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What is a retail buyer and how to become one
Retail Buyers research, select, and buy merchandise and goods for retail companies. They are employed by large department stores or smaller specialty shops. The goods retail buyers purchase are resold to the public. They consider current inventory, sales trends, supply chain, and customer needs when making purchases. Also, they may supervise the receiving department of the company. Likewise, they maintain inventory, expenditure, and delivery. Retail buyers negotiate prices, obtain quotes, settle agreements and perform budget analyses.
Most employers seek applicants that have at least a bachelor's degree in business, economics, or a related field. Having relevant certifications is a plus. The key skills for this role include negotiation, analytical, attention to detail, interpersonal, and communication skills. You must have an understanding of the buying process, sales practices, and procurement function. You must also be proficient in Microsoft Office. Retail buyers earn about $60,499 annually. Their salary varies between $35,000 and $105,000.
Avg. Salary $52,720
Avg. Salary $59,228
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.33%
Asian 5.83%
Black or African American 8.13%
Hispanic or Latino 17.90%
Unknown 4.53%
White 63.27%
Genderfemale 68.51%
male 31.49%
Age - 43American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 43Stress level is high
7.1 - high
Complexity Level is challenging
7 - challenging
Work Life balance is poor
6.4 - fair
Retail Buyer career paths
Key steps to become a retail buyer
Explore retail buyer education requirements
Start to develop specific retail buyer skills
Skills Percentages Gross Margin 7.98% Vendor Relations 7.97% Customer Service 7.39% Retail Management 6.79% Retail Store 6.47% Complete relevant retail buyer training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New retail buyers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a retail buyer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real retail buyer resumes.Research retail buyer duties and responsibilities
- Manage the open-to-buy (OTB) process by monitoring stock levels
- Lead team of content support/merchandisers to achieve and consistently hit KPI goals.
- Manage set up of new items as well as integration into POS system.
- Manage open-to-buy to ensure continual flow of merchandise to stores and warehouses with careful attention to advertise events and promotions.
Prepare your retail buyer resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your retail buyer resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a retail buyer resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose From 10+ Customizable Retail Buyer Resume templates
Build a professional Retail Buyer resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Retail Buyer resume.
Apply for retail buyer jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a retail buyer job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How Did You Land Your First Retail Buyer Job
Are you a Retail Buyer?
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Average retail buyer salary
The average Retail Buyer salary in the United States is $52,720 per year or $25 per hour. Retail buyer salaries range between $38,000 and $72,000 per year.
What Am I Worth?
How do retail buyers rate their job?
Retail Buyer reviews
To be involved in negotiations
I like all in this job, because I have the choise to be in relation with a lot of persons and know what they are doing against purchasing also what the use to buy and under what coondition
In most cases I'm finding you need a college degree to do what I did without it. I know there is a company out there that would train me. I could be an asset if given a chance.
Updated January 8, 2025
