Fashion Buying and Merchandising

Careers after a fashion

Buying and merchandising is one of the most rewarding aspects of the fashion retail industry and yet it can be the least understood. In this feature, we ask one of the UK's top clothing names about their B&M team and talk to a specialist fashion and retail recruitment company about what it takes to become a success in the sector.

Company focus: Matalan

Q: Please describe the levels at which you recruit within buying and merchandising:

At Matalan our buying and merchandising department is one of the largest departments within the business. We actively recruit for all levels throughout the year ranging from industrial placements right through to buyer and merchandiser.
Please describe typical / potential career paths for candidates entering the buying and merchandising functions (e.g. B.A.A. to assistant buyer, assistant buyer to junior buyer, etc).
We work closely with nationwide universities to recruit third-year students who need to complete a placement year as part of their degree.
This is a magnificent way for young people to get a great insight into their chosen career path and the world of work. The industrial placement typically lasts for 12 months, with many students who have completed the industrial placement returning to Matalan once they have graduated as a trainee.
Unlike other organisations we do not offer a specific graduate scheme; instead we offer a real job with real responsibilities, where graduates will choose their chosen career path and we nurture and develop them within. Our graduates will enter the business at trainee level. Within the role of a trainee buyer or trainee merchandiser employees work towards three levels in order to gain promotion to an assistant level.
Working as an assistant merchandiser or assistant buyer at Matalan we will always look to promote our trainee's internally prior to looking at external talent. It is usually the case where our assistants are given their own product area to look after on both the buying and merchandising functions.
It is this way that our employees get full exposure to their job roles, preparing them for their next career step of either buyer or merchandiser.

Q: What qualities do you most look for in potential employees in these functions in terms of background, experience, competencies/skills, attitude etc.

When recruiting for these roles we are looking for a passion for fashion with a strong retail background in a similar role. Candidates with a dynamic, entrepreneurial, can-do attitude, who can be leaders of the future are always welcome at Matalan.
Starting off your career within merchandising you will need to have a good business-related degree with a head for numbers and excellent analytical skills. On the buying side a fashion-related degree is a must alongside a good eye for up and coming trends.

Q: Please describe the interaction between the buying and merchandising functions within your business.

Both the buyer and merchandiser role at Matalan are challenging and rewarding roles, both having exposure to worldwide travel. Our buyers are involved in the whole process from initial design through to overseas sourcing and negotiations. Part of our work is about translating designer products onto the high street, so as well as being in touch with what's happening on the catwalk, you need to be capable of disciplined commercial decision-making.
Merchandising works alongside our buying team to make sure the ranges they work on are successful: analysing previous seasons and reporting on the current season's lines; looking at space planning and generally acting as the buyer's conscience to make sure the decisions we make together will deliver both volume and profit.
Buying & merchandising within our business work hand in hand to ensure they meet key business objectives. They are the right arm of one and other, with good relationships between the departments a real key to their success. Each level interlinks with one and other and usually structures will mirror each other on the different departments.

Q: How would you characterise the working culture at your business?

Life moves incredibly fast here at Matalan. It's also full of challenges. But if you can rise to them, we'll make it worth your time. And not just with great rewards and benefits.
You'll work with the best in the industry: the people who've made our stores a success. They'll stretch you. They'll push you. They'll force you to raise your game. But they'll also help you accomplish amazing things.

Q: What do you think qualifies your business to be seen as an employer of choice?

If you're ambitious, Matalan is a great place to be. We're still growing which means there are more opportunities than ever before.
We're also committed to developing our talent. Do well, and you'll rise up the ranks very quickly. Last year we made over 300 promotions across the company. This year promises to be no exception, making us an excellent employer of choice!

Recruiter Focus: Fashion Personnel

2012 will continue to be a challenging year for buying and merchandising recruitment; it's traditionally a competitive marketplace and candidates need to stand out. With stiff competition for roles and headcount often being reduced, the competition for roles with well-known retailers is fierce. Retailers will be looking for candidates who can add value; they need to have broad skill sets, be highly commercial and demonstrate how they will benefit the business.
Core fashion merchandisers remain in short supply and there is high demand within the industry for talented commercial and analytical candidates. On the other hand, there are fewer buying roles in the industry, yet some very strong candidates who are seeking external opportunities to progress their careers.
It is possible to move into fashion buying/merchandising from another role in retail (e.g. fashion store management). In fact fashion retail is often the most natural way candidates transfer into buying and/or merchandising. Due to the nature of the entry-level roles and the salaries associated with them, retail staff tend to normally be from a sales/supervisor level.
Likewise, if graduates working towards their degree have fashion retail experience it will definitely give them an advantage towards getting their first role as they will have an understanding of how retail works.
Buying especially is a very competitive market, there are currently three times as many merchandising entry-level roles as there are buying so if they are serious about a career in buying or merchandising then candidates need to illustrate this through part-time/weekend jobs or work experience, whether paid or unpaid.
Other areas within the fashion industry where candidates can move into buying or merchandising (again, only at entry level) include candidates working for a brand or supplier who have some good admin experience or some product exposure and the ability, enthusiasm and flair.