Merchandising Sample Assistant

The Merchandising Sample Assistant plays a key support role within the Merchandising team-responsible for administrative functions, sample management, data entry, reporting, cross-functional communication, and ensuring smooth execution of the product lifecycle from concept to launch. This person must be detail-driven, proactive, and comfortable working in a fast-moving environment.

Responsibilities:

• Merchandising Support
• Assist Merchants with day-to-day workflow, line maintenance, and seasonal product set-up
• Update and maintain line sheets, buy books, and assortment tools across categories
• Support in SKU creation, pricing, and product attributes management within the PLM/ERP systems
• Prepare and update seasonal merchandising decks for internal line reviews
• Support in competitive shopping and market trend research to inform future assortments
• Organize and prepare samples for internal meetings, fittings, creative reviews, ecom & campaign photo shoots and go-to-market milestones
• Track proto, SMS, PPS, and TOP sample status with Product Development and Production
• Maintain the sample closet, ensuring all product is properly labeled, organized, and accounted for
• Review product pages pre-launch for accuracy (pricing, naming, colorways, styling notes, bullets)
• Sample Coordination Duties
• Own the full lifecycle of samples from development through photoshoot handoffs
• Manage sample requests from PR, Social, E-commerce, Wholesale, Creative, and Influencer teams
• Track all outbound and inbound samples using internal tracking systems
• Monitor sample availability and proactively communicate shortages or timing risks to cross-functional teams
• Ensure samples are prepped, steamed, tagged, and photo-ready prior to shoots
• Manage courier shipments, deliveries, and pickups for samples
• Conduct weekly sample inventory audits and maintain an accurate sample library
• Support E-commerce and Creative teams during photoshoots as needed
• Partner with Production to troubleshoot late or missing samples
• Cross-Functional Communication
• Collaborate closely with Design, Product Development, Production, Planning, Marketing, and E-commerce
• Assist with preparation for milestone meetings including Line Review, Final Edit, and Handoffs
• Distribute updated assortment documents to all relevant teams
• Support Merchants with follow-ups, recaps, and timeline tracking
• Maintain strong communication with warehouse teams regarding sample shipments/returns
• Reporting & Analysis
• Assist Merchants with weekly selling recaps and data pulls
• Track category performance, best sellers, and inventory risks
• Support the development of hindsight decks and merchandising strategy documents
• Maintain reporting tools within Excel/Sheets with accuracy and attention to detail

Qualifications:

• 1-2 years of merchandising, product development, or sample coordination experience in fashion/apparel
• Strong Excel/Google Sheets skills (VLOOKUP, Pivot Tables preferred)
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail
• Ability to multitask and pivot quickly in a fast-paced environment
• Strong communication skills