Buying: More Than Just Shopping
Buying is the business of selecting and purchasing products that meet consumer wants and need—guided by trends, data, and strategy. It’s often seen as a glamorous role, but behind the excitement lies a fast-paced, demanding job that requires sharp decision-making and resilience. Let’s take a closer look at what makes buying one of the most challenging—and rewarding—roles in retail.
The Reality of Travel
One of the biggest draws of being a buyer is travel. Trips to fashion hubs like New York City or Los Angeles sound exciting, and they certainly can be.
However, the reality is that buyers often experience these cities from taxis, showrooms, and hotel rooms. While travel is a definite perk, it’s important to manage expectations to avoid disillusionment that can affect work performance—best to keep in mind if traveling frequently for work!
In short, buying is a demanding yet deeply rewarding role—one that blends creativity, strategy, and responsibility to drive real business impact.
High Stakes, High Pressure
Buyers are trusted with significant financial responsibility. Managing an open-to-buy budget—whether it’s in the thousands or the millions—means every decision matters.
Choosing the right product mix can directly impact a company’s success, making the role both intense and highly performance-driven based on how much money they are generating for the company. The pressure is real, but so is the satisfaction when the numbers pay off.
Fashion vs. Basics: Two Very Different Games
Not all buying is created equal. Basics offer consistency and predictable demand, with sales that remain relatively stable year after year. Fashion, on the other hand, is a gamble. What sells out one season may completely miss the mark the next. Fashion buying relies heavily on forecasting, trend awareness, and a strong understanding of the customer.
Why It’s Worth It
Despite the challenges, buying can be incredibly fulfilling. For those who are passionate about trends, strategy, and business growth, the role offers the chance to shape assortments, drive revenue, and play a key role in building a brand’s success.
In short, buying is a demanding yet deeply rewarding role—one that blends creativity, strategy, and responsibility to drive real business impact.
Types of Buying Supported at TLSILVA Merchandising
Fashion Retail Buying – Involves open-to-buy calculations and thoughtful assortment planning.
Licensed Retail Buying – Focuses on data management and reporting to capture all costs associated with licensed products.
General Retail Buying – Centers on inventory management and allocation strategies to ensure core merchandise needs are consistently met.
