Experience in retail, merchandising or fashion is important to become a clothing buyer. Responsibilities vary depending on the store and company size. Starting as an assistant and keeping up with fashion trends can help prepare for the job. Internships in the clothing business can also provide valuable experience and contacts.
To become a clothing buyer, it is important to have experience in retail, merchandising or fashion. A clothing buyer’s responsibilities vary widely, depending on the stores they are shopping for, as well as the type of company that owns the business. A clothing buyer for a small boutique, for example, might be responsible for purchasing all of the merchandise the store sells. A clothing buyer for a larger retailer that has many stores, on the other hand, may only be responsible for one section of merchandise, such as sportswear, formal wear, or accessories.
Many clothing buyers start out as assistants to boutique owners or as assistants to buyers for larger companies. This is a great way to start your career if you want to become a clothing buyer. College training in fashion, retail or merchandising is also very helpful. Many college degrees that will prepare you to become a clothing buyer will include course offerings that cover all of these topics.
In addition to completing your training and gaining hands-on experience as an assistant, you can also prepare to become a clothing buyer by looking closely at trends. Get subscriptions to notable fashion magazines, especially those that feature the types of clothing that interest you. if you want to be a buyer for a high-end company, you should read magazines like Vogue and W. If you’re interested in working for a clothing store that caters to teens, look at trends in magazines like Seventeen and Teen Vogue. If men’s fashion interests you, read GQ.
Another thing you can do to prepare yourself to become a clothing shopper is to keep up with all the fashion-related news. You can also find fashion-related blogs that focus on the type of clothing you are most interested in and follow them. Being as informed and knowledgeable as possible will not only prepare you for your job, but it will also help you impress potential employers during interviews.
If you are currently in school, try to get an internship in some area of the clothing business. Whether you’re interning for a manufacturer, retailer or designer, this experience will give you an overview of your chosen field and help you gain contacts to use after graduation. Try to get an internship at a company that specializes in the type of clothing you want to work with.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
