Online Buying & Merchandising

Fashion buyers and merchandisers work at the heart of every fashion brand. They understand all the social, cultural and environmental factors that influence the trends of the future, using their forecasting skills to plan best-selling ranges.

You'll have one live evening lesson each week, so you can study on your own schedule around your work and other commitments.

Our online Buying and Merchandising course teaches you how to plan and trade a successful fashion season, learning how each department works together to maximise sales.

Over 36 weeks, we’ll teach you how to understand consumers, spot trends and make the right strategic decisions for a successful business. You’ll explore the stages of the supply chain, from sourcing to production, and learn how items are delivered to customers both in-store and online. You’ll also discover the increasing importance of sustainability and ethical production within the fashion industry.

We’ll teach you how to analyse and understand consumer shopping behaviour and purchasing patterns. You’ll also develop your knowledge of trend forecasting, using industry databases like WGSN and Edited to support your creative decisions. We’ll also show you the essential Excel skills used by industry professionals every day - so you'll complete the course ready for an entry-level job in industry. 

You'll master the techniques for selecting bestselling products and buying them in the right quantities, making sure everything arrives in stores at the right time to maximise sales and profits.

TUESDAY EVENING

One compulsory live lesson every week. Lessons will usually be in the evening (UK GMT). 

WEDNESDAY EVENING

Either a themed discussion group or support session, alternating every week.

FRIDAY

Pre-recorded content, learning resources and tasks become available on our Online Learning platform. Work must be completed ahead of Tuesday's lesson. 

We expect you to complete 4-6 hours of independent study a week. 

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT

• Monthly meetings with your industry mentor
• Bookable sessions with your tutor, the FRA library or online learning support
• Careers advice and guidance from the Careers & Progression team

*Timetable is subject to change

Throughout our online Buying and Merchandising course, you'll complete 4 projects that cover a range of key topics

• Introduction to the Fashion Industry: Investigate how retail businesses are structured within the fashion industry. Analyse the factors that influence buying decisions including trend forecasting and consumer behaviour. Explore challenges around sustainability and ethical production. Explore the relationship between consumers, businesses and supply chains. 
• Range Planning & Building: Learn how product ranges are created and produced by brands. Discover how buyers and merchandisers work with a development team to manage the design, production, quality, budget and marketing of a profitable range. Create visual range plans using digital design software. 
• Sourcing & Product Development:  Explore the logistics of supply chains. Examine how fabrics and garments are sourced from across the world. Investigate the benefits and challenges of global manufacturing, including the cultural and economic influences on sourcing in an international market.  Learn about the principles of environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG).   
• Business & Data Analytics: Master the tools and methods for data analysis. Learn how to ask the right questions and solve problems. Use data to develop appropriate, relevant and effective solutions to business challenges. This includes customer behaviour analysis, competitor reviews and 'comp shops'. Learn the main methods and tools used when analysing data

Throughout the course, you'll have regular seminars, talks and masterclasses from our brand partners. We’ll help you develop a strong industry network that will support you throughout your career. You’ll also take part in projects and challenges set by brands that help you to develop valuable, practical skills.

After completing our online Buying & Merchandising course, you’ll be ready to progress straight into an entry-level role in industry. Popular roles include

• Buying Admin Assistant
• Merchandising Admin Assistant
• Allocator
• Buying Clerk

There is particular demand in the industry at the moment for entry-level merchandisers, with opportunities for rapid progression for strong candidates.

Accreditation
Accredited by OCN

Minimum Age: 19 + 

Course duration: 36 weeks

Fees: £2,100

Tuesday Evening Lesson: 19:00-21:30 (UK)

When you sign up for your course, you'll need to set up a payment plan to secure your place. The first payment is due when you sign up. 

Payment Options:

• Two Payments of 50% each – 0% interest
• Six equal monthly payments – 0% interest
• Full Payment upfront

Tuition fees are subject to change - the fees due are effective at the time of enrolment.

In the highly unlikely event that the course is cancelled, your payment will be refunded in full.

The full fee is to be paid prior to the end of the course. Please contact our Finance Team (finance@fra.ac.uk) if you have any payment queries.

Recommended Entry Qualifications: We welcome applicants with an undergraduate degree, A-levels or equivalent qualifications. We also encourage applicants with employment experience.

• As a minimum, we suggest GCSEs including Maths & English at grade 4/C or above.
• For international students, we require IELTS grade 5

Buying & Merchandising [online] is open to applications from international students. However, you must be able to attend one compulsory live lesson, one evening a week (UK GMT).

*(1) Source: average buyer salary in London

*(2) Source: average merchandiser salary in London