Gabby, Buyer at Ross : Advize Career Interview
A career in retail buying, as exemplified by Gabby's journey, is a dynamic blend of creativity and data-driven decision-making.
Starting as an assistant buyer at Macy's, a path through finance roles led back to buying, culminating in a position at Ross.
The Associate Buyer role demands a multifaceted skillset: strong analytical abilities to manage multi-million dollar businesses, collaborative vendor relationships to negotiate optimal deals, and innovative thinking to develop unique products.
Daily responsibilities involve analyzing sales data, planning future assortments, and managing the entire product lifecycle across 1700 stores.
Success in this fast-paced environment requires strong organizational skills, a passion for retail, and the ability to adapt to constantly evolving consumer trends.
A key takeaway: maintaining a strong professional reputation, proactively addressing mistakes, and continuously learning are essential for growth in this exciting field.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Gabby DAnnunzio
Buyer
Ross
University of Arizona
None
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Business & Related
Retail
Business Strategy
Greek Life Member
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Career Path of a Buyer at Ross
Gabby's career path began with a focused pursuit of a buyer role at Macy's, starting as an assistant buyer in women's dresses and progressing to managing a "25 to 50 million dollars in sales" men's outerwear business. After exploring finance at Free People and in Macy's cosmetics, a return to buying, this time in fragrances and now at Ross as an associate buyer in prestige cosmetics, showcases a diverse yet strategically driven career trajectory.
Main Responsibilities of a Buyer at Ross
As an Associate Buyer for West Coast cosmetics at Ross, Gabby's responsibilities encompass managing categories like "sunscreen, serums, and oils," working with vendors from initial product selection ("I want to make collagen oil") to negotiating closeout deals, and handling all financial aspects. The role is heavily analytical, with Gabby noting that "the job is about 75% numbers and analytics," encompassing the entire product lifecycle from sourcing to final sale across 1700 stores.
A Day in the Life of a Buyer at Ross
A Ross associate buyer's week begins with reviewing sales data—"jumping out of bed and saying, 'oh my gosh, how did this buy do?'"—to understand what's selling and project future sales. The rest of the week involves vendor meetings to build relationships—"relationships are so key"—negotiating prices, managing shipping, and planning future buys, such as the Q1 assortment for upcoming holidays like Mother's Day.
Most Important Skills For A Buyer At Ross
Gabby, a Ross Buyer, emphasizes the dual nature of the role, requiring both "analytical data-focused brain" skills and creative vision. This involves data analysis, persuasive communication, collaborative problem-solving with vendors ("hold hands...until you come with an inclusion conclusion"), and innovative product development, as exemplified by their work in designing a new skincare serum using Pinterest inspiration for a star-patterned design.
Favorite Parts Of Being A Buyer At Ross
Gabby, a Buyer at Ross, loves the collaborative and creative aspects of her role, highlighting the excitement of seeing "all your ideas come to fruition," such as a coat she designed from a fabric swatch that became a Macy's commercial feature. The ability to have "a hundred percent say" in the store's assortment, coupled with the analytical work of data analysis, further fuels Gabby's passion for the position.
Biggest Challenges Faced by a Buyer at Ross
Gabby's biggest challenge as a Buyer at Ross, after six years at a different company, is adjusting to a new company culture; the "transparency 24/7" at Ross, while beneficial for success, requires an "extra step" in the way Gabby approaches tasks compared to their previous role.
Favorite Parts Of Working In The Retail Industry As A Buyer At Ross
Gabby, a Ross Buyer, thrives on the dynamic nature of the retail industry, citing how "the customer is always changing," influenced by events like COVID-19, economic shifts (stimulus checks), weather patterns, and pop culture trends (e.g., the Barbie movie). This constant evolution necessitates adapting product assortments to reflect these fluctuating consumer behaviors and preferences.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Retail Industry According To A Buyer At Ross
Gabby, a Ross Buyer, highlights that success in retail demands individuals who enjoy "fast-paced environments" and possess strong organizational skills and memory. A genuine "passion for retail" and understanding of market trends, inventory, and data are crucial, exemplified by a past interview question about hypothetically buying mattresses—the focus being less on the product and more on the business acumen.
What A Buyer At Ross Wishes They Had Known Before Entering The Retail Industry
Gabby, a Ross Buyer, emphasizes the importance of maintaining a strong reputation throughout one's career, noting that "your reputation always precedes you," impacting future opportunities. The interviewee also highlights the value of asking questions, even seemingly basic ones, to demonstrate initiative and gain valuable insights, advising that "never be afraid to ask questions."
Significant Career Lesson From a Buyer at Ross
Gabby, a Buyer at Ross, identifies "if you make a mistake, that's completely normal" as a significant career lesson. The approach to rectify errors, as exemplified by Gabby's proactive communication with their boss and vice president following a large order mistake last week—"I did this wrong"—and immediate problem-solving, is highlighted as crucial for professional growth.
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