About Alo
Alo is a rapidly growing global lifestyle brand at the forefront of the mindful movement, specializing in high-quality athletic apparel and wellness products. We believe that mindful movement in the studio leads to better living, inspiring individuals to take the consciousness from their practice on the mat and put it into practice in life. We are deeply inspired by the people we surround ourselves with and strive to foster a culture of growth, inclusivity, and well-being for our employees as we share the mindful movement with the world.
Role Objective
The Merchandising Manager leads the development and execution of planning, buying, and assortment strategies for key seasonal collections. This role leverages data analysis, consumer insights, and fashion trends to optimize sales and profitability, balancing commercial creativity with operational excellence. Responsibilities include forecasting demand, buying, coordinating shipping and procurement, managing inventory flow, and distributing merchandise for the retail stores. Some International travel—including buying trips to Alo HQ—should be expected.
Key Responsibilities
Commercial Planning & Buying
- Develop, implement, and oversee merchandising strategies for seasonal collections, aligned with the brand vision and local market.
- Lead seasonal buys to align with business objectives, considering consumer demand and globally directed storytelling.
- Analyse sales data and performance, inventory flow, and market analytics to take informed buying decisions and to propose and manage open-to-buy budgets.
- Continually monitor sales performance and product assortment, identifying actions to increase conversion and minimize markdowns.
Retail Planning & Assortment
- Forecast demand and establish product allocation strategies using historic sales data, market insights, and commercial objectives.
- Oversee seasonal buying and marketing calendars to take advantage of consumer opportunities in driving demand and managing inventory.
- Partner with retail teams on floor plans, visual merchandising, and store-specific assortments to ensure optimal display and maximize sales potential.
Shipping, Purchase Order & Documentation Management
- Manage inventory readiness in Alo warehouses to ensure timely product launches and replenishments.
- Organize, review, and maintain shipping documentation (commercial invoices, packing lists) in full compliance with import/export regulations.
- Process and monitor purchase orders for each shipment.
- Oversee inventory transfers from warehouses to stores, supporting replenishments, colour launches, and anticipated spikes in demand during key commercial periods.
Data Analysis, Market Study & Consumer Insights
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of market and competitor activity, leveraging omni-channel and store analytics to inform merchandising strategies and enhance the customer offering.
- Monitor competitor activity, consumer behaviour, and retail trends to guide strategic decisions.
- Identify and respond to sales opportunities or risks, providing actionable feedback to commercial and store teams.
- Present regular reports on assortment performance, market activity, and consumer trends, offering actionable recommendations on buys and allocations.
Cross-functional & Global Collaboration
- Collaborate closely with buying, planning, logistics, marketing, and retail operations teams to ensure seamless execution and alignment across all channels.
- Build and maintain strong partnerships with Alo Global during buying trips and seasonal market visits.
- Lead training sessions and exchanging insights with the retail teams on consumer and market trends that inform assortment decisions on current and future assortments.
Travel & Buying Trips
- Conduct store and market visits to review in-store execution, gather local insights, and ensure alignment with consumer nuance in Singapore.
- Participate in international buying trips to review new season adoptions and collections, ensuring the Singapore offer resonates with local consumers.
Compliance & Record Keeping
- Ensure full compliance with company policies and relevant regulations in all buying and merchandising activities.
- Maintain accurate documentation and reporting for all assortment, purchasing, and supplier transactions.
Core Skills and Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in business, retail, fashion, or related discipline.
- Minimum 5+ years of experience in merchandising, buying, and retail planning, ideally with international seasonal and collection buying exposure.
- Demonstrated leadership and sound decision-making abilities.
- Exceptional organizational skills with strong attention to detail; highly responsible and accountable.
- Receptive to feedback and enthusiastic about cultivating a supportive team environment.
- High-energy, positive attitude.
- Self-motivated, results-oriented, and effective both independently and as part of a team.
- Exceptional interpersonal and written communication skills.
- Strong alignment with and embodiment of Alo’s core values.