Buying

Operating across the whole spectrum of retailing and wholesaling, buyers plan and select the range, type and quantity of products according to customer demand, trends, store policy and budget. Buyers source new and review existing merchandise to ensure products remain competitive. By fully understanding customer needs, buyers are able to maximise profits and provide a commercially viable range of merchandise at competitive prices. They maintain regular liaison with suppliers and visit trade fairs to keep abreast of market developments in order to anticipate buying trends.

  • Buying Admin Assistant
  • Assistant Buyer
  • Junior Buyer
  • Senior Buyer
  • Head of Buying
  • Buying Director

Merchandising

Based both at Head Office and/or in store level, merchandisers are responsible for ensuring that products appear in the right place at the right time in the right quantities. Working closely with the buying teams to accurately forecast trends, they plan stock levels and monitor performance. Merchandisers decide how much money should be spent, how many lines should be bought and in what quantities. They set prices to maximise profit and manage the performance of the ranges, planning promotions and markdowns as necessary.

Visual Merchandising

Working either at Head Office, regionally or in store, a visual merchandiser will create window and interior displays in shops and department stores. Their primary aim is to maximise sales by being responsible for the 'look' of the store. Displays are changed regularly and themes can be dictated by a number of factors including the seasons, notable events, promotions and current fashions and trends.

  • Allocator
  • Merchandising Admin Assistant
  • Assistant Merchandiser
  • Junior Merchandiser
  • Senior Merchandiser
  • Head of Merchandising
  • Merchandising Director
  • Visual Merchandiser
  • Wholesale Merchandiser

Design

Some companies will have their own design team, based either in-house or at associated sites. The designers work closely with the buying department to ensure that they creatively set the style and image projected by the organisation’s brand. Together they will put together collections for sale in the stores. Designers work predominantly in the world of fashion, but can also feature within the realms of furniture and homeware, or any of the more creative and luxury products.

  • Graduate Designer
  • Assistant Designer
  • Junior Designer
  • Senior Designer
  • Head of Design
  • Design Manager
  • Design Director
  • Creative Director