Do you love clothing and understand fashion? Fashion buyers purchase clothing for retail and wholesale companies and are usually responsible for all the buying in a particular department. You keep up with current trends and styles by reading market reports, talking to consultants, attending fashion shows and keeping in close touch with your customers. A post-secondary degree in Fashion is preferred, and retail/sales experience is a must.
Education Requirements:
A university degree in Fashion Design or Fashion Management is ideal, but at minimum employers look for a community college diploma in a program such as Retail Merchandising or Fashion Merchandising. Potential courses include Accounting, Marketing Principles, Mass Merchandising/Marketing and Fashion & Retail Purchasing.
Job Prospects:
The industry continues to boom, and there will be opportunities in fashion as long as we continue to wear clothing... so forever! It’s a global industry, so the ability to relocate increases job prospects. If you have the patience, you can train by rising through the ranks from working "on the floor" to floor manager, to assistant buyer, to senior buyer. This process takes several years. Once you have the experience, if you’re especially entrepreneurial, you can open your own store!
Earning Power:
Average annual earnings for a fashion buyer can range from $37,000 to $60,000. In addition to salary, some companies offer a yearly bonus based on sales performance.
