Under the direction of the What Goes Around Comes Around (WGACA) Wholesale team in partnership with the Dillard’s Buying teams, the WGACA Vendor Paid Merchandise Analyst collaborates on the day-to-day operations and execution of the WGACA program across Dillard’s locations, including weekly offer input, event execution product training seminars, and product flow management.
This position serves as the primary liaison between WGACA, Dillard’s buying team, and store management teams to ensure seamless execution, brand integrity, and sales optimization for the vintage designer handbag category. The Merchandise Analyst will act as the internal brand champion, driving storytelling, event success, and performance analysis for WGACA across all store locations.
Reporting, Analysis & Inventory Management
- Create and maintain weekly, monthly and seasonal reports to analyze brand, material and store level performance, identify trends, and drive actionable insights.
- Partner with the Dillard's buying team to evaluate weekly performance, jointly identify risks and opportunities and align action plan to ensure the right assortment mix of brands, fashion and core products.
- Collaborate closely with the WGACA Wholesale team, including weekly sales/receipt discussions with the Wholesale team and bi-monthly performance reviews with the Dillard’s Buying team to review business performance, align on sales and receipt strategies, and drive the overarching brand and partnership strategy.
- Assist Dillard’s Buying team with order set up as needed and submit for management approvals.
- Collaborate on offer and receipt deadlines are met and alert of any internal delays.
- Consolidate store item requests and feedback on weekly basis to share with the WGACA wholesale team.
- Work with WGACA Lead Field and Sales Manager to compile store visit data and category opportunities by location.
Brand Training, Merchandising & Presentation
- Coordinate event strategy (Trunk Shows, brand activations, etc.) and execution with WGACA team and Dillard’s buying teams
- Occasionally visit stores with Dillard’s buying teams to review WGACA presentation standards, performance and opportunities; provide feedback to WGACA Field and Sales team, and Wholesale team, on visual merchandising opportunities as needed.
- Partner with WGACA Lead Field and Sales Manager in continuously evaluating store team performance to identify training gaps and conversion barriers.
- Proactively recommend training solutions, including core module refreshers and supplemental training, to address specific team challenges. Provide feedback to WGACA on where additional or updated training materials may be needed and collaborate with the Women’s Accessories Sales Director.
- Partner with the WGACA Field and Sales teams to track post-training metrics, ensuring educational initiatives drive measurable performance improvements.
Interpersonal Management & Brand Advocacy
- Develop a comprehensive understanding of both the WGACA and Dillard's business, ecosystem, and customer base to effectively tailor strategies and initiatives.
- Build strong cross-functional relationships with Dillard’s Buying and store planning teams to support WGACA initiatives.
- Serve as an internal advocate for WGACA strategies within Dillard’s buying offices and build a reputation as a proactive, solution-oriented team member.
Qualifications
- Bachelors Degree
- 1-2 years relevant experience in corporate retail office inclusive of internships
- Proficient in Microsoft Office: Excel (Vlookups, Formulas, Pivot Tables, etc)
- Understanding of Retail Analytics and comfortable working in Excel
- Strong interest in Luxury fashion and market
- 10-20% domestic travel as needed
