Some are connected electronically to their suppliers, whereby they can order directly from the manufacturer. This enables retailers to reorder items more efficiently when they are low on stock and decreases the inventory storage costs. Many of the routine tasks of Buyers have been eliminated because of computerization, permitting them to focus on more challenging merchandising functions. Travel is necessary to visit branch stores and domestic and sometimes foreign market areas. Buying trips can be physically and mentally demanding.
Buyers work closely with managers, salespersons, salesclerks, and advertising and systems personnel.
Buyers must watch general economic conditions to anticipate consumer buying patterns. In addition, they must keep abreast of style and manufacturing trends, read fashion and trade magazines, follow ads in newspapers and other media, and check retail competitors' sales activities. The following information is from the California Projections of Employment published by the Labor Market Information Division. Employment for Buyers is expected to grow slightly faster than all other occupations taken as a whole. Competition for buying jobs is expected to be keen, as merchandising attracts many college graduates.