Buying is one of the most popular career pathways in fashion. A career in fashion buying involves selecting the right clothing and accessories for stores or online platforms to meet customer demand and sales targets. Buyers work closely with suppliers, designers, and internal teams like merchandising and marketing to plan and build ranges that align with current trends, price points, and sustainability goals. They analyse sales data, attend trade shows, and negotiate with vendors to ensure the right products are delivered on time and within budget.
They then oversee the product life cycle from start to finish, often working towards sustainability objectives. While the role of a Buyer often seems glamourous, entry-level roles in buying are often desk jobs which focus on inventory management, market research, trend forecasting, and supplier communication. As buyers gain experience, they may take ownership of specific product categories and work their way up to roles like Senior Buyer or Head of Buying.
Examples of roles within Supply Chain:
- Buyers Admin Assistant
- Junior/Assistant/Senior Buyer
- Buyers Clerk
- Branded Buyer
London College of Fashion courses relevant to careers in buying:
- BA (Hons) Fashion Buying and Merchandising
- BSc (Hons) Fashion Management
- BSc (Hons) Psychology of Fashion
This list is not exhaustive. It is only an indication of directly connected LCF Courses.