SHORT COURSE: introduction to FASHION buying & merchandising
For those wanting a career in fashion buying or merchandising, our short course is the perfect introduction to this area of industry. Over two days or four evenings, you’ll learn about the roles of buyers and merchandisers within a buying office, how they work together, and how they are essential to the fashion retail industry.
- Discover the roles of buyer and merchandiser
- Learn from an industry professional
- Study at the Fashion Retail Academy, the home of fashion's next generation
Overview
If you are considering a career in fashion buying or merchandising, this course is a great introduction.
On this course, taught over either two days or four evenings at the Fashion Retail Academy campus, you’ll explore how products reach the shop floor, from initial design through to a sale. You’ll learn about the supply chain and how buyers and merchandisers work together through a combination of discussions and practical exercises.
You’ll also discover the different types of buying roles, and learn about key responsibilities and areas, such as critical paths, stock management, customer profiling and range planning.
By the end of the course, you’ll have learnt about the roles of buyer and merchandiser, and about the buying function across different types of retailers.
TUTORS
Alison Phillips is a fashion retail expert with over 20 years industry experience, including senior global buying roles at Tesco F&F and account management at Aster Textile. She's worked with brands like Marks & Spencer and Topshop across sourcing, product development and large-scale buying. Now as EFI Training's Delivery Manager, she brings her industry insights to the course, helping the next generation thrive in retail.
Sarah Hansford is a buying professional with extensive experience across a variety of business models and product areas specialising in jewellery and accessories. She has extensive experience interpreting sales and industry data to formulate strategy and deliver trend-driven product and consumer-led propositions. Sarah currently manages a portfolio career including Head of Buying (jewellery, optical and hair accessories) alongside lecturing in Buying and Merchandising at the Fashion Retail Academy and freelance consultancy projects.
Course details
Want to know more?
Get in touch with our team if you have any questions:
Email: shortcourses@fra.ac.uk
Phone: 0207 307 2350
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