The Buying, Merchandising, and Supply Chain field plays a key role in selecting, purchasing, and delivering the right products to customers at the right time.
The Buying team is responsible for choosing which products to sell, negotiating prices, and building product ranges based on market trends and customer demand. They negotiate prices and analyse reports and stock levels, ensuring punctual product arrival. They work closely with Merchandisers.
Merchandising teams focus on the cost of products bought and allocate the OTB (Open to Buy). This is the budget to buy the stock required to build ranges. As well as managing budgets, they manage stock levels, using data and forecasting to make sure the right amount of stock is available. Together, these teams help decide what gets sold and when, using sales data and predictions to guide their decisions and forecasting future sales.
The Supply Chain Team works closely with Buyers and Merchandisers, following every step from sourcing raw materials to getting finished goods into stores. From sourcing the materials, making the product and getting it to the stores. Their work helps reduce costs and improve how competitive a business can be.
For students planning a career in buying, merchandising or supply chain, entry-level roles typically support day-to-day operations and provide a strong foundation in planning, analysis, and coordination – key skills needed to grow in these fast-paced and vital business functions.
Buying
Merchandising
Sourcing
Supply Chain
Trend Forecasting