [5%] Work collaboratively with Design teams (Product, Graphic, Technical, Concept) to create elevated products for our international flagship locations. Utilize understanding of EU consumer to push product direction in order to maximize future sales.
• [5%] Present product assortment to Senior Leadership, including, but not limited to, the CEO.
• [5%] Ensure product is compliant with all countries where A&F has store locations. International merchants will be need to be experts on exporting A&F product internationally to make sure the Company follows all country specific regulations in order to sell A&F product legally in the EU and Asia.
• [5%] Analyze price points by country to maximize marketing strategies and sales plan utilizing knowledge of customs and consumer behaviors that may necessitate a different approach for our international customer base (international pricing strategy is different than the U.S. market).
• [5%] Partner with Direct-to-Consumer (Internet) team to ensure new product is being set on time on all domestic and international websites. Verify product information is correct on all e-commerce locations.
• [5%] Travel to international flagship locations to conduct research on customer base through focus groups and in-store observations of buying patterns. Need to bring understanding of our customers’ culture and native languages. Travel to global manufacturers/vendors will also be a component of the International Merchant role.

As a merchant at Abercrombie & Fitch, you will be a part of the Leadership Development Programs. These programs are highly competitive leadership initiatives that are unique for their entrepreneurial structure, immediate exposure to senior level management, and high level of day-to-day responsibility.

A&F focuses on hiring the best and brightest graduates with proven leadership experience and a passion for the retail industry. Based out of our corporate headquarters in the U.S., these programs feature an initial five-week Training Program, continued curriculum opportunities, and a dedicated career-pathing team to ensure the best opportunities for each individual.

Upon completion of the Training Program, trainees will be placed full-time in business critical areas at the Home Office. Associates can make an impact quickly at A&F and should have the drive and capacity for rapid career growth.

Built on over 460 acres of secluded woods just outside of Columbus, Ohio, A&F’s Home Office campus is a unique part of our culture. Our buildings are set up to be social and intimate to promote face-to-face contact. Huge meeting rooms and open desk areas keep the atmosphere casual and make communication easy.

We live and breathe Abercrombie at the Home Office. When not working hard, grab a seat by one of the roaring fires in the winter or play a game of sand volleyball in the summer.

Starting benefits include competitive salary, access to the A&F gym, merchandise discounts at all four of our brands, and comprehensive medical and dental coverage.

To be considered for this amazing opportunity, all candidates must have:

• A degree in business, economics, mathematics, law, fashion or related areas of study, or be eligible to work in the United States without needing visa sponsorship.
• Minimum 2.1 grades
• Proven leadership experience
• Ability to thrive in team-based settings
• Strong presentation skills and the ability to communicate with confidence
• Balance between a robust analytical capability and an interest in creative process
• Passion for translating emerging fashion trends into the spirit of the A&F brands
• Desire to take on the responsibility of running a portion our multi-billion dollar business

Abercrombie & Fitch Co. is an American based retailer that is comprised of four lifestyle brands: Abercrombie & Fitch, abercrombie (kids), Gilly Hicks, and Hollister Co.

With explosive international expansion across Europe and Asia, Abercrombie & Fitch is poised for tremendous growth in the coming years. The A&F Leadership Development Programs are corporate initiatives at A&F’s Home Office in Columbus, Ohio.

Apply online