Index

Intro
Main Duties
Employment Requirements
All Titles
Exclusions

Intro

Retail and wholesale buyers buy merchandise for resale by retail or wholesale establishments and are usually responsible for the merchandising operations of retail or wholesale establishments. Retail and wholesale buyers who are supervisors and those who are assistants are included in this unit group.

Retail and wholesale buyers may specialize through experience or product-related training courses.

Progression to management positions in retail trade, sales, marketing or advertising is possible with additional training or experience.

Main Duties

Retail and wholesale buyers perform some or all of the following duties:

Purchase merchandise for resale by retail or wholesale establishments
Review requirements of establishment and determine quantity and type of merchandise to purchase
Study market reports, trade periodicals and sales promotion materials and visit trade shows, showrooms, factories and product design events
Select the merchandise which best fits the establishment’s requirements
Interview suppliers and negotiate prices, discounts, credit terms and transportation arrangements
Oversee distribution of merchandise to outlets and maintain adequate stock levels
Establish and maintain contact with suppliers
May supervise the work of other retail buyers.

Retail and wholesale buyers may specialize in a particular merchandise line.

Employment Requirements

Completion of secondary school is required.
A university degree or college diploma in business, marketing or a related program is usually required.
Previous work experience in retail or wholesale establishments is usually required.
Supervisors and senior buyers require experience in the occupation supervised or in a particular merchandise line.

All Titles