Fashion Buyer Information
If you are you born to shop, on top of the latest fashion trends and are always the most stylish and best dressed, then maybe it's time you thought about putting that sense of style to better use. Consider becoming a part of the exciting fashion industry. Becoming a fashion buyer is a great career path for the fashion forward and retail savvy.
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Job Description
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A fashion buyer purchases the clothes to sell in a retail clothing company. Your goal is to build a department or store that provides its consumers with the best products in its particular category. In addition to ordering the merchandise you will also be responsible for analyzing complex sales reports to help predict the future of your market. The buyer is also the liaison between the suppliers and store management. You should work to create a good relationship with suppliers and designers and be able to negotiate prices. It is also important to be sure that your orders are being fulfilled and delivered properly.
Attributes
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A career as a fashion buyer requires that you not only have an interest in a fashion and a sense of style but that you are well versed in several different aspects of the industry. Your job will require you to understand the past, present and future of fashion and how it relates to the current market you are trying to sell. You aren't just ordering pretty clothes, you are the voice of style for the store you're working for. You have to understand what sells to your clients and have strong analytical skills to determine how to keep them shopping in your store.
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Education
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A fashion buyer must have a well-rounded education; it requires you to learn sales, analytical and creative skills. There are some design schools that offer degrees specifically in fashion merchandising. However, an associates or bachelors degree in business and marketing would also be a good path to take.
Getting Work
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The easiest way to get work as a fashion buyer is to start by working in retail. Potential employers like to see that you have experience on the sales floor and it will give you a better understanding of your clients. Another great way to start is by finding stores that have an executive training program, you can get hands on training and advance more quickly. There are also opportunities starting out as assistant buyers in several of the retail chains. Even though there are several different paths that could lead to the same result, all require you to be very determined and diligent in your work.
Expert Insight
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The learning never stops in this career. The fashion industry is an ever-changing market and to stay up on the current trends you have to constantly be in the loop. In addition to your everyday responsibilities you should also attend fashion shows, industry conventions and read all the major fashion publications to stay informed.
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