It may be getting colder outside, but our buyers are already thinking spring! Get REAL with Katie Berger, #AerieSWIM Buyer! Read on to learn more about how she helps to plan Aerie’s line each season, her forecast for spring swim and what #AerieREAL means to her.
What are the responsibilities of a buyer?
A buyer is responsible for strategizing the number of styles we can have in the store and online, along with the types of silhouettes and fits we would like to offer. Buyers work hand-in-hand with a design team that is specific to swim (though they dabble in other areas as well), who designs into our style requests. We then collectively build an assortment that we believe our customer will have to have in her closet (or swim drawer!).
Buyers track the sales trends of the business from week-to-week (and on occasion, day-to-day) to give us insight for future deliveries – if the customer doesn’t love it today, will she love something similar in a few months? A lot of the job comes from instinct, and knowing what your sales history tells you along with new trends you see coming our way! This job uses both sides of the brain… and I LOVE it!
What trends are you forecasting for swim in ’16?
We are still in love with strappy swim, but we also LOVE the 70’s vibes in swim – ruffles and crochet, one-pieces, crops and teeny tiny bottoms. I want to wear a one-piece with AEO denim shorts, head to the beach, and be ready for dinner in a snap!
We can’t WAIT for swim! Let’s talk about our current collection…what’s your favorite item for Holiday?
I love the fun accessories, including our gifting ‘grab and go’ collection! Great for gifting your friends, sisters or yourself! But really the bralettes are GORGEOUS. The laces are so feminine and the stylings are so great for any day of the week. I already bought 5 of them! And wait until you see the PJ pants…they are so cozy and cute! My Christmas morning look = aerie PJ’s.
Love Katie’s look? Shop her blanket scarf here.
Are you an early riser or a night owl?
Neither?! I can get up consistently early on the weekends, but why can’t I get up during the week? I could say I’m definitely a napper!
What is your favorite city that you’ve either traveled to or want to travel to?
In February I went to Tulum in Mexico, and I have to say it is easily my favorite place I’ve ever been. The relaxed, non-commercial vibe is perfect for a getaway in the sunshine. We stayed at the Hotel Mezzanine, where they brought you coffee to your door every morning, and you could take the basket out to a hammock and enjoy your coffee while looking at the ocean. I have never been so relaxed in my life! I loved it so much, I’m going back in December. Next stop, I’m thinking Iceland! Have you seen the pictures of that island? It looks so beautiful.
We’re so jealous! That sounds amazing. What’s 1 item you can’t live without?
Chapstick (and Spotify). Oh, and actually a hair tie. Yep, definitely a hair tie too.
What does #AerieREAL mean to you?
I think this can mean so many different things to different girls. For me it means being and loving yourself and not apologizing for it. We recently talked as a buying team about how girls apologize constantly when speaking their minds, and I think that’s part of what this is about – learning how to stop apologizing for who you are or what you think and embracing and owning it!
We love that! Thank you Katie for sitting down with us!
Tune in to our Snapchat today (handle: aerie) as Katie gives us a behind-the-scenes look at her day at Aerie!