How to Become a Retail Buyer for a Grocery Chain

Retail buyers help bring grocery items to the public.

Retail buyers obtain merchandise for sale in quantity at a series of stores or for use in manufacturing. Grocery chains often hire buyers to deal directly with merchants for bulk orders, product selection and inventory quality control. These buyers work with manufacturers and distributors to bring their goods to the public. Retail buyers for grocery chains must stay abreast of the constantly changing industry and have an eye for detail. Successful buyers may demand high salaries and valuable benefits from the stores they serve.

Instructions

1. Apply for a position with the grocery chain in the field of inventory control or management. These positions allow a trainee to learn the ropes of the company. Grocery retail buyers must fully understand the network of vendors and products that supply the company.

2. Develop inside knowledge of product sales and cash flow. Use your new position to understand how inventory control helps a grocery chain and note where problems in procedure may lie.

3. Address potential vendor conflicts, lagging sales or other concerns with the current retail buyer or your immediate supervisor. Prepare beforehand with key data, including charts of sales or proof of conflicts, to support any claims made.

4. Speak with the current buyer, whether they hold that position or another and perform both jobs, about learning the trade. Apprenticeship with an existing retail buyer helps you to learn the needs of the grocery chain and understand how to fulfill needs specific to the industry. It also prevents potential conflict with those already holding the position.

5. Ask for promotion to retail buyer when the position opens. A manager or owner handling procurement for a grocery chain may willingly grant you the title after you demonstrate skills in the position. Consider an assistant position to the buyer if the position remains filled.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider a degree in a business-related field. Many major companies with large numbers of stores give preference to candidates with this qualification.

References

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Purchasing Managers, Buyers and Purchasing Agents
• California Labor Market Information: Buyers (Retail Trade)
• St. Petersburg College: Retail Buyers