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Retail Buyer Resume Samples
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0-5 years of experience
Managed planning, production and buying for all company brands and sales channels (retail, wholesale, ecommerce) resulting in
$8.2mil sales, up 30% to LY.
- Grew sales by 30% through management of planning, production and buying for all company brands and sales channels
- Increased GM% through effective cost negotiations and more strategic markdown planning.
- Managed supply chain with a staff of six responsible for import/export, allocation, and eCommerce fulfillment.
- Collaborated with design team to create cohesive assortments for each brand based on OTB, enabling more effective
- Researched and presented industry trends to guide design team in product development and plan for accurate balance between trend and basic products by season.
- Built strong relationships with domestic and international vendors, easing negotiations to achieve delivery dates and cost targets each season.
0-5 years of experience
Purchased $72M categories for 170 base locations in the US and overseas. Categories included all home textiles, cookware, table top, heaters and fans. Managed merchandise selections for the in store weekly promotions, internet outlet and mail order catalog. The exchange customer base included all ranks and branches of the military world wide. To meet the demand of such a broad customer base the assortment consisted of both department store and discount quality merchandise.
- Purchased $72M categories for 170 base locations in the US and overseas
- Categories included all home textiles, cookware, table top, heaters and fans
- Managed merchandise selections for store weekly promotions and mail order catalog
- Increased departmental gross margin by 6% and sales by 3% within one year
- Managed in excess of 3,000 sku’s and 60 suppliers both domestic and foreign
- Instituted a brand merchandising campaign that brought Brand Kiosks into specific Post Exchanges to highlight designer home textile fashions and designers
10+ years of experience
Responsible for buying, product development, design, purchasing for 50 stores for three product categories: men’s neckwear, accessories, and sport shirts. Planned and implemented marketing strategies and budgets, set quality standards.
- Significantly increased sales and profits in each merchandising position.
- Negotiated production, delivery, cost, advertising. Upgraded quality standards and profit margins through a product development strategy which increased quality, reduced cost to customer, and significantly increased profit margins by hundreds of thousand of dollars over a six year period.
- Held several positions with successively greater responsibility (salesperson, assistant manager, manager, assistant buyer, buyer, senior buyer).
0-5 years of experience
Responsible for assisting over 1,000 stores daily on issues pertaining to order adjustments, customer requests and special orders, and basic troubleshooting for the Produce Department. Additional duties included, continuous interaction (internally and externally) with customers, vendors, sales representatives, and colleagues; managing costs and purchases in product-information-management (PIM) system; creating and issuing purchase orders; vendor negotiations; troubleshooting and resolving scanning errors.
- Continuously exceeded goals, contributing to company’s overall success and positive image
- Recognized for knowledge and success in project and time management, problem solving, vendor communication, customer relations, and people development
- Demonstrated excellent organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail
- Proven ability to work self-directed using sound judgment and decision-making skills
- Enhanced productivity through strong leadership and smart business decisions
- Commended for punctuality, persistence, and dedicated work ethic
0-5 years of experience
This company is primarily known for contracting their various Franchise Brands into Colleges, Malls etc. Their development as a company has been focused on the “food” industry. I was hired to train and develop their retail store, standards and practices.
- Developed an inventory system to track and control shrink
- Applied a barcode POS system and receiving process for product
- Implemented and created plan-o-grams, end-caps, power walls and standards of “sets” for everyday as well as Holiday merchandise
- Formed relationships with new vendors to create growth and profitable PNL’s on a local and national platform.
- Initiated contact with several local entrepreneurs and created product exclusive to our location
- Set the precedence for Customer Service, that has increased revenue 20%-25%
- Executed Ohio Laws for taxation, margins, and various consumer protection acts.
6-10 years of experience
Launched and developed a trendy clothing and apparel trunk boutique for Booeep Online Entertainment which entails purchasing and selling fashion merchandise to celebrities and other up and coming artists for their photo shoots and personal needs.
- Successfully selected, purchased and stayed on budget acquiring all clothing and apparel for Fashion Deals on Wheels trunk boutique via the downtown LA fashion district.
- Established and cultivated relationships with clientele in order to successfully learn and meet the fashion needs of the client and their upcoming photo shoots.
- Consulted and advised clients on best fit fashions for their body type in addition to personal wardrobe consulting.
- Provided optimum level of customer service by fulfilling each client’s requirements and particular fashion needs by taking on a personal shopper role for Fashion Deals on Wheels.
0-5 years of experience
Analyzed consumer buying patterns and predicted future trends and regularly reviewed key performance indicators (KPI), such as sales and discount levels; and forecasted sales levels and reported accordingly.
- Placed orders and ensured inventory is properly distributed; reacted to changes in demand and logistics.
- Met suppliers and negotiated terms of contract; maintained relationships with existing suppliers and sourced new suppliers for future products; participated in promotional activities.
- Liaised with shop personnel to ensure supply meets demand; training and mentoring junior staff.
- Contributed to consolidation, reduction, and rationalization of the local supplier base.
- Identified opportunities and implemented actions to achieve efficiencies.
10+ years of experience
Created, executed and managed the department’s inventory in 56 domestic & international stores. Formulated the department’s financial plans and promotional strategies.
- Worked directly with manufacturers to development demographic specific products.
- Identified and developed sourcing programs with key vendors. Negotiated pricing and contract terms
- Devised all departmental communication to Stores and Field Support departments
- Directed display and merchandising teams on in-store product presentation
- Managed the daily activities of department support staff
0-5 years of experience
Worked directly with customers by listening to needs on a daily basis, increased sales by 15% in the first two months
- Built strong, beneficial relationships with local and international vendors
- Started an initiative to actively seek out new business from key missing demographics
- Responsibly managed inventory of $30k with a yearly budget of $150k
- Lowered loss 5-10% to nearly zero through sales analytics and forecasting
0-5 years of experience
Supervised all aspects of the daily operations of 2 retail stores, including opening and closing procedures
- Recruited, interviewed, hired, and trained all new retail employees
- Formulated product buys for retail sales and Japanese distribution
- Coordinated all inventory functions, daily sales receipts and on hand cash flows
- Planned and implemented local advertising buys
0-5 years of experience
- Purchased and managed multiple categories of footwear for all corporate retail stores
- Improved retail stores’ operations by conducting onsite training seminars, buy meetings, and store evaluations
- Formulated new distribution process to increase sales in top volume stores
- Developed new order placement process that reduced time and expenses
6-10 years of experience
Hired to purchase products and supplies for main office and five retail locations. Accountable for all new product lines and purchasing decisions.
- Subject matter expert on all purchasing decisions
- Used historic sales information to forecast future needs and reduce inventory levels by 60%
- Attended trade shows to meet distributors and discuss new product lines and market trends.
- Created documentation and trained sales personnel on new product lines.
- Assisted in store layouts to maximize space and improve look and consistency
- Responsible for a 14% increase in gross profit due to higher margins on sold goods
- Performed cyclical and yearly inventories to reduce shortages and theft
0-5 years of experience
- Organized and supervised all activities related to retail operations across 8 locations
- Researched and developed product mix for hard and soft goods (color palettes, prints, patterns, fabrics, and styles). Identified growth opportunities and risks with each buy
- Inventory management, sales planning, forecasting, and negotiating prices to make certain products were delivered for a time sensitive selling season
- Attended trade fairs to assemble a new collection of products and predicting sales for the season
- Supervised a staff of twenty five retail employees and implemented a new Retail/Inventory System
0-5 years of experience
Assisted in ordering new and existing product
- Established relationships with designers and their companies nationwide.
- Created store displays and layouts
- Interviewed and hired new employees
- Trained new sales associates
- Managed store with 13 employees, coordinated day-to-day activities, goals and schedules.
0-5 years of experience
Buyer for e-commerce site and brick and mortar store. Manage relationships with over 150 vendors supplying over 200 brands of product. Monitor and improve stock levels while placing 20+ purchase orders per day. Source new product, and remove discontinued and slow-moving inventory from the site on a weekly basis. Recognize sales trends from 3 separate channels (BE site, Amazon and store) to determine buying needs.
- Lowered running out of stock level by 10% in 3 months, while maintaining low overstock rate
- Improve efficiency by communicating inventory issues to customer service, warehouse and store
- Work closely with receiving and AP to follow up on shipment problems and secure credits
- Proficient in Excel, Quickbooks and osCommerce
0-5 years of experience
- Created, bought for, and developed departments worth $10 million annually.
- Traveled to regional and national buying shows.
- Reviewed, tracked and adjusted to daily and weekly sales trends.
- Identified growth opportunities and developed strategies for new departments in high pressure, fast paced environment.
- Accurately forecasted coming seasons trends.
- Hired, educated, and reviewed all full and part time employees.
- Ran daily operations of 42,00 sq. ft. sales floor and 15,000 sq. ft. shop.
10+ years of experience
Determine all buying decisions for a national toy company; maintained a $150 million open to buy.
- Worked with retail partners to determine sku assortment for 1300 stores.
- Traveled overseas to source and create exclusive products.
- Worked with suppliers to determine product order flow to ensure on time arrival at the store level.
- Analyzed product sell thru and store level execution of items.
- Designed exclusive items to sell at higher margins including product creation, packaging, pricing strategy, and advertising layouts.
- Worked with vendors to negotiate item cost, advertising pricing, and end of season mark down budget.
- Coordinated efforts with testing facilities to ensure all items were safety compliant.
0-5 years of experience
- Acted as point person for all data entry and data compilation
- Managed order fall out process and updated orders with rejections as needed
- Entered all order information onto merchandise calendar in Excel and ensured all data be current and accurate on a weekly basis
- Followed up with stores regarding timely receipt of shipped goods and worked as person of contact for store line issues, errors, and questions
- Used Excel to manage and report sales data including top sellers, traffic and transactions
- Researched any discrepancies regarding orders, shipping and/or delivery, inventory, vendors, and customer complaints
6-10 years of experience
- Managed million budget for furniture inventory
- Coordinated with Marketing department on monthly promotions
- Trained staff on products and sales technique
- Fostered relationships with furniture vendors on new product development
6-10 years of experience
Corporate buyer for multiple categories for 47 store fronts at destination ski resorts nationwide
- Managed overall purchase and distribution plan for 100 million dollars in product including budgets by store and open to buy and repeat dollars
- Negotiated terms with vendors include in, price, payment terms, sell through allowances etc.
- Managed relations with brands ( Burton, Hot Chillys, North Face, Seirus, Billabong, Obermeyer, Marmot, Roxy/Quick Silver, Columbia, Spyder, Smartwool, Turtle Fur, Under Armour )
- Grew my Category sales while increasing margin and reducing ending inventory every year of my employment at ASC.
- Created and implemented merchandising standards
- Think tank participant in creating new fixtures for accessories at resorts worldwide
- Establish model inventory levels necessary at each location and implement automatic replenishment purchase order process within POS system
0-5 years of experience
Responsible for managing the timely flow of receipts to 19 flagship retail locations
- Monitor and update forecasts for merchandise assortments according to external and internal factors
- Able to analyze product performance on a range of levels and react appropriately to sales trends
- Work closely with retail management to ensure seasonal buy plans are executed at various levels of detail
- Experience working with vendors to establish stock models and maintain appropriate inventory levels
- Responsible for vendor communications, d elegation of PO entries and managing of orders
- Responsible for 12% cumulative sales increase from LY during first three months across relevant divisions
0-5 years of experience
Responsible for selecting and purchasing all clothing and giftware to stock in the golf pro shop
- Organized, hosted, and emceed annual fashion shows and trunk shows to kick off the beginning of the golf season
- Managed golf shop personnel, inventory levels, and annual operating budget, reporting to a board of directors
- Merchandised and displayed all product in the shop including making all pricing and promotion decisions
0-5 years of experience
Responsible for following a planned budget and purchasing lingerie and junior accessories for over 650 stores.
- Developed and branded a large area of different merchandise categories that were non-exciting in the stores.
- Some of the categories under lingerie were private label.
- Accessories included over fifteen plus categories, depending on fashion trends.
- Instructed 651 Store Managers and staff on configurations of merchandise set up.
- Worked closely with the CEO and President of G&G Shops on a daily basis.
0-5 years of experience
Assisted Buyers in selection of merchandise, pricing, planning and marketing concepts
- Analyzed sales plan on weekly, quarterly and yearly basis
- Tracked and recapped key item performance
- Coordinated communication with merchandise operations and vendors for PO creation and maintenance
- Organized and tracked departmental receipt flow for new and reordered merchandise.
- Created promotional concepts
0-5 years of experience
- Generate comprehensive daily sales reporting for each store by district that include daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, yearly sales
- Assisted Senior Buyer in all Retail buys and allocation
- Observed and help manage stock levels within each store and contributed to preparation and execution of all stock allocation
- Managed all Retail orders and worked closely with Production to ensure timely deliveries
- Created and set up all new merchandise being received into the Retail department
- In charge of shipping all merchandise to stores and overseeing the Retail warehouse staff, ensuring all product is shipped out correctly and in a timely manner
6-10 years of experience
Directs and oversees all retail sales operations and services and volunteer staff of 120+ volunteers
- Purchasing of museum quality gifts, fair trade, jewelry, toys and snacks, drinks, ice cream
- Facilitated with vendors, negotiate for best price, checks condition of merchandise received and accuracy of invoices, contact vendors for credit, exchange or return of damaged/incorrect merchandise.
- Installed POS system (Explorer) in 2006 to control inventory
- Coordinates financial records with Museum Accountant as well as develops annual budget, projected revenues and expenses, daily deposits and deposit reports, Inventory
0-5 years of experience
- Responsible for the purchasing and marketing for all Paper and Plastic Tableware, coordinating Accessories and Décor, Party Favors, Balloons, and Catering Supplies for everyday and seasonal for a 58 store chain.
- Implemented and maintained Open to Buy requirements and company margin goals.
- Negotiated product discounts, volume rebates, freight discounts, and payment terms for higher margins and greater profits for the company.
- Maintained adequate stock levels via Auto Replenishment system and manual store purchase order review.
- Executed the mapping of all store floor plans for merchandise adjacencies for entire store chain.
10+ years of experience
- Retail Buyer for 33 outlet stores. Responsible for planning, buying and distributing product for the boys, infant boys and newborn divisions.
- Prepare and analyze reports for the VP of Retail and the Merchandising Manager.
- Manage merchandise flow, markdown cadence, and distribution of collections for stores.
- Successfully grew outside vendor business to produce over $100K of business per year.
- Plan and facilitate three successful warehouse sales yearly generating over $600K a year.
- Collaborated with design team in the creation of retail outlet exclusive collections.
Retail Buyers Duties and Responsibilities
The tasks of a Retail Buyer are numerous and can vary depending on the type of retail, but there are several core responsibilities one can expect as a Retail Buyer. A review of current job listings identified the following primary tasks and responsibilities.
Research and Anticipate Sales Trends Retail Buyers must conduct research in order to make their purchases. This may include analyzing sales trends, conducting consumer opinion survey, and keeping abreast of the latest fashions or trends in their niche. A retailer is only successful if their merchandise is competitive and current, so research is a very important part of the Retail Buyer’s job.
Work with Vendors Retail Buyers will need to foster positive relations with the vendors they will be purchasing from. Retail Buyers are in charge of negotiating prices, obtaining quotes and settling on agreements with their vendors. If purchasing customized goods, vendors and Retail Buyers will often work together closely in creating the desired products.
Perform Budget Analyses Forecasting prices and market trends are very important as Retail Buyers often order merchandise months in advance of it going out on store shelves. In order to stay within budget, Retail Buyers must perform cost analyses and scenario analyses. Some Retail Buyers may work with their budget department on these tasks, while others will complete these tasks independently.
Monitor Orders Once the research has been completed and the merchandise ordered, the job of the Retail Buyer is not over. Retail Buyers are tasked with monitoring the progress of their orders and ensuring they arrive on time and in the right quantities. They also will need to do a quality check when receiving the goods to make sure the products meet their standards. If any issues arise the Retail Buyer will often contact the vendor directly to sort them out.
Retail Buyer Skills
Retail Buyers are self-motivated individuals with analytical minds. They have excellent communication and interpersonal skills and work well with limited supervision. They should also be detail-oriented and work well in fast-paced environments. Employers look for candidates with all of these traits as well as the traits listed here. Core skills: Based on job listings we looked at, employers want Retail Buyers with these core skills. If you want to work as a Retail Buyer, focus on the following.
- Understanding the buying process and procurement/supply chain function
- Contract administration
- Proficient in common computer programs, such as Microsoft Word and Excel
- Knowledge of sales practices
- Basic mathematical skills
- Experience in negotiation tactics
Advanced skills: While most employers did not require the following skills, multiple job listings included them as preferred. Add these to your Retail Buyer toolbox and broaden your career options.
- College degree or extensive background in retail
- Ability to travel within the country as well as overseas
Retail Buyer Resources
The internet is a great source for more information on becoming a Retail Buyer. We compiled a list of sites that will inspire, inform and entertain you on your path to a career as a Retail Buyer. On the Web
National Retail Federation – The NRF is an association dedicated to all things retail related. Their site is full of wonderful resources such as buying guides, retail technology standard lists, and a library full of articles.
Both Sides of the Retail Table – This unique blog offers readers two perspectives. Romy Taormina is an entrepreneur and Vanessa Ting is a Retail Buyer and together they blog about retail issues lending readers their opinions and perspectives based on their roles. A very interesting and thought-provoking read.
Chronicles of a Fashion Buyer – Mercedes R. Gonzalez has been in the fashion buying business since 1990. In this informational and entertaining blog, Gonzalez pulls on her own experiences to write each post. On Twitter
@AttireAccMag – Follow the tweets of Attire Accessories, a leading fashion accessories trade magazine for retailers and buyers. See the latest products and read the latest industry news.
@RetailPath – Former Retail Buyer for Target and current entrepreneur, Vanessa Ting, tweets about all things retail-related. Retail Buyer Books
Retail Buying: From Basics to Fashion – A comprehensive book that provides step-by-step instructions on procurement methods and tasks. Designed for the purchasing student, it contains many useful activities and prompts.
Math for Merchandising: A Step-by-Step Approach – This resource is wonderful for illustrating and breaking down the mathematical skills and processes a Retail Buyer will need to know.
A Buyer’s Life: A Concise Guide to Retail Planning and Forecasting – A Retail Buyer with over 20 years of experience, Dana Connell is qualified to write this resource about the importance of forecasting and planning. Industry Groups
American Purchasing Society – APS was founded in 1969 and was the first society to offer certification for purchasers and buyers. This society focuses on professional development as well as creating a network for purchasers, buyers, and executives.
American Production and Inventory Control Society – Founded in 1957, APICS has over 40,000 members who work in some aspect of supply chain industry. From management to purchasing, every aspect of this industry is represented. The society provides education, resources, best-practices, and networking opportunities.
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Retail Buyer
Last edited by: Gabriela Barcenas, CPRW, Content Writer II -
Gabriela Barcenas
CPRW, Content Writer IIGabriela is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and career adviser. With 10 years of digital media experience and five years of resume writing expertise, her publication history includes fashion, education, travel, social justice, equitable design and career advice.
