« Back | Home » Manufacturing & Retail » Wholesale & Retail » Retail & Services » Retail buyer
Retail buyer
Retail buying is an exciting and responsible job - but it can also be very pressurized! Buyers are responsible for buying the merchandise that is sold to consumers at a wholesale or retail level. An important part of the job is analyzing past buying trends, sales records, price, and quality of merchandise to determine value and yield. Buyers also negotiate prices, discount terms and transportation arrangements for merchandise.
They analyze and monitor sales records, trends and economic conditions to anticipate consumer buying patterns and decide what the company will sell and how much stock is needed.
Keeping up to date with market trends and reacting to changes in customer demands is an important part of the job. A buyer plans and selects the range, type and quantity of products according to: customer demand (e.g., price, quality and availability; trends; store policy; budget). Buyers need to constantly review existing merchandise and source new products to ensure that they meet customer needs - while staying competitive!
Other duties include ordering and authorizing payment for merchandise according to contractual agreements.
A retail buyer has meetings with sales staff to introduce new products and to get information about customer needs and preferences. It is important that a buyer is able to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. By fully understanding customer needs, they are able provide a profitable range of merchandise at competitive prices.
Work values: You might enjoy a career as a retail buyer if you:
- are creative, responsible and enjoy making your own decisions
- are results-orientated
- enjoy working with co-workers in a non-competitive way
Useful Information
|
Career Snapshot Retail buyer |
In Demand
|
|
Qualification Required |
Work Outdoors |
|
Maths Required |
|
Science Required |
|
This is a general guide - it is important to check admission requirements with the various training institutions first because entry requirements may vary.
|
