Fashion Buyer: Degree Options & Duties
Fashion buyers often have a bachelor's degree in business, fashion marketing, or fashion merchandising, although this is not a professional requirement. They are responsible for analyzing consumer and market trends and purchasing high-demand apparel based on these trends at the lowest possible prices for retail companies. A fashion buyer's job often involves in-person visits with clients and travel. Long hours are common.
Fashion Buyers: Essential Information
Fashion buyers can be employed by both major and small retailers; job duties will vary according to the size of the retailer. Aspiring buyers can enter the industry as assistant buyers.
| Required Education | Bachelor's degree in marketing, business or related field recommended |
| Projected Job Growth | -7% from 2019-2029 for all buyers and purchasing agents* |
| Median Salary (2019) | $69,600 annually* |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
Fashion Buyer: Education Requirements
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are no strict education requirements for becoming a buyer, but employers typically prefer applicants with a college degree. Candidates with bachelor's degrees in business, marketing or merchandising may enjoy higher employment opportunities. Students should select courses that focus on sales forecasting, business operations, commerce and inventory.
Buyers new to the industry often continue their education in the field by participating in training programs led by experienced buyers. Beginning buyers generally start out as assistant buyers and work their way up by completing a variety of tasks, such as selling, processing invoices and managing inventory.
Fashion Buyer: Career Information
A fashion buyer's main duty is to select and purchase products, according to market trends, customer demands and sales forecasts, which a retailer will sell. Buyers also try to maximize profits by obtaining the highest quality products at the lowest costs. Public relations skills are important because buyers work closely with fashion designers, manufacturers and wholesalers. Buyers are often required to travel extensively to visit clients and vendors.
According to the BLS, buyers employed by small retailers are usually responsible for deciding the store's entire merchandise assortment, whereas buyers for large retailers may specialize in one type of merchandise, such as women's outerwear or men's suits.
PayScale.com reported that fashion buyers earned a median salary of $68,314 as of 2019. Buyers may also earn bonuses based on job performance and retailer profits. Other benefits include vacation and sick time, pension and insurance plans and employee discounts on merchandise.
According to the BLS, employment for buyers and purchasing agents is expected to decrease by seven percent from 2018-2028. Candidates with master's degrees and professional certifications may experience more job opportunities.
In addition to finding apparel that reflects consumer demands, fashion buyers need to have a keen eye for cost-effective fashion merchandise that can turn a profit. Excellent communication skills are also very important in this role, due to the amount of interaction fashion buyers have with various other professionals, such as vendors, wholesalers, and designers.
