Retail Buyers are mainly in charge of planning, selecting, and buying merchandise for a retail establishment's resale purposes and are usually responsible for the merchandising operations of these establishments. Depending on their business area, Retail Buyers may specialize in purchasing different items (e.g., clothing, home appliances, or food) and can be divided into Supervisors and Assistant Buyers.  
   
There are more intricacies to being a Retail Buyer than just purchasing items for later resale. Good professionals in this position must be able to anticipate the needs of their customers. They need to establish healthy and lasting liaisons with providers and ensure that the merchandise they're purchasing is of the same quality that the final customer expects. Retail Buyers must also be able to foresee new trends, especially in fashion, technology, and electronics, as new items and models are released regularly.  

In simple terms, retail buyers are essential because they are responsible for ensuring that the products and merchandise retail stores sell are of good quality and meet customer expectations. Without retail buyers, it would be difficult for retail stores to keep up with the latest trends and ensure that they sell products that customers want to buy. 

Personality of a Retail Buyer

• They are intuitive.   

Retail Buyers understand what customers want, and they can anticipate future trends. They are also able to negotiate the best deals with suppliers. These qualities allow Retail Buyers to get the best products for their store at the best prices. Intuition is important for Retail Buyers because it enables them to anticipate consumer demand.  
  

• They have excellent negotiation skills.   

Retail Buyers have excellent negotiation because they are constantly trying to get the best deals for their company. They need to be able to haggle and negotiate with suppliers to get the lowest prices possible. This can be a tough job, but it is essential to keep costs down.  
  

• They are great with numbers.  

Understanding trends is a significant part of a Retail Buyer's role. They have a keen eye for detail, allowing them to make the best decisions for their company and customers. Retail Buyers need to be conscious of how much stock they have, what needs to be ordered, and when. They also work closely with budgets to keep track of spending. All of these elements require a Retail Buyer to have excellent mathematical skills.