Retail Buyer

OFO No:  639201

What is a Retail Buyer?

A Retail Buyer is responsible for planning, sourcing, co-ordinating and selecting a range or ranges of products that would sell in the store, or in a specific department of a very large store. 

For example: Ladies Clothing in Woolworths, or Fruit & Vegetables in Pick ‘n Pay etc.

Retail Buyers must be able to understand the needs and wants of their customers and order accordingly.

They need to take the following into account:

• Availability (seasons)
• Trends
• Main focus of the store or department
• Budgets of both store and customer
• Customer preferences – these can change depending on what area of the country its in

What does a Retail Buyer do?

• researches and sources goods
• keeps up to date with trends
• stays competitive
• maximises profit
• understands customer needs and future requirements through market research
• offers the right variety
• manages stock levels
• meets suppliers and negotiates contracts
• writes reports
• reacts and sorts out problems: eg:  transport, drought, strikes, etc
• prices right
• attends trade fairs

Are you … ?

• observant?
• organised?
• a good negotiator?
• decisive?
• a good communicator?
• computer literate?
• analytical?
• good with people?

How do I become a Retail Buyer?

You could start off working from the bottom up in a large retail store like Woolworths, Pick ‘n Pay, Sportsmans Warehouse or Incredible Connection-type stores. 

Starting as a Cashier or Shop Assistant will get your foot in the door. Once in, you could show them how determined and ambitious you are and they may send you on training courses.

With a little hard work and determination, you could end up being a Retail Buyer sooner than you think!

You could jump ahead of the rest and study a Diploma/Degree in Business Management or Retail Management. Many universities and institutions of higher education will offer this.

Contact your local institution to see if they do. Click below to find an accredited institution near you.

https://careerplanet.co.za/get_skills

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Logistics Buyer or Chartered Secretary

Is becoming a Retail Buyer the right career choice for me?