ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Retail Buyer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Boston Symphony Orchestra

Retail Buyer

Boston, MA · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

About the Role The Retail Buyer is responsible for sourcing, selecting, and purchasing products that align with the company's brand and customer preferences to meet and exceed sales and profit goals.

Boston Symphony Orchestra

Retail Buyer

Boston, MA

$75K - $85K/yr

About the Role The Retail Buyer is responsible for sourcing, selecting, and purchasing products that align with the company's brand and customer preferences to meet and exceed sales and profit goals.

Ra

Retail Buyer

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

More than 7 years of retail buying experience in a national retailer * Experience working in a multi SKU category * Experience being a proven leader and handling teams with great passion * Experience ...

Ra

Retail Buyer

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

More than 7 years of retail buying experience in a national retailer * Experience working in a multi SKU category * Experience being a proven leader and handling teams with great passion * Experience ...

University of Arizona

Retail Buyer I

Tucson, AZ · On-site

Retail Buyer I Posting Number req26477 Department Campus Store Department Website Link Student Unions Location Tucson Campus Address Tucson, AZ USA Position Highlights The Retail Buyer I position ...

Crossroads Trading Co. Inc.

Retail Buyer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$17.50 - $20.50/hr

... retail journey. * Youll learn how to run a second-hand business youll embody an entrepreneurial spirit- learning everything from buying, merchandising and inventory practices to gaining and ...

Alterra

Retail Buyer, Year-Round

Mammoth Lakes, CA · On-site

$70K - $73K/yr

The Retail Buyer is responsible for collaborating with other buyers on the team and developing an all-encompassing merchandise plan for each unique retail outlet for Mammoth Resorts. Including but ...

Crossroads Trading Co. Inc.

Retail Buyer

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

$17.40 - $20.40/hr

... retail journey. * Youll learn how to run a second-hand business youll embody an entrepreneurial spirit- learning everything from buying, merchandising and inventory practices to gaining and ...

Crossroads Trading Co. Inc.

Retail Buyer

Berkeley, CA · On-site

$20.18 - $23.18/hr

... retail journey. * Youll learn how to run a second-hand business youll embody an entrepreneurial spirit- learning everything from buying, merchandising and inventory practices to gaining and ...

Crossroads Trading Co. Inc.

Retail Buyer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$18.95 - $21.95/hr

... retail journey. * Youll learn how to run a second-hand business youll embody an entrepreneurial spirit- learning everything from buying, merchandising and inventory practices to gaining and ...

Crossroads Trading Co. Inc.

Retail Buyer

Portland, OR · On-site

$17.80 - $20.80/hr

... retail journey. * Youll learn how to run a second-hand business youll embody an entrepreneurial spirit- learning everything from buying, merchandising and inventory practices to gaining and ...

Crossroads Trading Co., Inc.

Retail Buyer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$18.97 - $21.97/hr

... retail journey. * You'll learn how to run a second-hand business- you'll embody an entrepreneurial spirit- learning everything from buying, merchandising and inventory practices to gaining and ...

Crossroads Trading Co., Inc.

Retail Buyer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$17.50 - $20.50/hr

... retail journey. * You'll learn how to run a second-hand business- you'll embody an entrepreneurial spirit- learning everything from buying, merchandising and inventory practices to gaining and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsRetail Buyer Jobs

Retail Buyer information

See salary details

$8

$18

$36

How much do retail buyer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for retail buyer in the United States is $18.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Is a Retail Buyer?

As a retail buyer, your job is to purchase merchandise for stores to resell to consumers. You may work for a department store or retail chain. Your responsibilities center on buying products from manufacturers or wholesalers and training sales staff in product knowledge. Your day-to-day duties include visiting manufacturer showrooms, negotiating deals, seeking out new products, and monitoring inventory and purchasing budgets. Your job involves traveling to these showrooms to inspect products before making buying decisions. You need confidence and strong communication skills to be an effective negotiator.

What are the roles of a Retail Buyer?

A retail buyer is responsible for selecting and purchasing products to meet customer demand while maintaining profitability. They analyze market trends, negotiate with suppliers, and manage inventory levels to ensure the store offers appealing and competitive merchandise. Strong analytical skills and knowledge of inventory management tools are essential for this role.

What are retail buyers?

Retail buyers are professionals responsible for selecting and purchasing products for retail stores to sell to their customers. They analyze market trends, negotiate with suppliers, and ensure that their store stocks products that will appeal to their target market while maximizing profitability. Retail buyers also monitor inventory levels, attend trade shows, and work closely with merchandising and sales teams. Their decisions play a crucial role in a store’s success, as they directly impact product offerings and sales performance.

What is the difference between Retail Buyer vs Retail Merchandiser?

AspectRetail BuyerRetail Merchandiser
Primary RoleSources and selects products to be sold in stores or onlinePlans and implements product displays and promotional strategies
Required SkillsNegotiation, market research, vendor managementVisual merchandising, inventory management, marketing
Work EnvironmentOffice-based with supplier visitsStore floors, display setups, and marketing events
Industry UsageRetail, fashion, electronicsRetail, fashion, consumer goods

While both roles are essential in retail, a Retail Buyer focuses on selecting and purchasing products, whereas a Retail Merchandiser handles product presentation and promotional displays. Understanding these differences helps employers and job seekers target the right skills and responsibilities for each position.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Retail Buyer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Retail Buyer, you need strong analytical abilities, negotiation skills, and a background in business, merchandising, or a related field. Familiarity with inventory management systems, point-of-sale analytics, and forecasting software is typically required. Excellent communication, decision-making, and relationship-building skills help Retail Buyers collaborate with suppliers and internal teams. These competencies are crucial for making strategic purchasing decisions that maximize sales, profitability, and customer satisfaction.

What is a Retail Buyer?

A retail buyer is a professional responsible for selecting and purchasing products for a retail store or chain. They analyze market trends, negotiate with suppliers, and manage inventory to ensure the store offers appealing and profitable merchandise. Strong decision-making, negotiation skills, and knowledge of inventory management are essential in this role.

What are some common challenges retail buyers face when forecasting trends and managing inventory?

Retail buyers often encounter challenges in accurately predicting consumer trends and balancing inventory levels. Market preferences can shift rapidly, making it essential to analyze sales data, monitor competitor activity, and stay informed about emerging trends. Managing supplier relationships, negotiating contracts, and coordinating with merchandising and sales teams are also crucial to ensure the right products are available at the right time. Successful buyers are adaptable and proactive in responding to market changes to minimize overstock or stockouts.

What is the average salary for a Retail Buyer?

The average salary for a retail buyer typically ranges from $45,000 to $75,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and the size of the retail company. Senior or specialized buyers can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $85,000 annually. Compensation may also include bonuses and benefits based on performance and company policies.

Are retail buyers in demand?

Retail buyers are in steady demand as they play a key role in inventory management and sales growth for retail companies. Strong analytical skills and knowledge of market trends are important for success in this role, which often requires experience with inventory management software. Employment prospects can vary based on the retail industry and economic conditions.
More about Retail Buyer jobs
What cities are hiring for Retail Buyer jobs? Cities with the most Retail Buyer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Retail Buyer jobs? The most popular types of Retail Buyer jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Retail Buyer jobs? The top employers for Retail Buyer jobs are:
What states have the most Retail Buyer jobs? States with the most job openings for Retail Buyer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Retail Buyer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Retail Buyer jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Retail Buyer jobs? For Retail Buyer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Retail Buyer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Retail Buyer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,477 per year, or $18.5 per hour.
Retail Buyer

Retail Buyer

Boston Symphony Orchestra

Boston, MA • On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

Summary/Objective
Job Description
About the BSO
Founded in 1881, the Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO) is one of the premier orchestras in the world. The BSO is committed to being a best-in-class employer that brings artistic excellence and cultural relevance through music and performances to the local and international communities.
About the Role
The Retail Buyer is responsible for sourcing, selecting, and purchasing products that align with the company's brand and customer preferences to meet and exceed sales and profit goals. This role involves analyzing market trends and internal sales results, evaluating supplier options, negotiating contracts, and ensuring product availability to maximize sales and profitability. The Retail Buyer works closely with various departments, including merchandising, sales, and marketing, to develop and execute purchasing strategies. This position will require 10-15% domestic travel, including 2-3 short term trips to our summer concert venue, Tanglewood in Lenox, MA and occasional trade shows.
Job Responsibilities
Product Selection
  • Research and analyze market trends, internal sales results, customer preferences, venue-specific opportunities, and competitor activities to identify potential products.
  • Select and purchase products that align with the company's brand and target market.
  • Collaborate with the merchandising and sales teams to develop product assortments.

Supplier Management
  • Identify, evaluate, and establish relationships with suppliers.
  • Negotiate suppliers' prices, terms, and contracts to secure the best deals.
  • Monitor supplier performance and resolve product quality, delivery, or pricing issues.

Inventory Management
  • Forecast demand and plan inventory levels to ensure product availability while minimizing excess stock.
  • Monitor sales performance and adjust orders or stock levels accordingly.
  • Collaborate with the logistics team to manage inventory flow and ensure timely product delivery.

Budgeting and Financial Analysis
  • Develop and manage purchasing budgets.
  • Analyze sales data and market trends to make informed purchasing decisions.
  • Monitor and report key financial metrics, including margins, turnover rates, and profitability.
  • Work with the broader Retail department to meet and exceed sales and profit goals, seasonally and annually.

Product Development
  • Work with suppliers and designers to develop new products or customize existing products to meet customer demands.
  • Conduct product testing and quality control to ensure that products meet company standards.

Vendor Relations
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with vendors to negotiate favorable terms and secure exclusive products.
  • Resolve any conflicts or issues with vendors promptly and professionally.

Market Research
  • Stay informed about industry trends, competitor and peer activities, and emerging products.
  • Attend trade shows, exhibitions, and supplier meetings to source new products and network with industry professionals.

Compliance and Reporting
  • Ensure that all purchased products comply with legal and regulatory requirements.
  • Prepare regular reports on purchasing activities, including sales performance, inventory levels, and supplier performance.

Required Education and Experience
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in business, Marketing, Merchandising, or a related field.
  • 3-5 years of experience in retail buying, merchandising, or a related role.

Skills
  • Strong analytical and decision-making skills.
  • Excellent negotiation and communication skills.
  • Proficiency in inventory management and purchasing software.
  • Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
  • Strong understanding of retail trends and customer behavior.
  • Willingness to travel to meet with suppliers and attend industry events.
  • Flexibility to adapt to changing market conditions and company needs.
  • Knowledge of orchestral music is a plus.
  • Ability to travel 10-15% domestically

Salary Range: $75,000 - 85,000 annually
The BSO is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Apply