Experience Needed to Become a Retail Buyer

You don’t necessarily need a formal post-secondary education to become a retail buyer; you can start at the bottom and work you way up. Many retail buyers have begun their careers by working as a sales associate in a retail location, and progressing into positions more directly related to retail buyer.

 

For example, you could begin by working as a sales associate, and then moving into a position as an assistant buyer, then onto junior or trainee buyer, and finally onto buyer.

 

Success Tip: If you don’t have formal education related to retail buying and you plan on working your way into the career, make sure you get a job with a company that offers room for growth and has an interest in training and developing employees internally. 

 

 

How to Get Retail Buyer Career Experience as a Student 

Arranging an internship opportunity with a retailer while you’re still a student is a great way to get a head start on your career, as this will help you gain valuable industry experience and make important contacts. Speak with your instructors and your school’s career services office, as they may be able to help you identify and apply for such opportunities.

 

You can also try registering for retail buying training sessions offered by many major retailers. Companies like JC Penney and Walmart, for instance, offer training such sessions. Once you have completed your training, you may be able to apply with the retailer directly for a position as a retail buyer with the retailer who offered the training or one of their competitors.

 

 

Skills Needed to Become a Retail Buyer

In order to become effective in a career as a retail buyer, and perform your job duties with competence, you need to posses a certain set of skills, including:

 

• A good understanding of retail math

• Able to gain a clear understanding of your organization’s customers

• Able to accurately determine the likely demand for products

• Able to forecast market trends, as well as react to market trends

• Able to look ahead to future buys while keeping an eye on current business

• Able to build good working relationships with suppliers

• Proficient in the use of common word processing, spreadsheet and database programs

• Able to choose merchandise that will meet customer needs while also maximizing profits

• Ability to negotiate for the best prices

 

 

Characteristics of Successful Retail Buyers

In order to enjoy performing the duties of a retail buyer, you need to have certain personality traits. Taking enjoyment from your job duties is important, as it helps you maintain a positive attitude towards your work, which can lead to having a long and successful career.

 

• An interest in the type of products you will be sourcing and purchasing

• Self-motivated, enthusiastic, decisive and dedicated

• Able to take harsh criticism from managers and colleagues

• An interest in work that allows you to make decisions 

• The ability to work under pressure

• Enjoy meeting different people and negotiating with suppliers

• An interest in work that offers variety, ranging from attending trade shows to writing reports

• An interest in work that allows you to be both creative and analytical

• An interest in experiencing the satisfaction that comes with seeing a product become a bestseller after months of hard work

 

 

Retail Buyer Career: Work Environment

Working Hours: Most jobs for retail buyers tend to be full-time. They typically work standard weekday working hours, although they must occasionally work long hours, weekends, and overtime during high-demand seasons.

 

Work Setting: Retail buyers often spend a good amount of their time working in an office environment, as they are typically based out of an office. In addition to spending time in the office, they may travel frequently (domestically and abroad) in order to meet and negotiate with suppliers, attend trade fairs, and visit retail locations.

 

 

Career Advancement for Retail Buyers

Experienced retail buyers that demonstrate aptitude and initiative have a multitude of career advancement possibilities open to them.

 

Retail buyers that work for larger companies may be promoted to positions such as senior buyer, buying controller or head of buying. In some cases however, it may be necessary for retail buyers to move companies or relocate in order to progress in their careers.

 

Because of the varied skill set retail buyers develop they may also move into other areas within their organization or a competitive organization, such as management, marketing or merchandising.