COMPANY: Echo Design, Inc.
Echo Design, a fourth-generation American company, is a New York City based industry leader in the design, marketing, and distribution of fashion and home accessories in North America and globally. The company was founded in 1923, on the wedding day of its founders. What began with just a scarf has grown to include multiple brands in multiple categories. Building upon core strengths in print, pattern and color, Echo continues to evolve, always focused on respect for the consumer, each other, and on our global trading and manufacturing partners. After a century, Echo remains a dynamic and innovative company.
TITLE: Assistant - Branded Sales
REPORTS TO: Managing Director of Branded Sales and Account Executives
POSITION OVERVIEW:
The Assistant – Branded Sales will support the Branded Sales team in managing department stores, corporate gifting accounts, and large specialty retailers across the Ralph Lauren licensed brands (Polo Women's, Polo Men's, RLX, Lauren) and Echo. Working closely with the Managing Director of Branded Sales and Account Executives, this role provides hands-on experience across sales planning, account management, retail analysis, showroom coordination, and customer support. Success in this role is measured by your ability to support account growth, analyze retail business performance, build strong customer relationships, and develop the skills needed to manage your own accounts in the future.
PRINCIPAL RELATIONSHIPS:
This role works closely with Sales, Planning, Product Development, Marketing, Customer Service, Design, and Operations to support key wholesale accounts and business growth. The ideal candidate is analytical, organized, customer-focused, and eager to build a long-term career in wholesale sales and account management. This position offers a clear developmental path toward becoming an Account Executive.
TRAVEL: Approximately 10–20% travel is required throughout the year and may include domestic trade shows, customer meetings, showroom appointments, and seasonal market visits.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
In office attendance is expected 3-4 times per week, as needed.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
This role plays an important part in supporting Echo's branded wholesale business by delivering exceptional account support, analyzing business performance, and helping grow long-term customer relationships.
ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT & SALES SUPPORT
- Support the Managing Director and Account Executives in managing department store, specialty retail, and corporate gifting accounts.
- Develop product knowledge across all brands and categories.
- Serve as a liaison between Sales, Planning, Product Development, Marketing, Customer Service, Design, and Operations.
- Assist with order entry, purchase order management, shipment tracking, account follow-up, and Salesforce updates.
- Create customer presentations, line sheets, assortment recommendations, sales recaps, and marketing materials.
- Build strong customer relationships by providing responsive communication and exceptional service.
SALES ANALYSIS & REPORTING
- Analyze retail sales, inventory, sell-through performance, OTB, and seasonal business trends.
- Prepare reports, presentations, and business reviews to support customer meetings and sales planning.
- Monitor account performance and proactively identify opportunities, risks, and recommendations for the sales team.
- Support seasonal assortment planning, classification reviews, and customer business planning initiatives.
SHOWROOM & MARKET SUPPORT
- Coordinate showroom preparation, sample management, customer appointments, and seasonal market logistics.
- Participate in customer meetings, trade shows, and sales presentations.
- Coordinate travel arrangements and meeting schedules for the Branded Sales team.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Fashion Merchandising, Retail Management, Communications, or a related field preferred. Equivalent professional experience will also be considered.
- 1–3 years of experience in wholesale sales, merchandising, retail planning, account management, or a related field.
- Experience supporting department stores, specialty retailers, or wholesale accounts is preferred.
- Passion for fashion, retail, merchandising, consumer insights, and business analytics.
SKILLS & COMPETENCIES
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret retail sales, inventory, sell-through, and business trends.
- Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Strong communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
- Self-starter with strong business acumen and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
- Collaborative team player who works effectively across departments.
- Passion for fashion, print, pattern, color, and design.
TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, reporting, and data analysis.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Teams.
- Experience with Salesforce or similar CRM platforms.
- Experience with NuOrder, PLM, ERP systems, retail reporting tools, or Power BI is a plus.
SHORT-TERM (6-12 MONTH) GOALS:
- Develop strong product knowledge across Echo and Ralph Lauren licensed brands.
- Build relationships with key department store, specialty retail, and corporate gifting accounts while supporting day-to-day sales activities.
- Become proficient in retail reporting, sales analysis, Salesforce, and internal sales processes.
- Participate in customer meetings, showroom appointments, trade shows, and seasonal market activities.
- Demonstrate readiness to assume increased account ownership and progress toward an Account Executive role.
WHY THIS ROLE
At Echo, we believe great business is built through inspired design, caring service, and strong relationships. You'll join a collaborative team that values curiosity, initiative, and continuous learning while gaining hands-on experience across every aspect of branded wholesale sales. Working alongside experienced sales leaders, you'll support nationally recognized retail partners while gaining exposure to sales strategy, business planning, customer presentations, and retail analytics—all while developing the skills needed for a long-term career in wholesale sales.
