Fashion Merchandise Buyer: Job Description and Info About a Career As a Fashion Merchandise Buyer

Fashion Merchandising Buyers typically have B.A. degrees in Business, Marketing, Fashion or Fine Arts. Fashion Merchandising Buyers interact with wholesalers and clothing manufacturers to purchase lines of clothing, shoes and fashion accessories to be featured at retail stores.

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Career Definition: Fashion Merchandise Buyer

Fashion Merchandise Buyers work for retail fashion and department stores. They visit clothing, shoe and accessory manufacturers and attend trade shows in order to determine what fashion items their stores will carry each season. Because of the need to stay current with trends and offer competitive pricing, the work is generally quick-paced and aggressive. Many Fashion Merchandise Buyers travel internationally on a regular basis to foreign manufacturing sites and glamorous fashion shows.

How to Become a Fashion Merchandise Buyer

Required Education for A Career in Buying Fashion Merchandise

Most Fashion Merchandise Buyers have bachelor's degrees in Business, Marketing or Fashion. They generally enter the field as assistant Buyers who work under the supervision of senior Buyers. These more experienced Buyers provide on-the-job training and help junior-level Buyers learn the particular tastes and styles of the store or chain for which they work.

Skills Required for a Career as a Fashion Merchandise Buyer

The College Board, www.collegeboard.com, recommends that Fashion Merchandising Buyers be confident risk-takers. The career requires decisiveness and extensive research of fashion industry trends.

Career and Economic Outlook for Fashion Merchandise Buying

The U.S. Department of Labor, www.bls.gov, expects that the job market for Fashion Merchandising Buyers will be relatively flat over the next several years. Much of the retail industry has consolidated, reducing the need for additional Fashion Merchandising Buyers.

Fashion Merchandising Buyers successful in entering the field can expect to earn a median wage of $40,000 during their first four years on the job, according to The Payscale Report, www.payscale.com. Buyers working in Seattle, New York, Dallas, San Francisco or Los Angeles earn median salaries between $58,500 and $69,000.

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Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics