Fashion buying is a great role to consider if you’re interested in fashion but not too keen on the technical side of things. You might be wondering what exactly a fashion buyer does; read our factsheet to find out role responsibilities, salary expectations and more.
The role
A fashion buyer is someone who plans and selects garments and clothing ranges to sell in clothing stores and online. Before making their decisions, a buyer must consider factors such as customer demand, price points and market trends. As well as selecting new ranges, a fashion buyer must also review current stock at regular intervals, and decide whether to replenish.
Day to day, a fashion buyer will carry out a range of different activities. Analysing consumer buying patterns and predicting future trends are two really important responsibilities for any fashion buyer. Other activities will include managing stock level plans, meeting suppliers for contract negotiation, attending trade fairs and helping out with promotional activities. Of course, the time of year will greatly affect the tasks a fashion buyer must prioritise.
Fashion buyers will usually be based in the head office of whichever company they are employed by. Typical employers include department stores, high street chains andonline retailers.
Skills and qualifications
The easiest way to secure a role in fashion buying is to study a relevant degree programme. As fashion requires specific knowledge, opting for a course directly related to fashion is the best solution. You might want to consider some one of the following:
- fashion design
- fashion business
- fashion retail
If you’re looking to enter a graduate scheme – which are popular within buying – you should work to obtain a minimum of 2:2 in your degree.
If you have relevant hands-on experience, employers are likely to consider your application with a lower level of education, for example, a HND or a foundation degree.
As with any role in fashion, competition is fierce. As well as working to maintain an up-to-date knowledge of fashion trends, you should havethe following to increase your chances of securing a job:
- negotiation skills
- numeracy skills
- creative flair
- communication skills
- commercial awareness
- organisation and planning
- ability to cope under pressure
Salary
According to information from paysale.com, the average annual income for a retail buyer just under £35,000, with the potential to reach beyond £48,000. (Please note that this information is not specific to the fashion industry.)
Career development and prospects
The fashion industry is particularly good at offering training programmes which lead to direct entry into a professional fashion buying role. These are often aimed at graduates, and typically take up to two years to complete.
Large retailers sometimes offer generic training schemes with the option to specialise in buying once you have completed the first stage of training. Some companies might even fund their trainees’ postgraduate or professional qualifications, such as a Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS) qualification, or an MBA.
For someone lacking in qualifications, the entry level role in the industry is buyer’s assistant; after two or three years, a buyer’s assistant can expect to progress to a junior buyer position if they have proved themselves capable. After a further two or three years, a junior buyer may be promoted to a senior buyer.
FAQs
A fashion buyer is someone who plans and selects garments and clothing ranges to sell in clothing stores and online. Before making their decisions, a buyer must consider factors such as customer demand, price points and market trends.
What does a fashion buyer do? ›
Fashion buyers are responsible for choosing what is sold in stores, aiming to generate the largest possible profits. A fashion buyer's role is to analyse customer buying patterns and predict future trends. When planning new ranges, buyers have to consider customer demand, price levels and the general market.
What is the primary responsibility of the fashion buyer? ›
Fashion buyers typically work with the merchandising team, fashion designers, and department managers to decide on the right pieces which they will sell. They need to visualize the budget and the profits that the company would make, as well as how much they need to spend and they need to gain.
Which of the following is a role of the fashion buyer? ›
Fashion buyers choose apparel and accessories to be sold in retail stores. A buyer may own their own store or boutique, or work on behalf of a fashion store or department store. They meet with various vendors and designers to look at clothing, shoes, and accessories to decide if they are the right fit for the store.
What does a buyer do? ›
What is a Buyer? Buyers are responsible for purchasing goods for a company to use or sell in their own business. This position requires extensive research and the ability to negotiate contracts with suppliers, manage an inventory, evaluate quality goods, and stick within a budget.
What skills do you need to be a fashion buyer? ›
Skills of fashion buyers
Fashion buyers use numbers, statistics and spreadsheets to analyse consumer patterns and forecast trends. Accuracy and numerical skills are also important for tracking inventory and monitoring budgets to ensure they buy items at the right time and within any budgetary restrictions.
What does a buyer do during fashion Week? ›
Fashion buyers attend fashion shows to understand the trends of the coming seasons. They notice every single detail including how fashion icons and customers respond to the new collections. Each city is a source of inspiration for future trends and helps buyers make their buying decisions.
What are the core responsibilities of a buyer? ›
You'll be in charge of making key decisions throughout the buying process including:
- Selecting new products and reviewing the old.
- Finding the right suppliers.
- Negotiating prices (so the store doesn't get ripped off)
- Ensuring the products are delivered on time.
- Helping to interpret reports and predicting future sales.
The Top 25 influential and inspiring Fashion Buyers
- Fatema Kundawala. Fashion Buyer. ...
- Nafeesa Dawood. Fashion Buyer, N/a. ...
- Leander Rebello. Fashion Buyer, Absolute Snow. ...
- Daylen Tisher. Fashion Buyer, Sister Kate's.
- Nicole Ann Reynolds. Fashion Buyer, River Island. ...
- Okan Varlak. ...
- Irina Chumarova. ...
- Jenni Van der Watt.
A retail buyer is responsible for planning, selecting and purchasing quantities of goods and merchandise that are sold in retail stores. They source new and review existing goods to ensure their products remain competitive.
Being a Fashion Buyer is an exciting, but challenging job that requires you to be organized, have an eye for details, have great communication skills and problem solving skills.
What is the job outlook for a fashion buyer? ›
What Is a Fashion Retail Buyer?
| Education Required | High school diploma, associate's degree recommended |
|---|
| Job Growth (2020-2030) | -4% decline (for purchasing managers, buyers, and purchasing agents)* |
| Average Salary (2020) | $72,370 (for buyers and purchasing agents)* |
2 more rowsThey work to stay up-to-date with trends, forecasts and needs and desires of customers. Fashion buyers collaborate with other creative professionals to ensure that brand goals are achieved and budgets are honored. They negotiate deals with manufacturers and make sure merchandise arrives on time and accurately.
What are the qualities of a buyer? ›
Demonstrating a customer-centric approach is crucial for a buyer, understanding and striving to satisfy customer needs to the best of their ability. A buyer must show empathy and make decisions that align with customer preferences, even if they may differ from their own.
What is a retail buyer in fashion? ›
A retail buyer in the field of fashion is someone who makes purchasing decisions for a clothing retailer. It's a role that requires business savviness, an analytical mind, and a keen eye for style, among other things. Retail buyers will pick pieces based on current trends, past sales history, and upcoming trends.
What is a buyer job description on a resume? ›
A buyer's main responsibility is to evaluate and purchase supplies, products, and services to be used or sold by an organization to their customers. The job requires in-depth market research, selecting vendors, performing quality tests of these products and services, price negotiations and inventory management.
What education is needed to be a fashion buyer? ›
What Is a Fashion Retail Buyer?
| Education Required | High school diploma, associate's degree recommended |
|---|
| Key Responsibilities | Buy clothes and accessories from manufacturers and wholesalers, study fashion trends and predict what buyers will purchase, keep current with prices and market research |
3 more rowsFashion buyers need at least a high school diploma. However, most jobs require a community college diploma in merchandising, retail or fashion merchandising. Often, fashion buyers also have a university degree in arts, marketing or business management.
What does a buyer do day to day? ›
Analyze past buying trends, sales records, price, and quality of merchandise to determine value and yield. Select, order, and authorize payment for merchandise according to contractual agreements. May conduct meetings with sales personnel and introduce new products. May negotiate contracts.
