Associate Buyer, Museum Store

Are you a professional retail buyer who is passionate about design, storytelling, and Asian cultural connection? The Asian Art Museum is seeking an Associate Buyer to join our Museum Store team—someone who brings not only retail buying expertise and creative vision, but also a strong understanding of Asian culture, the destination retail industry, and a deep interest in books, stationery, and fine paper products. As part of a vibrant cultural institution that champions creativity, collaboration, inclusion, and innovation, you’ll work with a team dedicated to excellence in museum practice and the visitor experience. Together, we celebrate the art of discovery—both within our galleries and through the products that connect visitors to our mission and exhibitions. In this role, the Associate Buyer will help shape the store’s retail identity by curating thoughtful merchandise that reflects the museum’s Asian cultural focus and appeals to a diverse, globally minded audience. You will: • Source and purchase products from both established and emerging vendors, with a particular emphasis on Asian-inspired merchandise, books, and stationery that resonate with our exhibitions and educational goals. • Develop exclusive in-house collections that highlight craftsmanship, storytelling, and design traditions from across Asia and beyond. • Maintain strong vendor relationships while identifying new partners that align with the museum’s vision and the expectations of destination retail visitors. • This is a dynamic opportunity for a motivated buying professional who thrives at the intersection of art, culture, and commerce, and who understands how meaningful products can extend the museum experience beyond the gallery spaces. POSITION SUMMARY Under the direction of the Director of Retail Operations, the Associate Buyer, Museum Store, plays an active role in buying from outside vendors as well as developing in-house products. The Associate Buyer maintains products from long-standing vendors in addition to sourcing vendors for new merchandise. The Associate Buyer analyzes and reports on sales, margin, inventory levels, and visitor response to categories and vendors. The Associate Buyer replenishes and forecasts seasonal exhibition-related merchandise; tracks payback periods on inventory, and plans exit strategies for outdated merchandise. Additionally, they participate in the merchandising and marketing strategies, providing product and copy content for marketing materials.