What does a Merchandise Buyer do?
Published 4 min read
A merchandise buyer is responsible for purchasing products and goods for a company. They work with suppliers to negotiate prices and terms, and select the products that will be stocked by the company. They also develop relationships with new vendors and keep up-to-date on trends in the marketplace.
Merchandise Buyer job duties include:
- Research and select merchandise based on customer needs, trends, and market conditions
- Negotiate prices and terms with vendors and suppliers
- Monitor inventory levels and reorder merchandise as needed
- Develop and implement marketing plans to promote merchandise
- Analyze sales data to identify trends and make recommendations for future buying
- Plan and attend trade shows and other events to source new products
- Stay up-to-date on industry trends and developments
- Collaborate with other members of the retail team, such as merchandisers and store managers, to ensure smooth operation of the department or store
- Provide input on visual merchandising decisions, such as product displays and signage
Merchandise Buyer Job Requirements
Education: A merchandise buyer typically needs a bachelor's degree in business, economics, or a related field.
Certification: There is no specific certification required to become a merchandise buyer, but many employers prefer candidates who have completed a professional development program or have earned a Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM) designation.
Experience: Many merchandise buyers start their careers as entry-level buyers or assistant buyers and are promoted to buyer positions after gaining experience and demonstrating strong analytical and negotiation skills. Some employers may also require previous experience working in the retail industry.
Merchandise Buyer Skills
- Strong analytical and mathematical skills
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills
- Good organizational and time management skills
- Strong research and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure
- Strong attention to detail
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications
- Familiarity with retail software applications
- Knowledge of fashion trends
- Experience in the retail industry
Related: Top Merchandise Buyer Skills: Definition and Examples
How to become a Merchandise Buyer
There are many steps that one must take in order to become a merchandise buyer. The first is to have a passion for fashion and retail. A merchandise buyer must be able to understand trends and how they relate to the consumer. They must also be able to forecast future trends.
The second step is to obtain a degree in merchandising, business, or a related field. This will give the potential buyer the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their job duties.
The third step is to gain experience in the retail industry. Many buyers start out as sales associates or buyers’ assistants. This experience will be beneficial when it comes time to negotiate prices with vendors or make decisions about what products to buy for the store.
The fourth step is to build relationships with vendors. A good relationship with vendors is essential for a buyer because they need to be able to trust that the vendor will provide quality products at a fair price.
The fifth and final step is to always stay up-to-date on the latest trends. A buyer needs to be aware of what is happening in the fashion world so that they can make informed decisions about what products to buy for their store.
Related: Merchandise Buyer Resume Example
Related: Merchandise Buyer Interview Questions (With Example Answers)