Large Or Small Retailer: How A Buyer’s Role Varies In Fashion Merchandising
As mentioned in a previous post, the role of a buyer might vary based on the size and structure of the fashion business. Despite the size of the business… a buyer’s main role is to purchase merchandise that sells well.
So what are the major differences between a buyer’s career at a larger chain department store compared to a boutique?
At a major retailer, buyers are often purchasing recognizable branded merchandise from companies that have the infrastructure to accommodate the store’s quantity requirements and schedule.
Buyers at a major retailer like Nordstrom may even have a say in the design or development of a product
due to the company’s buying power. Since fashion merchandising decisions for a major retailer are often planned at least one season in advance, typically buyers will place orders at major fashion trade shows like WWDMagic.
Alternatively, a buyer at a boutique may have more flexibility and freedom to purchase from smaller, independent fashion labels. Because of this, buyers at a smaller retailer also may have more flexibility to purchase in small quantities with a short-term delivery schedule, and can measure the success of its merchandise almost immediately compared with at a larger chain retailer.
Below is a table that explains the roles of a fashion merchandise buyer for quick reference:
| Fashion Buyer/Small Business | Fashion Buyer/Large Retailer |
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