Retail buyer

A retail buyer is responsible for planning, selecting and purchasing quantities of goods and merchandise that are sold in retail stores. Most buyers specialise in one product type, for example clothes, fashion accessories, food and drink, or books.
Typical duties for a retail buyer include:
analysing trends and consumer buying patterns
attending fashion shows and trade fairs to search out new products and suppliers
choosing product ranges, placing supplier orders and negotiating contracts
evaluating product quality and gathering customer feedback
writing management reports and presenting collections to senior retail managers.
Retail buyers usually work Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. However, it may be necessary to work additional hours to meet order deadlines. Retail buyers may spend time away from the office visiting trade fairs and shows, and sourcing and visiting new suppliers. Fashion buyers are particularly likely to travel overseas.
Salaries may range from around £12,000 to £50,000 or more a year.
Retail buyers need:
excellent commercial awareness
an understanding of what motivates customers to buy individual products
good analytical skills
creativity and the ability to recognise future trends
an interest in retail and their chosen product sector.
Around 12,000 people are employed specifically as retail buyers in the UK. Opportunities are available with High Street retailers, supermarkets, retail chains and independent retailers, department, discount and home improvement stores, mail order companies, internet retailers and television shopping channels.
High competition for jobs means that many entrants have a degree or a BTEC higher national certificate/diploma (HNC/HND). Relevant subjects include business studies, and retail and distribution. Employers of retail fashion buyers typically ask for fashion qualifications. It may be possible to enter the industry via an Apprenticeship in Retail, and undertake a buying or merchandising placement.
Many organisations run general store management training schemes for new entrants. This may involve working in different departments, including buying, to gain a solid business understanding. A few fashion retailers offer training schemes specifically for buyers. Retail buyers may be encouraged to study for professional qualifications.
In large companies, promotion may be possible to senior buyer, trading manager or buying controller. In some cases, it may be necessary to relocate or move companies in order to progress. With experience, buyers may be able to reach manager or director level in product management, marketing or merchandising.