Is a career in fashion merchandising a good choice?

Question:

Is a career in fashion merchandising a good choice?

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Answer:

Buyers for retail stores essentially shop for a living. More specifically, their job includes several duties, such as:

  • Identifying and meeting with merchandise suppliers
  • Making sure you are knowledgeable about the latest trends
  • Tracking purchases and inventory
  • Keeping track of finances
  • Keeping watch over contracts with suppliers

Breaking into fashion merchandising will be extremely difficult, but not impossible. It could be a great career path for individuals who want to combine their interpersonal and negotiating skills with their love of fashion. Most buyer positions require applicants to hold a bachelor's degree in fashion merchandising or a related field, such as business or finance. Certification is necessary for some positions, and can be obtained through several organizations, such as the American Purchasing Society and the Next Level Purchasing Association.

In 2019, the median salary for buyers and purchasing managers in retail was $50,990. The job outlook, however, is discouraging, with a projected 37.9% decline in employment for purchasing agents working with apparel manufacturers, and a 6% drop for buyers as a whole. This number suggests that pursuing a career in this field will likely not yield satisfactory employment.

To learn more about becoming a fashion merchandiser, check out this article: Fashion Merchandising Degree Program Overviews.

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