Branded Buying vs. Creative Buying

Buying is such a sought after career option for fashion lovers but what a lot of people don’t realise is that the types of buying actually differ drastically. It’s imperative you understand each, so you can move in the right direction.

Our Recruitment Partner, Brianna, spent the first 6 years in her career working in buying for brands such as Cotton On, Forever New, Mysale & Collette by Collette Hayman. Therefore, she is more than qualified to run us through the different types of buying.

Branded Buying –

A branded buyer is responsible for buying other brand's product to sell through their own channel (think multi-brands!) They look at who their customer is and what trends they are buying to select a commercial range of product that will drive sales. These roles involve relationship management, analysing data (such as stock levels, margins and sell through) as well as establishing new brands and products to offer. These positions usually sit within companies that sell a range of brands to a specific audience, for example: Hype, Style Runner, The Iconic and Mecca. The role titles for these types of jobs can vary from Buyer, Account Manager, Category Manager, Brand Manager and the like. These kind of roles suit people who are great at building relationships, enjoy the sales and numbers side of business and are also creative in the sense that they can identify a profitable range through trend research.

Creative Buying or Traditional Buying –

A Creative Buyer is responsible for building a profitable range. Working closely with designers and offshore suppliers to create product from sketch, to final production. They research trends, colours and prints and create a seasonal or monthly product offering that tailor to their customer. This includes cost negotiation, off shore supplier management, fabric sourcing and purchasing, sample approval, creating product silhouettes and garment fitting. This is a role perfect for people who enjoy the creative element of making a garment, are passionate about product development and tailoring their brand to trends and seasonal concepts.

If buying is something that you have been thinking about getting into or an area of interest in your studies, we hope this insight provides you with some guidance.

The Talent Mill work with clients looking for various levels and type of buyers, so get in touch to chat further!