How Do I Get Into Buying and Merchandising?

If you have a passion for fashion and an eye for the latest trends, a career in fashion buying and merchandising may be the perfect fit for you.

This field offers the opportunity to work in a fast-paced, ever-changing industry, and can be a rewarding career path for those who are willing to put in the effort to succeed.

So, how do you get started in fashion buying and merchandising? Here are a few tips to help you on your journey:

1. Educate yourself on the industry

To get into fashion buying and merchandising, it’s important to have a solid understanding of the industry as a whole. Read fashion magazines and blogs, follow fashion influencers and industry leaders on social media, and attend fashion shows and events whenever possible. This will help you stay up-to-date on the latest trends and developments in the industry.

2. Get some relevant experience

One of the best ways to get into fashion buying and merchandising is to gain some relevant experience. Look for internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer opportunities in the industry to help you build your skills and make valuable connections. You may also want to consider taking a fashion merchandising course or certification program to gain a deeper understanding of the field.

3. Build your network

Networking is key in the fashion industry. Attend fashion industry events and connect with people who work in fashion buying and merchandising. Make sure to have a professional online presence, including a LinkedIn profile, to showcase your skills and connect with others in the industry.

4. Develop your skills

To be successful in fashion buying and merchandising, you’ll need a variety of skills, including the ability to analyse data, negotiate with vendors, and create compelling product displays. Work on developing these skills through practice and continuing education.

5. Be persistent

Breaking into the fashion industry can be tough, but don’t give up. Be persistent in your job search and keep building your skills and experience. A positive attitude and a willingness to work hard will go a long way in this industry.

In conclusion, getting into fashion buying and merchandising requires a combination of education, experience, networking, skills, and persistence.

If you’re passionate about fashion and willing to put in the effort, you can succeed in this exciting and rewarding career path.

Find Out More

At Portobello Institute we have a number of business of fashion undergraduate degrees that can help you or your son or daughter to follow their passion with career success in mind. To find out more about these courses and the careers and programmes they progress on to, visit our business of fashion department page here.

If you are interested in any of our business of fashion courses or have any questions you can book a consultation call with our expert fashion advisor Sarah Coyne here email sarah.coyne@portobelloinstitute.com or call 01 892 0041.