Have you ever wondered what kind of careers you can pursue with a degree from a fashion institute? An incredibly fulfilling and often overlooked career choice is fashion shopping. A fashion buyer is responsible for the products that a certain company sells. They oversee the development of apparel, which is generally targeted at a particular market and price range. Depending on the size of the company, there may be a fashion buyer or a team of fashion buyers responsible for the merchandise that the company will carry. To do this job well, buyers must possess a keen intuition when it comes to fashion trends, as well as adequate interpersonal skills to maintain good relationships with suppliers. This job is an especially good fit for young fashion school graduates, as young people are generally the ones who are always up-to-date with the latest fashion trends and looking to move up in the fashion industry.
A typical fashion buyer works with clothing suppliers, reviewing the clothing provided and selecting the right pieces for the season, store, and target market. Often this part of the job requires deciding on a balance between current fashion trends and classic, traditional pieces. It is imperative for a successful buyer to maintain positive interpersonal relationships with suppliers, to negotiate prices with them and to ensure that their stock is delivered on time.
Another major challenge that fashion buyers will face is the idea of thinking ahead. It is not enough to be successful in the fashion industry with the knowledge of current trends. In fact, buyers must overcome this knowledge with a keen fashion intuition. Typically, it is the buyers who help create new trends because they are responsible for what is seen on the front shelves of boutiques and department stores. Buyers must decide on seasonal trends up to six months before they hit stores. To be successful in this part of the job, you need to bring your own creativity and passion to your selections, while also ensuring that you sell clothing that is functional, comfortable, and wearable for everyday people.
If the idea of a career in fashion shopping is something that excites you, there is no reason not to actively pursue your goal. Companies looking for buyers often prefer candidates with college degrees in fashion merchandising or fashion design. Fashion retail experience can also give you that extra experience that will help you land the job. Ultimately, it will be your passion for fashion and your level of professionalism that will fuel the fashion buying career of your dreams.
