Back to Career Guides

How to become a Fashion Buyer

Fashion Buyer jobs

Fashion Buyer courses

Career progression and salary expectations for a Fashion Buyer

Junior Fashion Buyer

| Up to £14,000

Fashion Buyer

| Up to £30,000

Senior Fashion Buyer

| Up to £50,000

The role of a Fashion Buyer

What does a Fashion Buyer do?

Still searching for that perfect fit? You should be a Fashion Buyer...Fashion Buyers select which products to sell in their stores, taking into consideration factors such as customer buying habits, price, quality and market trends. They need to be seasons ahead when it comes to their choices, and do their best to ensure the brand is as relevant and on-trend as possible.Typical tasks for a Fashion Buyer include:

Predicting and analysing fashion trends and reacting to change
Liaising with sales, merchandising team and suppliers
Visiting trade fairs and researching into new products and suppliers
Selecting relevant products
Keeping on track with competitor activities
Using customer feedback to help shape new product lines

Is a career as a Fashion Buyer right for me?

Taking on this role requires you to be constantly ahead of the game when it comes to the latest trends, something which can often be easier said than done. What's hot and what's not in the fashion industry change on an almost daily basis, and therefore it's crucial to ensure you're adaptable, and can work in a fast paced environment.A good knowledge of the fashion industry, not to mention the brand you apply for, will also be essential.Other key skills include:

Decision making skills
Numeracy skills
Analytical approach, especially towards trends
Communication and team-working skills
Ability to effectively present ideas and write reports

What's it like to be a Fashion Buyer?

"I'd worked for a few fashion brands as a Sales Assistant, but I was always more interested in trying to influence what was on-the-rack. When I had the opportunity to move into buying I jumped at the chance. I love going to work everyday passing stores and knowing that the outfit in the shop window is the highest seller this week is because of me. You get to travel, and meet some amazing people. Oh, and you get to buy clothes all day. For someone who love fashion, that's pretty much as good as it gets."

Get qualified as a Fashion Buyer

Typically, in regards to education you will need to have studied a degree related to the role such as Fashion. However, it is not a pre-requisite, and candidates who do not have a degree tend to make up for it through experience and a qualification specific to the industry.

Recommended Fashion buyer courses

Fashion Store Assistant

Academy for Health & Fitness

Level 5 QLS Endorsed Advanced Diploma! 150 CPD Point| Audio Visual Lessons| Free ID Card & Assessment Included
- Compare
- Online
- 370 hours · Self-paced
- 150 CPD points
- Tutor support
Great service

See more See less

There are countless options to develop your abilities, improve your career, or start a new one if you have a natural talent for styling and a passion for all things related to fashion. Learn everything there is to know about being a fashion store assistant from us and realise y …
£12
Fashion Store Assistant Diploma - CPD Certified

Academy for Health & Fitness

11 Courses Bundle | Level 5 QLS Endorsed Certificate | 250 CPD Point | Free ID Card & Exam Included | 24/7 Tutor Support
- Compare
- Online
- 380 hours · Self-paced
- Certificate(s) included
- 250 CPD points
- Tutor support
Great service

See more See less

24 Hours Left! Don't Let Year-End Deals Slip Away – Enrol Now! The fashion industry is a fast-paced and ever-changing field, which makes it an exciting and challenging area to work in. This Fashion Store Assistant bundle is designed to equip you with the essential knowledge and s …
£139