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Occupation Details

Retail Buyer



Fact Sheet

Placing an order with a wholesale supplier

Retail buyers purchase goods to be sold in retail stores. They may purchase goods locally, interstate or overseas.

Duties and Tasks

Retail buyers may perform the following tasks:

  • obtain information from store executives, salespeople and sales records data about stock levels and fast- and slow-moving goods
  • consider which goods will sell well in particular locations, and what prices customers are prepared to pay
  • research customer demands and trends by processing store sales and inventory reports
  • manage and analyse stock levels and order points using computers and statistics
  • try to anticipate changes in customer demand for particular goods, as goods must be purchased well before their sale to customers
  • inspect, compare and select goods at manufacturers' or agents' premises
  • contact suppliers to replenish stocks
  • be aware of relevant legal information, such as consumer rights and store licensing
  • communicate frequently with store management to discuss planning, budgeting, sales promotions and advertising campaigns
  • attend trade fairs and other displays interstate and overseas to obtain information about the range of products available

Specialisations

In large department stores, buyers may specialise in certain types of merchandise (e.g. textiles, fashion, hardware or toys).

In a national chain of stores, such specialist buyers may purchase merchandise for all stores, or nominate brands to be stocked.In small businesses, owners normally do their own retail buying after consultation with their staff.

With experience and sometimes further training, it is possible to become a supervisor or manager.

Quick Facts

School subjects that include some aspect of ECONOMICS provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases an economics-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
School subjects that include some aspect of HOME ECONOMICS provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases a home economics-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
School subjects that include some aspect of MATHEMATICS provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases a mathematics-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
Workers performing these jobs would usually be expected to spend more than three-quarters of their day indoors, in an office, factory or other enclosed area protected from the weather. Jobs requiring mainly indoor work are excluded.
These jobs require moderate or better reading and writing skills. Workers may be expected to prepare, understand or act on written materials, such as letters or reports. People may wish to avoid these jobs if their reading or writing English skills are limited to a small range of words or phrases and symbols. Jobs remaining may still require very basic reading or writing skills.
Included are jobs in accounting, administration, advertising, banking, distribution, economics, finance, marketing, personnel management, policy advice, public relations, real estate, sales and valuation.
These jobs involve WORKING WITH DATA to order, process or retrieve facts and figures, or to develop or administer policies and procedures. Activities include organising, using or updating information, such as files or accounts, developing or following procedures or systems, and the planning, budgeting, and staffing of an organisation.
These jobs involve WORKING WITH PEOPLE, to sell to, influence, motivate, negotiate with, or serve them. Activities include selling, promoting or providing goods or services, bargaining, or presenting a point of view.
These jobs do not usually require completion of secondary education, however further part-time study such as a Certificate III or IV, and on-the-job training, may be required.

Personal Requirements

  • enjoy clerical and administrative activities
  • strong analytical skills
  • knowledge of, or an interest in, the retail market
  • good communication skills
  • good negotiating skills
  • good organisational skills
  • good planning skills
  • good with numbers
  • willing to travel

Labour Market Information

Australian JobOutlook for Retail Buyers

Related Courses

New South Wales / ACT

See State Specific Information below for further education and training options.

Placing an order with a wholesale supplier