Job Summary:

Supports the Senior Vice President of Merchandising and the Director of National Programs to purchase and merchandise gift items for News Stand Stores.

Job Responsibilities:

• Souvenir – ex. Tee shirts, glassware, figurines, hats, plush, etc.
• Core merchandise – basic everyday items that every store carries – ex. Toys, travel, luggage, electronics, travel pillows, Kodak, Hair Care,
• Flowers – help stores locate local Florist Wholesalers and suppliers of display stands.
• Souvenir Chocolate – Select assortments, make purchases, and supply stores with control sheets for all re-orders. Coordinate this as a National Program.
• Price negotiation.
• Write Purchase Orders for all categories, and ensure each location receives PO and control sheet for re-orders.
• Assist Director of Core in creating Plan O Grams for purchased goods.
• Set up new vendors for every location that vendor will ship merchandise to ensure timely payment in accounts payable. Collect Federal Tax form, and negotiate 60-day terms and free shipping.
• Assist in collecting unpaid invoices and proof of delivery so that unpaid bills can be paid and locations can receive merchandise on a timely manner.
• Create and maintain good vendor relationships by regular communication via email, telephone, or scheduled meetings.
• Regularly talk to store managers. Assist them in purchases, re-orders. Listen to their needs to make appropriate buys later.
• Communicate with Accounts Payable, assisting with information they need to pay accounts, and follow up on late payments.
• Consistently share ideas, new buys, and concerns with Senior V.P., V.P, and Director.
• Travel to locations to merchandise and set up new stores, or to maintain existing stores to Hudson Standards.
• Attend Vendor Shows and Trade Shows.
• Assist Senior VP in the RFP process by pulling information together, and finding local concepts to add strength to our proposal.

Knowledge, Skill and Ability:

• Ability to perform multifaceted projects in conjunction with day-to-day activities.
• Superior interpersonal abilities; able to interact with diverse personalities.
• Proficient in Word and Excel.