Retail Buyer

Industry:
Retail
Last Updated:
June 29, 2023

Job Description Overview

Retail Buyer job description: A Retail Buyer plays a vital role in the retail industry by selecting and purchasing the right products for their company or store. They work closely with suppliers, keep an eye on market trends and consumer behavior, and negotiate prices to ensure profitability.

As a Retail Buyer, you’ll spend your day researching new products that fit the needs of your customers while staying within budget. You’ll regularly work with vendors to determine the price and availability of certain products, and you’ll negotiate terms that will benefit both parties. You’ll also analyze sales data to identify successful products to continue offering while discontinuing products that aren’t selling.

To land a job as a Retail Buyer, you’ll want to have a strong understanding of your market and your customer base. You’ll be expected to have excellent communication and negotiation skills, as well as an eye for detail and the ability to multitask effectively. A degree in business or marketing is preferred, but not required for this role. Retail Buyers are an essential part of the retail industry’s success, and this position offers a rewarding career path for someone who loves working with people and staying on top of the latest trends.

Struggling with Product Marketing?👇

PMMTeam is a world-class Product Marketing Agency with a unique "as a service" subscription model.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

  • Analyze data to determine customer demand and market trends
  • Develop purchasing strategies to meet sales targets and inventory needs
  • Negotiate with suppliers to secure competitive pricing and favorable terms
  • Collaborate with sales, marketing and merchandising teams to plan product assortments
  • Review and approve purchase orders, ensuring accuracy and timely delivery
  • Monitor inventory levels and product performance, making adjustments as needed
  • Attend trade shows and industry events to stay up-to-date on trends and products
  • Maintain relationships with suppliers and vendors, resolving any issues that arise
  • Conduct financial analysis to assess profitability and potential risks
  • Implement cost-saving measures without sacrificing product quality or selection.

Experience and Education Requirements

To become a Retail Buyer in the retail industry, you usually need a combination of education and experience. A bachelor's degree in business or a related field can help you develop the knowledge and skills needed for the job. You may also need experience in retail, merchandising, or purchasing, depending on the employer. Some employers may prefer to hire candidates with industry-specific certifications or an advanced degree. Retail Buyers are responsible for selecting and purchasing products that will sell well in their stores or online, so they need to have a good understanding of customer preferences, market trends, and pricing strategies. Being organized and analytical, as well as having great communication and negotiation skills, can also benefit the job.

Salary Range

Are you curious about the salary range for a Retail Buyer in the United States? Well, according to Glassdoor, the average annual salary for a Retail Buyer in the US is around $63,000. Of course, this number can vary depending on location, level of experience, and the specific company or industry. 

For example, a Retail Buyer in New York City could expect to earn around $72,000 per year, while a Retail Buyer in a smaller city like Nashville may earn closer to $57,000.

In the UK, a Retail Buyer can expect to earn an average salary of around £27,000 per year according to Totaljobs.co.uk. In Australia, Seek.com.au reports an average salary range of AUD $60,000-$90,000 per year.

Sources: 

  • Glassdoor: https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/retail-buyer-salary-SRCH_KO0,12.htm
  • Totaljobs.co.uk: https://www.totaljobs.com/job-buyer/salary
  • Seek.com.au: https://www.seek.com.au/career-advice/role/retail-buyer

Career Outlook

If you're considering a career as a retail buyer, then the job outlook is quite promising! The retail industry is growing, and experts predict that it will continue to do so over the next five years. Retail buyers are responsible for purchasing goods and merchandise for their respective stores, and this is a crucial element of the industry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job growth for retail buyers is projected to be at 7% from 2019 to 2029, which is faster than the average for all occupations. The online retail industry is expected to drive much of this growth, so there will be ample opportunities for retail buyers who are tech-savvy and can adapt to the changes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What does a Retail Buyer do?

A: A Retail Buyer is responsible for selecting and purchasing products to sell in a retail store or online.

Q: What skills are necessary to become a Retail Buyer?

A: To be a successful Retail Buyer, you need strong analytical skills, excellent communication skills, creativity, negotiation skills, and the ability to work well with data and numbers.

Q: What is the typical work environment for a Retail Buyer?

A: Retail Buyers usually work in an office or corporate setting, but they may also travel to trade shows or visit vendors on occasion.

Q: What is the education requirement to be a Retail Buyer?

A: Most Retail Buyers have a Bachelor’s degree in business, retail management, fashion merchandising or a related field. Some positions may require a Master’s degree.

Q: What is the salary range for a typical Retail Buyer?

A: The salary range for a Retail Buyer varies based on experience, education, and location. The average salary in the US is around $60,000-$70,000 per year, but it can range from $40,000 to well over $100,000 annually.


Copyright 2023 JobDescription.org - All Rights Reserved // Privacy Policy
//
Terms and Conditions
//
Do Not Sell or Share My Personal information
All product names, logos, and brands are property of their respective owners. All company, product and service names used in this website are for identification purposes only. Use of these names, logos, and brands does not imply endorsement.