Fashion Buyer

Job overview
Fashion buyers in the retail clothing trade are responsible for selecting merchandise and negotiating contracts with suppliers.

What do people do in this job?
Fashion buyers play an important role in the success of a retail company.

They are, responsible for interpreting the trends of seasonal fashion by constantly being in contact with the market.

The selection of styles is done according to planned assortment requirements and unit, size, breakdown, quality and finish requirements.

Buyers must understand the market and contribute to the overall buying strategy in financial, styling and distribution terms.

Fashion buyers assist in the formulation of budgets and contribute to merchandise distribution plans.

Negotiating with suppliers and creating strong supplier relationships, are also important.

What kinds of people are suitable for this career?
Fashion buyers must be imaginative, creative, perceptive and objective.

They need to be self-assured, persuasive and prepared to take risks.

They also have to negotiate and make sound decisions.

What qualifications are needed?
There are no specific qualifications, although some buyers may have taken evening classes in dressmaking, fashion etc.