Educational requirements for Retail Buyers vary from one employer to the other. Yet most look for candidates with a degree in business or related fields. Employers seek friendly, outgoing, and dynamic candidates since part of this job deals directly with suppliers to determine future trends and sales opportunities.  
  
Retail Buyers should come into the industry with sound business and commercial awareness and merchandising management knowledge to satisfy the market's demands. It requires a deep understanding of the specialty they're working with to foresee new trends.  
   
Retail Buyers have a keen eye for detail and can work well under pressure, handle multiple tasks simultaneously, and be proficient in using Microsoft Office applications. A bachelor's degree in business or a related field is valuable in building the necessary skillset for this position and is typically a requirement.  
   
Retail Buyers often start in Junior positions with the possibility of advancing their careers towards Assistant Buyers and eventually Senior Buyers. As in most business-related roles, further studies are greatly encouraged as they can help advance their career prospects. 

What can help you become a Retail Buyer

• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills:   

Retail Buyers will benefit from strong communication skills, both in writing and verbally, to negotiate with customers and suppliers. Listening carefully and understanding customers’ product requirements is also necessary for the role, so prepare to come equipped with the best you have to offer!  

• Strong mathematics skills:   

Balancing the cost of purchasing with the revenues after the sale of each product is one area where Retail Buyers will need to rely on their strengths with numbers. This skill is equally essential when calculating inventory and negotiating the terms and conditions of contracts with suppliers and retail establishments.   
  

• Strong organizational, operational, and planning skills in a sales-focused environment:   

Retail Buyers will benefit from solid multitasking skills, the kind that supports working in a dynamic, fast-paced industry like this one. Staying proactive and demonstrating an ability to work under pressure while handling tight deadlines will help Retail Buyers with their resourcefulness and energy and give them a strong desire to take the initiative in any situation.