Department: Softgoods (Clothing & Footwear)
Reports to: Store Owners
Position Summary
The Softgoods Manager serves as the lead Buyer and Department Head for all apparel and accessory categories, and shares responsibility for Footwear buying and inventory management in close collaboration with the Hardgoods Manager. This role oversees the selection, purchasing, merchandising, and performance of all softgoods carried by Salida Mountain Sports — including outerwear, base layers, lifestyle apparel, footwear, and accessories. The Softgoods Manager is responsible for maintaining balanced inventory, driving seasonal strategies, analyzing sales trends, and curating a product assortment that supports the outdoor lifestyle of both locals and visitors.
Key Responsibilities
Buying & Planning
Act as lead buyer for all clothing, accessories, and lifestyle apparel categories
Coordinate seasonal footwear buying with the Hardgoods Manager to maintain a consistent and cohesive product mix
Research and recommend new brands, lines, and styles to keep the assortment fresh, relevant, and profitable
Build and maintain strong vendor relationships, understanding brand positioning, market fit, and seasonal availability
Collaborate with ownership to build seasonal buying budgets and strategy
Write and manage preseason orders while securing favorable terms, discounts, and shipping timelines
Analyze department sales and vendor performance to inform future buying decisions
Adjust or cancel orders as needed in response to trends, inventory levels, and overall business needs; communicate changes clearly to reps
Inventory & Data Management
Maintain accurate item records in the POS: create SKUs, update pricing, and manage discontinuations
Monitor inventory by size, color, and style to ensure strong in-stock positions without overstock
Place fill-in orders as needed to respond to customer demand, fast-sellers, or special orders
Implement inventory management practices to hit sales targets while minimizing carryover, markdowns, and dead stock
Ensure pricing accuracy and work to prevent shrinkage and loss
Manage all vendor returns, ensuring proper documentation and coordination with reps
Gather and submit all employee data for vendor seeding orders, ensuring timely and complete submissions
Merchandising & Presentation
Oversee the visual presentation of apparel, footwear, and accessories to maximize floor productivity and sales potential
Build and rotate seasonal focal displays, product highlights, and promotional areas
Provide merchandising direction to staff and ensure displays align with store standards and brand identity
Maintain attractive and functional window displays that reflect seasonality and store priorities
Marketing Collaboration
Partner with the Owners to plan promotions, vendor-supported marketing, and store events
Provide seasonal insights to align marketing with holidays, events, and local happenings
Collaborate with the marketing team to highlight key products, brands, and categories
Team Leadership & Store Operations
Act as department lead and serve as floor manager during shifts
Deliver outstanding customer service with strong product knowledge and fit expertise
Train and coach sales staff on features, stories, and selling strategies for softgoods and footwear
Support receiving, tagging, and backstock organization to ensure smooth inventory flow
Coordinate with other department leads to align storewide priorities and customer experience
Requirements
Proven experience in retail buying, preferably in outdoor apparel, footwear, or specialty retail
Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret sales data and trends
Excellent communication, negotiation, and vendor relationship management skills
Familiarity with seasonal buying cycles, vendor programs, and pricing structures
Visual merchandising skills and an understanding of retail flow and product placement
Passion for outdoor activities and familiarity with relevant apparel and footwear brands
Ability to lead, train, and motivate a team in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment
Perks & Compensation
Pay range: $23–$26 per hour, depending on experience
30% employee discount on all store products
Access to pro deals with select brands
Flexible scheduling to support work-life balance
Supportive, fun team environment in a vibrant mountain town
Monthly incentive-based bonuses (Sales Goal Program)
Monthly percentage of net sales bonus (Manager-exclusive)
Annual shop stipend
Paid Time Off (PTO)
Opportunities for professional development and industry trade show attendance when appropriate
