Retail buyer
A retail buyer is responsible for planning and selecting a range of products to sell in retail outlets. The buyer must consider the following factors when making purchasing decisions:
Buyers source new merchandise and review existing ones to ensure products remain competitive. By fully understanding customer needs, they are able to maximise profits and provide a commercially viable range of merchandise at competitive prices. Keeping up to date with market trends and reacting to changes in demand are key elements of the role.
Retail buyers have a considerable amount of responsibility and autonomy in what is often a pressured environment.
Typical work activities can vary according to the season. This is particularly true for those working in fashion. For example, out of season, the majority of time will be spent in the workplace (in the office and on the shop floor), and during the buying season, a significant amount of time will be spent away from the workplace in order to assemble a new collection of merchandise.
Throughout the year, tasks typically involve:
Although this area of work is open to all graduates, a degree in retail or business can equip you with a greater commercial awareness and therefore increase your chances. Entry on to graduate programmes is open to graduates who have secured a 2:2 or above.
In certain buying areas, e.g. fashion, employers may look for a relevant degree subject or a demonstrable interest and commitment to this particular area of retailing.
Relevant HNDs/foundation degrees may be accepted by some employers, particularly if a candidate has practical experience to offer.
It is sometimes possible to work your way up to a buying position without higher education qualifications. The level of competition is fierce, however, and there are few vacancies that offer direct entry into buying.
Previous retail work experience is important. This could be a part-time job on a shop floor, a role within the head office, even time spent work shadowing - gain as much experience as you can.
Candidates will need to show evidence of the following:
Ensure that you do your research when applying for jobs. You should find out as much as you can about the company and the products they sell as part of your preparation for interview/selection stages. Reading trade journals, such as Retail Week , The Appointment , Drapers (fashion industry news) and The Grocer (food and drink retailing), will help to keep you informed of any news and emerging trends in retail shopping.
There are a small number of training schemes that provide a direct entry route into buying. Mainly targeted at graduates, these tend to be concentrated within fashion retail. The majority of large retailers offer training schemes in general store management with the option of specialising in buying after completing the general programme. This way, trainees are given the opportunity to gain skills and experience in all aspects of retail before specialising.
Due to the high level of competition, it is not usual to get a first job in retail as a buyer. If you are unsuccessful in gaining entry on to a training scheme, it is possible to work elsewhere in retail, such as on the shop floor, and then gain an internal promotion to retail buying.
For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.
Training is done mostly on the job and is of a practical nature. Many new buyers learn by working closely with more experienced members of staff, either accompanying them to trade shows and site visits or as they search for new products and contracts.
Most of the larger employers will offer a structured continuing professional development (CPD) scheme, supplemented by a wide range of in-house training, to help develop any specific skills that might be needed.
Some companies offer the opportunity to undertake professional and postgraduate qualifications, such as an MBA, or qualifications with the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS) . This is not a mandatory requirement to further career progression and many buyers may find it difficult to fit in the time for such courses. Distance learning options are also available, e.g. the Introduction to Buying course run by the British Shops and Stores Association (BSSA) .
Smaller independent organisations tend to offer a different training experience. They have fewer staff so, from the outset, a trainee manager may be directly involved in buying as well as in other areas of management, such as marketing, pricing and merchandising.
The training offered in this setting is likely to be practical, fast paced and intense. This type of multifaceted role may suit some graduates better than working for a larger, more structured organisation in a fixed buying role.
Progression is usually from a graduate trainee position, which may last up to 18 months, into any available buying positions.
Generally, you would start as a buyer's assistant. Progression is to junior/trainee buyer, followed by assistant buyer and then through to senior buyer. For those looking for management responsibility, further career progression would be to buying controller. Each progression brings greater responsibility, with bigger buying ranges and larger budgets. Lateral promotion is a consideration for those who do not want greater responsibility but want to maintain variety in their work, with the opportunity to move into different buying areas.
Career moves into senior store management, product management, marketing or merchandising are possible. Those seeking a senior management position will find this easier within larger retail organisations.
Geographical mobility can be an issue (to move from head office to a store). Depending on your career development and aspirations, it can take around six years to reach senior management level.
Another option is to set up a business and open your own retail outlet.
All retailers and manufacturers employ people that are responsible for buying. Typical employers include:
Buyers are predominantly based at company head offices, many of which are in London and the South East, although a handful of the large national retailers are based elsewhere in the UK. Smaller regional retailers may also have buying positions.
Skills are transferable across different sectors because most organisations have a common need to buy goods, services or materials.
There are also recruitment agencies that specialise in finding vacancies within the retail buying sector. Search the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) consultancy finder for a list of member agencies.
Get tips on job hunting, CVs and covering letters and interviews.
Tweet