On behalf of a retail store, an assistant fashion buyer assists a fully qualified buyer in the purchase of clothing, shoes, and various types of apparel. Anyone interested in working as an assistant fashion buyer should have a broad understanding of the industry. Furthermore, people in these positions are expected to have prior sales experience, and many assistants have college degrees.
Many employers demand that anyone interested in working as an assistant fashion buyer have a bachelor’s degree in business administration, commerce, or a related field. Some colleges, on the other hand, offer vocational courses that prepare people to work in these positions. Retailers frequently purchase clothing from overseas designers and manufacturers, and some employers require assistants to speak a second language so that language barriers do not obstruct the negotiation process.
Someone who wants to work as an assistant fashion buyer must have some industry experience in addition to a strong interest in the field. Many assistants begin their careers as sales associates in retail stores, where they can learn about the retail industry’s mechanics and hone their sales skills. Others begin their careers as wholesalers in the manufacturing industry, as these professionals learn how to negotiate contracts with retailers and outlets. Employers typically require prospective employees to have worked in one of these roles for a certain number of years before applying for a fashion assistant position.
Some companies provide internships to college students, and students enrolled in business and commerce degree programs frequently fill these positions. During the internship, students will work alongside fashion buyers who must forecast future fashion trends when deciding which products to purchase. Buyers attempt to negotiate the best possible price for the goods, with fashion assistants assisting them in product selection and deal-making. Many companies hire interns after they finish their studies, so someone interested in becoming an assistant fashion buyer might benefit from working as an intern.
Aside from academic credentials and prior work experience, most employers look for certain qualities and characteristics in assistant fashion buyer candidates. These people must have excellent organizational and interpersonal skills. Buyers are forced to take calculated risks, so anyone interested in working as an assistant must have the courage of their convictions and the ability to justify and explain their decisions. Furthermore, many companies promote assistants to fashion buyer positions, so anyone aspiring to be an assistant fashion buyer should ideally have the right kind of personality to advance to a leadership position.