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Retail Buyer

Retail buyers purchase goods to be sold in retail stores.

They may purchase goods locally, interstate or overseas.

In large department stores, buyers may specialise in certain types of merchandise (textiles, fashion, hardware or toys, for example).

In a national chain of stores, such specialist buyers may purchase merchandise for all stores or nominate brands to be stocked.

In small businesses, owners normally do their own retail buying after consultation with their staff.

TASKS

Retail buyers may perform the following tasks:

obtain information from store executives, salespeople and sales records data about stock levels and fast-moving and slow-moving goods
consider which goods will sell well in particular locations and what prices customers are prepared to pay
research customer demands and trends by processing store sales and inventory reports
manage and analyse stock levels and order points using computers and statistics
try to anticipate changes in customer demand for particular goods, as goods must be purchased well before their sale to customers
inspect, compare and select goods at manufacturers' or agents' premises
contact suppliers to replenish stocks
be aware of relevant legal information such as consumer rights and store licensing
communicate frequently with store management to discuss planning, budgeting, sales promotions and advertising campaigns
attend trade fairs and other displays interstate and overseas to obtain information about the range of products available

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

enjoy clerical and administrative activities
strong analytical skills
knowledgeable and interested in the retail market
good communication skills
good negotiation skills
good planning and organisational skills
good with numbers
willing to travel

Interest Area

EDUCATION & TRAINING

You can work as a retail buyer without formal qualifications. You will probably get some informal training on the job. Buyers usually begin as sales staff and are selected for advanced training in retailing. Usually only experienced sales staff are appointed to buying positions.

Entry to this occupation may be improved if you have qualifications.

You may like to consider a VOC qualification in retail services, retail operations, retail supervision or retail management. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information. You may be able to study through distance education.

You can also become a retail buyer through a traineeship in Retail Management.

Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.

Alternatively, you can become a retail buyer by completing a degree in business, marketing or a related field at university. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your HSC/ACT Year 12. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English and mathematics are normally required. Most universities in Australia offer relevant degrees.

Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements or offer external study. Contact Open Universities Australia or the universities you are interested in for more information as requirements may change.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Retail buyers are employed by department stores, retail chains and smaller retail shops. Most large and medium retailers, which are usually located in the capital cities, have teams of buyers.

With experience, and sometimes further training, it is possible to become a supervisor or manager. Experienced buyers can also become self-employed, offering their services on a freelance basis.