A fashion assistant buyer helps a qualified buyer purchase clothing and apparel for a retail store. They need knowledge of the fashion industry, sales experience, and often a college degree. Experience in retail or wholesale is helpful, as are language skills and internships. Employers look for administrative and interpersonal skills, risk-taking ability, and leadership potential.
A fashion assistant buyer assists a fully qualified buyer in purchasing clothing, shoes and various types of apparel on behalf of a retail store. Someone who wants to become a fashion shopping assistant must have an extensive knowledge of the fashion industry. In addition, people employed in these roles typically need prior sales experience, and many assistants also have a college degree.
Many employers require anyone wanting to become a fashion assistant to have completed a college degree in business administration, commerce, or a related topic. Alternatively, some colleges offer career courses that specifically prepare people to work in these roles. Retailers often buy clothes from overseas-based designers and manufacturers, and some employers require assistants to have second language skills so language barriers don’t get in the way of the bargaining process.
In addition to having a keen interest in the industry, someone looking to become a fashion buyer’s assistant should gain some industry-related experience. Many assistants start out working as sales associates in retail stores, as they can learn about the mechanics of the retail industry and hone their sales skills while in these roles. Others begin working as wholesalers in the manufacturing industry, as people employed in these roles learn to negotiate contracts with retailers and point of sale. Typically, employers require potential employees to have worked for a certain number of years in one of these roles before applying for a fashion assistant job.
Some companies offer internships to college students, and people enrolled in business and commerce programs often end up taking on these roles. During the internship program, students work alongside fashion buyers, who must anticipate future fashion trends when making decisions about what types of products to buy. Buyers try to negotiate the lowest possible price for products, and fashion assistants help buyers choose products and broker deals. Someone who wants to become a fashion shopping assistant can benefit from working as an intern, as many companies end up hiring interns after completing their studies.
In addition to academic credentials and previous work experience, most employers require applicants for fashion shopping assistant roles to exhibit certain qualities and characteristics. These individuals must have good administrative and interpersonal skills. Buyers are forced to take calculated risks, so anyone wanting to work as an assistant must have the strength of character to make difficult decisions and the ability to justify and explain the decision-making process. Also, many companies promote assistants in the roles of fashion buyers, so anyone wanting to become a fashion buyer assistant ideally has the right kind of character to fill a leadership role.
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