How to become a retail buyer
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- completing private industry-recognised training
University
You can do a degree before joining a retail company graduate scheme. Employers recruit from a range of degree subjects. Some particularly relevant subjects include:
- marketing
- fashion buying and merchandising
- fashion and business
- retail business management
You could choose a course that includes a year's work placement to get relevant experience alongside your qualification. Or you could gain experience from a part-time job or a summer internship.
Your university careers service can help you to find part-time roles, placements and internships.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
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College
You could do a course at college to get some of the skills needed to work in retail. Examples are:
- Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Retail Operations
- Level 2 Diploma in Fashion Retail
- Level 3 Diploma in Retail Skills
A course may help you to get your first job. You could then move into buying as your experience grows.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
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Apprenticeship
The following apprenticeships are relevant to this role.
On the retail side:
- retail team leader advanced apprenticeship
- retail manager higher apprenticeship
On the buying side:
- buyer and merchandiser higher apprenticeship
- assistant buyer and assistant merchandiser degree apprenticeship
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
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Work
You can start as an assistant buyer and go on to become a junior buyer and work your way up. To go straight into a buying role, you'll usually need a qualification in retail or business.
It's possible to get experience in retail on the shop-floor, in visual merchandising, or as an admin assistant in a buyer's office. You can then spend time learning, doing training and getting qualifications on the job.
Other Routes
Some companies in fashion retail offer training schemes specifically for buyers. These tend to be aimed at graduates. Other types of retailers offer general store management training schemes with the option to specialise in buying later on.
You can also take procurement and supply qualifications through the Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply.
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Further information
You can find out more about becoming a retail buyer from the Fashion Retail Academy.