Fashion Buyer
by Lindsey Tomlin
Nature of the Work
Visit clothing, shoe and accessory manufacturers or attend trade and fashion shows to determine current and future trends. You will use this information to select the merchandise to be sold at the retail company you work for.
Training Qualifications
An associate or bachelors degree in business, marketing, fashion, or merchandise marketing is needed.
Job Outlook
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicted that there will be a 7% increase in employment for retail buyer occupations from 2010-2020.
Earning Potential
As of May 2011, the average salary of retail clothing buyers is $62,420. The top 10% of buyers earn more than $90,740 per year or $43.63 per hour. Conversely, the bottom 10% of retail clothing buyers earn less than $29,570 annually, which translates to an hourly wage of $14.21.
Universities
Some of the top colleges for becoming a retail buyer are:
- Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising
- Baylor University
- Texas Christian University
- Fashion Institute of Technology
- Parsons School for Design