Fashion Buyer Careers Information
Fashion buying is an exciting career that involves purchasing merchandise for clothing stores. Fashion buyer careers can take place in large department stores, small boutiques, wholesale trade and manufacturing companies.
Also known as merchandise managers, buyers are responsible for purchasing the right products for the upcoming season, in addition to managing inventory, checking competitor’s sales, and maintaining business relations with vendors.
Fashion Buyer Careers & Degrees
- Jones International University: Online
Colorado Technical University - Undergraduate: Undergraduate - Online
- B.S. in Accounting
- B.S. in Business Administration - Finance
- B.S. in Business Administration - Human Resource Management
- B.S. in Business Administration - International Business
International Academy of Design and Technology: Online
In a large facility, buyers may specialize in one or two lines of merchandise, whereas buyers in smaller stores would be responsible for buying the entire stores inventory.
Fashion Buyer Careers Path
Most fashion buyers begin their careers as fashion sales associates, and work their way up to becoming a part of the purchasing team. Many employers prefer to hire applicants who have work experience in a particular area of merchandise, such as shoes or accessories.
Educational requirements vary based on the size of the organization, but many larger stores prefer applicants with at least a bachelor’s degree with an emphasis in business.
Continuing education is essential for those wishing to advance their careers to become buyers, purchasing agents, and managers. Certification for these positions has been increasing in popularity, and may be important for those just entering the field.
Fashion Buyer Careers Compatible Personality Traits
Organized and analytical, with excellent communication skills and potential for leadership. Great management skills and planning ability
Fashion Buyer Careers Salary Expectations
In May 2009, there were 116,900 wholesale and retail buyers employed in the US, and their average annual salaries ranged from $36,800 to $65,870. 65,080 purchasing managers were employed, and their average salaries ranged from $69,100 to $118,740.
Fashion Buyer Careers Job Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of purchasing managers, buyers, and agents is expected to increase 7 percent over the 2008-2018 decade, which is about as fast as average of all occupations. There will be little to no change in employment of buyers of wholesale and retail, with the exception of farm products.
Additionally, larger retail stores will be centralizing buying departments at their headquarters, eliminating the need for buyers at a local level. Those with bachelor’s degrees in business, economics, or engineering will have the most opportunities, as well as those with industry experience.
Slightly Off the Footpath
Source: bls.gov
