Ever thought about how fashion products reach the shelves of a retail store, how brands know what their customers love, or how a store manages to offer a wide range of designer clothing and re-stock the merchandise well in time? Well, behind all this, there is a fashion buyer who works so hard to ensure everything is in place, customers are satisfied, and business goals are achieved. And there is a lot more to it.
Want to know more about the role of a fashion buyer?
1. Skill Set
Every job requires some skills. No matter what an individual's educational background is and how much work-experience he has, it is these key skills that can help a person become a fashion retail buyer.
Analytical Skills
Creativity
Decision-making skills
Negotiating skills
Good research skills
Leadership Skills
Besides these, one must have an entrepreneurial spirit, eye for detail, ability to understand customers' needs, be open to work in a pressurized and fast-paced environment, and must be good with numbers.
2. Responsibilities
The profile of a fashion buyer is majorly about planning merchandise for a particular season and selecting a range of products that will sell in a retail store. This takes into account various factors like market trends, customer demands, product pricing, quality, and availability, and store's financial budget. Tasks may vary from season to season but typically, these are the responsibilities expected from a fashion buyer throughout the year:
Analyzing consumer's buying behavior
Forecasting future trends
Preparing trend reports
Planning new range of products and presenting it to the seniors
Evaluating performance indicators like sales, discounts, etc. on a regular basis
Creating plans for maintaining stock levels
Liaising with store personnel to make sure supply meets demand
Meeting suppliers and negotiating on price points
Forming healthy relationships with suppliers and wholesalers and pitching new sources for future merchandise
Finding global sourcing companies when required and coordinating with them throughout the sourcing process
Taking decisions based on demand and logistics
Taking part in promotional activities
Getting feedback from clients
Training and mentoring junior buyers and other staff
Participating in trade fairs and events to gather new range of products
Coordinating with other stakeholders to ensure projects are completed on time
3. Employment Opportunities
Both retailers and manufactures employ professionals who are responsible for buying. They include:
High-street department stores
Book shops, gift shops, and craft shops
Home improvement stores
Online retailers
Outlets specializing in products like clothing, shoes, accessories, furnishings, and other goods
Television shopping channels
Fashion buyer is a vital position in the fashion industry but every buyer isn't successful. It takes a lot of passion and hard work to excel in the field and contribute to the success of a brand. If the products sell, the brand will grow and if they don't, it is the buyer who is held accountable for it.
Takeaways
Following this 3-step easy guide will ensure a smooth production process with no chances of rejection. Another option is to look for buying agency in India that cut down on your workload of checking each and every garment at all stages, reducing the risk of quality concerns and delivering the best.