Fashion Buyer

Working Schedule

• Fashion Buyers typically work full time, and may have irregular hours during fashion weeks, trade shows, or buying seasons. Frequent travel may be necessary.

Typical Duties

• Research brands and designers by: going to fashion shows, trade fairs, and showrooms; reviewing catalogs and websites; and using fashion trend forecasting services
• Analyze market trends and consumer behavior to predict future demand
• Select garments and accessories based on trend predictions, profitability potential, and employer brand suitability
• Work with the employer’s merchandising team to budget for new collections
• Collaborate with sales teams to determine which items to promote or discount
• Develop range plans covering the quantities of items to be bought, illustrations of each item, sizes, costs, selling prices, fabrics, colors, and other details
• Negotiate with suppliers on prices, quantities, and delivery timelines
• Review competitor pricing; calculate profit margins and set pricing
• Maintain good relationships with global suppliers. Scout for new supplies to ensure variety and fairness
• Ensure products are shipped and delivered promptly
• Verify that products meet quality standards
• Stay informed about sustainable and ethical fashion practices
• Monitor product sales performance and adjust future purchases as needed

Additional Responsibilities

• Take professional development courses to keep up with fashion trends, retail strategies, and technological advancements
• Attend strategy meetings and make presentations
• Train and mentor new fashion-buying staff

Soft Skills

• Adaptability
• Analytical
• Attention to detail
• Collaborative
• Creativity
• Cultural awareness
• Customer service
• Decisive
• Flexibility
• Independent
• Innovative
• Interpersonal and communication skills
• Negotiation
• Problem-solving ability
• Strategic
• Time management
• Trend-savvy

Technical Skills

• Creative vision to conceptualize product ranges
• Ethical sourcing
• Math and financial acumen related to finance, economics, budgeting, and managing profit margins
• Knowledge of logistics and supply chain
• Market research and data analysis to inform buying decisions
• Negotiation skills to secure favorable terms with suppliers
• Organization, including keeping records and managing multiple timelines
• Proficiency in using retail software and forecasting tools
• Strategic planning for product selection and inventory
• Trend forecasting to find apparel that aligns with the employer’s brand identity
• Visual Merchandising

• Fashion retailers and department stores
• Online fashion marketplaces
• Luxury brand boutiques
• Wholesale fashion distributors

To be a successful Fashion Buyer requires a mix of analytical skills and a passion for fashion! Their ability to identify and procure the most suitable merchandise has a deep impact on their employer’s brand reputation and profitability.

Finding quality products that customers want and can afford is crucial. But it’s also important to ensure that the products can be made and delivered on time and sold at a sufficient markup to cover costs and provide a profit. Travel can be a big part of the job, but that’s what it takes to get out there and find the right merchandise that will appeal to consumers!

Overall, the fashion industry is facing some challenges due to economic slowdowns. While many luxury brands continue to rake in profits, other companies are struggling to navigate through the turmoil.

Outside of the US, the industry may slow down even more. Brands will have to stay vigilant when it comes to their spending and may need to try new approaches to target different markets. A key trend has been the consumer shift to authenticity, sustainability, and ethical business practices. Tied to this is the trend of customers engaging more with the brands they choose to do business with. 

Individuals drawn to this career often had a passion for fashion, retail, and trends from a young age. They might have enjoyed thumbing through fashion magazines, following social media influencers, or experimenting with their own unique styles!