what I do as a fashion buyer / merchandiser 🛍 | PART 1

Learn what fashion buyers/merchandisers exactly do (basically it's a job where you're getting paid to shop, but it requires some deeper thinking too). I feel like this is an underexposed career path in the fashion industry, and more people should learn about it because hey - it might just end up being your dream job too!
Part 2 on how to land fashion buying jobs coming soon - please subscribe for more videos on NYC, fashion, art, and more!
Background beats:
“Flowers” - Prod. Riddiman spoti.fi/2u4ZS7R
“Take Care” - けｍ SURF / hmsurf
Let's connect:
✧ Instagram - / patriciahwang
✧ TikTok - / pattygotnocake
✧ Email - [e-mail]
Please email for any business inquiries ♡

[@isaaccaabrera]

U literally have my dream job

[@pattycore]

build up your resume with work experience/internships, and it will be possible for you too!

[@kellydionne7404]

As a young female who just graduated with her bachelors in fashion , this video inspired me more. My dream is to become a fashion buyer

[@jennamann4343]

This has been my dream job since I was a senior in high school but family talked me out of my dream because it wasn't "practical" or "realistic" in their mind. I have a business finance degree but watching this (and the fact that lately I've been feeling unfulfilled) has confirmed for me that this is still my passion and what I want to do. What I WILL do. Speaking it into existence! Thanks for the video. ☺️

[@parisgracexo]

I’m going to major in fashion merchandising this fall in college and my dream job is actually being a buyer!!! Thanks for making this video :)

[@ClaudiaTovar]

Hi Paris! Make it your goal! I can assure you that if you learn the basics and make sure to understand them you will get that job. 14 years ago I graduated from FSU Merchandising program and I can tell you you have selected a great career!

[@teehee9071]

My name’s Paris too😭but I am going to study fashion merchandising too! I’m contemplating because I saw this article saying that “fashion merchandising” is a pointless degree but I disagree

[@allaboutvarada]

Thank you Patty. You explained plain and simple manner. Very helpful.

[@palakmunjal79]

your job sounds so cool! interested to learn more about it!!

[@pattycore]

part 2 coming soon!

[@alexxisbrooke]

Thank you for the info! You are so pretty and I love the confidence and passion you have for this, Makes me excited :)

[@katarinathesecond]

The most informative video out there regarding the topic! Thanks!!!

[@katie-rl7vh]

i've been unsure of what i wanna do for a job especially considering how i'm under so much pressure to decide from my vce teachers but this video absolutely convinced me. i love fashion and i think this is the career for me!

[@shaniajones5107]

This is actually one of the best explanations I've heard of this role. I don't think my lecturers even got it this good 😂

[@haileypodskalny2011]

I’m majoring in marketing right now but this is my dream job! Your videos are so helpful, i hope to get into this career eventually!

[@mariedunkley4750]

Thank you!!! I’ve been watching a ton of (buyers) video and by far you are the best I’ve seen you give such great necessary details and make it so simple without all the extra mess!!! I love your style!! You’re amazing!!!

[@yulipadovanii]

I loved your video! Thank you to make this video so clear and opened my mind for what I might want for my career. Going to College this fall for fashion merchandising in NY area!!😘

[@ClaudiaTovar]

Great Video! You explain exactly our career of Buying!!! Specially the part of not buying for yourself but with a consumers perspective! Indeed it is a world behind and a math behind that makes it so much fun. I've been +15 years in this business and I love it!

[@sakaralouisecarter205]

Thank you so much for posting this! I had no idea this job existed when I started undergrad. I’m going to go to graduate school to prepare to be a fashion buyer!💗💗

[@naomiferguson3980]

I have an interview for an assistant buyer position tomorrow, this was so helpful thank you!!

[@mayeshaahmed6514]

Really liked this video! I’ve been wanting to be a fashion buyer since i was in high school and i graduated college 2 years ago but it’s been very hard trying to navigate how to actually get the position or work towards it. At what age did you become a buyer? I know you mentioned you’ll go more in depth on how you got to your current position for your next video so excited to learn abt that!

[@kallicemills454]

Patiently waiting for part 2! Can’t wait

[@pattycore]

apologies for the long wait! there's been a lot going on - will upload within this week!

[@123cutieputtie]

Thank you for this video! i really really want to be a buyer, im currently hunting for an internship in procurement for this summer! Seems like its not a popular job so haven't been able to find as much information as i would like about the job details. Graduating next year with a BA in Logistics! I cant wait!

[@ashleyk3045]

you're genuinely so good at explaining things that make it easy for everyone to understand!! can't wait for more videos like this :)

[@pattycore]

thank you for watching ASHLEY 😍

[@jadaaustin3818]

My dream jobbb 🤗

[@tiffanyjhwang]

Im learning alot as a fashion designer too!!! Excited to see your part 2 👏🏻✨

[@JadenHwang]

Wow...

[@kate-mc2xm]

woah omg your job sounds so fun and genuinely interesting 🥺 i’m excited for part 2!

[@pattycore]

thank you! :)

[@Lol-kf6qd]

Thanks for sharing! Very insightful💕

[@sagrikak572]

Thankyou so much for making this video! waiting for part2 :)

[@pattycore]

Happy to help! And part 2 has been uploaded - if you go to my channel under videos you should be able to see it!

[@p017am]

in the next video can you please tell how you became educated on the different jobs and the steps you took to learn more about the fashion industry?🥰

[@melady1332]

who else is here from tiktok 😭😂

[@AvasLyfe]

Me

[@111_71]

Don't call it tik tok call it just a shit ok!?😡

[@briannajackson7724]

My major is fashion buyers assistant. I went to the art institute of Chicago n received a fashion certificate. now I'm in business school. I also have a ton of retail and management experience thank u for making this video

[@alexandrapotekhin9224]

This job seems really cool! In part 2, can you explain how you got the job? Thank you so much!!!

[@camillesuarez1492]

This was such an interesting and informative video from the GOAT! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@pattycore]

thank you to the KWEEN herself 😍

[@shaniyabroughton4279]

This was very helpful ty!!!

[@gracecheechov5852]

dream job omg

[@faithchia9502]

this video was really informative + well-spoken! i’m currently a business major, but i’ve always rly loved fashion and haven’t figured out how to incorporate that into a career. i’ll definitely check out fashion buying more now to consider it, tysm!

[@faithchia9502]

do you have more information on salary/hours, or if fashion buying is the kind of job where you can work your way up to higher paying positions? also looking forward to your next video! my business school is pretty decent but there’s really no resources for careers in the fashion industry

[@pattycore]

@@faithchia9502 I'm glad you found the video helpful! salary is unfortunately not that high (as is most of the fashion industry, it's not really known for great pay), hours usually follow your corporate job hours but definitely varies. you definitely do need to build up on your experience to move up!

[@KryssaGoodhart]

I’m graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics, so this would be a great career path to explore... especially dealing with fashion! Can’t wait to gain more insight on this. 😊

[@pattycore]

math is actually a great major for this path! lots of numbers to analyze

[@jazeela1716]

Omg thanks for the video !! ❤ Ive always loved fashion but i just didnt know on which branch to be

[@pattycore]

glad it helped! :)

[@kareny7814]

Wow such a great video! I’m planning to transfer into LIM College in NY to major in Fashion Merchandising to peruse being a fashion buyer so it so nice that I got to hear from you!! When I found you on tiktok I got so excited haha Honestly I could only find old videos on information about fashion buying so thank you so much for doing this😁 It would be such an honor to be connected with you on LinkedIn!!

[@pattycore]

I noticed a lot of videos on here were outdated too, so wanted to make it simple while bringing a fresh perspective so thank you! LIM is a great school for merchandising! feel free to connect, profile should be open

[@kareny7814]

Thanks sm for responding! Yes, I’ll definitely contact you through LinkedIn then😊 Its so nice to meet someone that’s literally in the field that I want to get into fs

[@SimplyShellaby]

Thank you for posting this! At what age did you get a job as a buyer? Did you have to work others jobs in different business fields before getting a buyer position? I’ve always wanted to get into fashion buying, but where I live there isn’t much of a fashion scene. I’ve worked as an analyst and now in logistics. But in a far different industry. Do you think location is a big part of fashion buying? Thanks 🥰

[@kaylalovestosleep]

Thank you for explaining this!! 😊❤️

[@pattycore]

🤗

[@alishabudha5788]

Thankyou for this video ❤️

[@emilymarshall552]

This is so helpful, thank you so much! Subscribed right away lol

[@pattycore]

thank you! the next part will be out this week!

[@abdulazizakl6341]

Hi Patty, Im so glad to come across your channel as its really helpful for my current starting phase as a assistant buyer. 😍 Could you please recommend a fashion buying basics and strategies which can boost my knowledge to push me into buyer role. ☺️ Really appreciate you advice as well as your response. ☺️☺️

[@Dr.Pepper001]

I'm an old retired guy living on 5 country acres in Kentucky. I watch lots of war and scifi moves, gun channels, sailing videos, and political channels. Somehow your channel showed up as a recommended channel (go figure). I've been watching your videos. You're a living doll. Hey, my body may be old but my eyeballs are still 25.

[@librarianrose4472]

That’s creepy af love

[@jeseniadiaz4762]

Your job sounds so Interesting and cool.

[@Immaculateve]

Literally my dream job I think

[@cococoscienza8405]

Thanks u so much for the explication of my dream job 👍🏾

[@user-ds8hi6zf3n]

our prof just used your video to explain what fashion buying is, to us!

[@factnuage5600]

thank you for explaining

[@aubreynikole8925]

thank god for posting this, i am so interested in this and sadly google serves no justice edit: what’s the salary?

[@pattycore]

the salary is such a wide range - depends on what city/company/level you're in, I recommend searching on glassfoor for specific examples, but it's fashion so salaries are not that high compared to other industries like finance and tech

[@dannylolx3]

omg wow! i'm actually going to school for this at FIT and i'm so excited! found u thru tiktok! u rock girlie 💕

[@pattycore]

thanks for watching!

[@linma1853]

Thank you for sharing，Patty🌹

[@aleahsummerville3601]

Buying is technical you can shop if you’re a personal shopper

[@lesliemwangi]

questions for your next video ☺️: is there a certain major/classes that employers look for? is it possible to be a fashion buyer without college?

[@tiaranair144]

I had the same question haha 💘

[@ms-dz6yf]

woah so underated

[@chloe_cxoxo02]

I wish I could pull up this video every time someone makes fun of my major 😅

[@tiaranair144]

What exactly is your major? I’m interested in this job but I’m not sure about what major i should be taking for this particular job…

[@tiffanyjhwang]

YESSSSS PACHEL HREEEN

[@pattycore]

😂

[@mariasaravia2378]

I’m still thinking about what I want to pursue for in college and fashion merchandising seems very interesting, is there anyways you could maybe mention your college experience that got you to where you are now?

[@pattycore]

yes! part 2 is now up and I went in depth on all of my college experiences

[@mariasierra4201]

Hey great video! I've been doing a major in psychology but am considering pursuing fashion business. Do you think adding a minor in business or marketing alongside a psychology major would be helpful for a career in fashion buying?

[@elisegwon7689]

This is so cool! I’m actually a incoming freshman in college and I’m in a communications major. Would it be possible to become a fashion buyer through this major?

[@pattycore]

it would still be possible, but I would say try to incorporate some classes related to business and sales because they like seeing analytical skills!

[@elisegwon7689]

pattycore ahhh Okok for sure Tyty this was rlly helpful

[@rosepetals2637]

This is my dream job

[@Jay-hc4xj]

I heard it from Living Single because Regine was one 😊

[@sfox8695]

Hey, I worked in an entry level job doing buying for a high street brand in England. To be bluntly honest I was disappointed that it wasnt as creative as I imagined after thinking this was my dream job for years! Would you say it's more an analytical or a creative job? I'm trying to figure out whether I just had a bad experience in my previous job or whether it's just not for me, there were waaaaay more spreadsheets involved than I thought 🙈

[@pattycore]

buying is totally more analytical! there's definitely a lot of numbers involved because at the end of the day it's about the sales! if you don't like this analytical aspect don't be scared to try something new as there's a lot of different positions in the fashion industry!

[@yichin912]

What's your advice for a small fashion brand with a very limited number of seasonless styles?

[@priscillalynn1330]

Can you describe your process researching for this job that lead you towards making this decision?? I'm a junior in college and I'm trying to do narrow down my potential career paths

[@pattycore]

hi! I suggest you browse through fashion job postings (either on sites like linkedin or your own school's portal) and compare the job responsibilities under each job title and see which one sounds the most fitting. sometimes companies might use different titles when it's for the same job function, so reading through the bullet points really helps. what helped me a lot was also attending career fairs and informational sessions in college - when you speak directly with recruiters that visit campus/hold events it's super informative because they're the ones able to give details on what each department of the company does!

[@adindabarusman]

I saw your comment on tiktok that you originally took business for your college major. So, how did you eventually learn those strategies and analyses that you mentioned? Since I'm very interested in merchandising but my college major is not related to fashion :)

[@pattycore]

college gave me a good general view of how businesses function, but it's really on the job where you learn the most! so even if you're not studying fashion it's ok because you can learn during internships and jobs!

[@edilora19]

Will you say it's desk job? I keep hearing from some that it's a desk job and others say they go to factories etc and they are barely in their desk.

[@gabiweiner3568]

Hi! I’m a senior studying Fashion Business Management with a specialization in buying and planning at FIT and I’m applying to buying and merchandising jobs right now! I’m curious, at your job, is there a software that you use to plan your buys?

[@pattycore]

omg good luck! we recently started using nuorder as our main buying application! we also often use excel for reports

[@tiaranair144]

I really wanna be a fashion buyer but I’m not sure what stream i should major when I’m in fashion school… any suggestions?

[@dominicong]

🔥🔥🔥

[@cheskacharlton6982]

Correct me if I'm wrong... So your job is to attend your companies fashion week and to decide where store branches you will put it in????

[@juanitavelez9876]

hi! what did you study and where? I was very inspired by you!!!

[@pattycore]

thanks for watching :) I went to Rutgers and majored in supply chain (part of our business program)!

[@sofiewood1899]

I am pursuing a career in buying!! I have a question for you, do you recommend purchasing an iPad pro for this career? I've heard a few people say that they suggest it, but I figured I would ask someone actually in this field. Thanks in advance!

[@pattycore]

hey! iPads are useful for when you go to market appointments, but I wouldn't get one in advance unless your company/school tells you to. you're still mainly working on excel and it's easiest to work on an actual computer/laptop!

[@anantasingh2867]

Bro I wanna do it to please explain the pathway!

[@honesttogod_]

i want to be a buyer. is a major in apparel design and merchandising a good route?

[@ROSHAYW]

I need to apply to college soon and my dream job is a fashion buyer would doing a fashion retail course cover this ?

[@yovngrahhh]

So you go to other stores. Buy thier product and put in the company you work with stores ?

[@arielkim4372]

this is literally my dream job omggg one question: did you study fashion merchandising in college? would it be detrimental to not study fashion but only study business? thank u so much for the video it is so helpful!!

[@pattycore]

not at all! I was a business major at a state school that had no fashion programs. it definitely helps having the network of a fashion school, but it's still possible without! my next video will go over both pros and cons of it :)

[@arielkim4372]

pattycore ahhh i am so glad to hear that!! i recently got admitted to fit for fashion business management but i had to turn it down because it was too expensive for me :( i thought my dreams were over bc im going to my state school (which also has no relation to fashion lol) anyway thank u for ur reply and im looking forward to ur next videos!!

[@pattycore]

@@arielkim4372 I feel you! I went to my state school too since it was the cheapest option. work experience and extracurriculars can turn out to be more valuable than just the school!

[@enalynnovenario7615]

Hi Patty, How to be a fashion buyer?? ❤️

[@nicoleparent5647]

did you find the industry competitive?

[@may-il1bx]

hey! i’m doing fashion marketing and branding in university, but i’m really into merchandising and buying, will i still be able to do this if i’m doing my current course ?

[@pattycore]

hi yes! I suggest supporting your experience with internships related to sales and buying - marketing/branding is important for buying as well, but direct experience that's related to sales would be really beneficial!

[@himas1643]

Hey! I’m a rising soph at Rutgers and I’m a supply chain major and I really want to go into the fashion industry I was wondering if u cud give me some advice about gaining experience/I was thinking about double majoring in marketing, would it be worth it? Thank you so much! I love this video it was very informative :)

[@pattycore]

hey I went there too as a supply chain major! if you have the time, double majoring looks great on resumes but don't go out of your way squeezing it in if it's too much work. I suggest you take on internships through the rest of college across business and fashion!

[@himas1643]

pattycore Ohh that’s so cool! Rutgers people really be everywhere 😂😂. Yea I think I also just want to focus on supply chain too. Thank u so much for your advice! Looking forward to part 2 :)

[@zeynepkilic2795]

Could this also be a work path for someone who is studying fashion design ?

[@pattycore]

I would recommend to try to include business/math related classes, or work experiences related to the business side of fashion! you clearly have an eye for fashion, but they would like you to show your analytical side as well!

[@sophiarusso6110]

This jobs has like travel included, or fashion weeks constantly every year around the world?

[@pattycore]

I'm in the US, and most fashion companies have showrooms in NYC so there honestly isn't that much traveling. you see more people traveling as you move up to higher director/executive levels

[@anagha1615]

Hey sweet pea ... I would like to know about your education degree .. and what was the procedure for admission..which exams you took !

[@pattycore]

I got a regular bachelors degree in business! there were no special exams just the SATs for college admission here in the US

[@kanydiabradley3202]

So with fashion merchandising/ buyer, ordering clothes from a clothing vendor and putting it into your own boutique to sell to customers,would that be considered fashion merchandising also?

[@pattycore]

yes! whether it's for a large department store, or your own boutique, this whole process is merchandising!

[@ditto7468]

if you don’t mind answering, how much money do you make/do most fashion buyers make?

[@pattycore]

it really varies on the company! I suggest you go onto glassdoor and search up different companies and their positions for a range! they show salary estimates there

[@vanessamorenorosales1786]

My goal is to be a buyer for an off price store❤

[@alexisbrown6560]

This is my dream job! I graduated with a B.S in Fashion Merchandising and Retailing in 2019 and cannot find a job for the life of me.... Any advice?

[@pattycore]

unfortunately there is extremely high competition for a low amount of open positions right now in the industry due to COVID. I created a part 2 video on my channel explaining more in depth on what helped me - I hope it helps! I'll also be releasing videos on resumes and interviews soon too since that's what recruiters will base their decisions on the most!

[@youclingonme]

Do you need to go to school to become a buyer?

[@katrinavelasco2950]

how do you do that?

[@420supercoolgirl]

I’m a rising freshman in college and an planning on majoring in marketing and/or advertising. Would this make sense to become a buyer?

[@pattycore]

marketing would be a good fit because it's business related!

[@stellat.8345]

I'm interested in changing my career into buying but I'm wondering which program will be better for me? Programs like fashion retailing management or international business management?

[@pattycore]

Fashion retailing fits closer with this specific position! But you’ll still be able to get opportunities on international business as well

[@stellat.8345]

@@pattycore thanks! And do i need to be really good at math or i just need to master excel 😂😂

[@pattycore]

you definitely should be comfortable with math 😅 you’re not using like crazy calculus or anything but the business is all about the sales numbers!

[@Sydneyrella]

Yessss

[@Sydneyrella]

I’m a fashion major at Ohio State, this was so helpful!

[@pattycore]

@@Sydneyrella ah awesome! glad I was able to help 🤗

[@urmom-yy7xg]

wait so fashion buyers basically go to markets and decide which designer clothes to buy? and predict/follow trends? sorry its just I'm interested in becoming a buyer but I still gotta do more research

[@pattycore]

yes they go in and see the entire collection and decide which specific styles to buy! buyers keep trends in mind when they go to market

[@aimows]

Hi!!💗💓 Would communications and marketing major be good for this? Or should I be doing marketing with business administration or something else

[@pattycore]

I would recommend marketing over communications because it's nice to touch upon the business aspect of it early on, and marketing is usually within business programs! anything that's related to business I recommend :)

[@aimows]

@@pattycore thank you so much!!!!!!!!!!

[@pattycore]

@@aimows no problem! :)

[@rl4195]

You buy for different stores?

[@gracemoreira4261]

What’s the salary like.. if you don’t mind me asking..

[@pattycore]

honestly it's not that high and that's a sacrifice you often have to make if entering the fashion industry. unless you're really experienced and at a higher up executive level, you have to start low and work your way up in buying

[@julianna9417]

im interested in this too!! what’s the average salary roughly, if u don’t mind me asking

[@pattycore]

check glassdoor for specific companies - it ranges widely because it depends on experience, company, categories

[@SuFFo]

Thanks for the video! I work as a buyer in the skincare industry, I have more of an idea of explaining my job rather than "Essentially I go shopping" hahaha

[@pattycore]

no problem! it was the easiest way to phrase it shortly haha skincare must be a fun industry to work in!

[@trinifernandez8388]

Does the job imply traveling? My dream job is to work with fashion and get to know places around the world. If anyone has a suggestion please let me know. 😊😊😊

[@pattycore]

there honestly isn't that much traveling because most fashion companies have showrooms here in NYC. but as you get higher up at director/executive levels you see people traveling more for shows.

[@purselvoe2718]

What major did u get and what school did u go to? Do you have to be in a fashion school to be a fashion buyer/merchandiser?

[@pattycore]

I was a business major at Rutgers, and nope! my school had no fashion at all, it is not a requirement, although it does have its perks to be at a fashion school

[@purselvoe2718]

pattycore thank u for responding. This is my daughter’s dream job and she is incoming freshman also in Rutgers NB and she didn’t know where to start as far as major to pick. I would appreciate if u can share what major in business did u take and some tips on how to get this job. Thank u so much.

[@pattycore]

supply chain - it's very product focused so if she is sure about retail then it's a good match for her! but over education, lately it's work experience that is very valuable. in my next video I'll go more in depth on my tips!