A footwear retail buyer is responsible for selecting and purchasing footwear styles for retail stores, e-commerce platforms, or department stores. Their goal is to curate an assortment that aligns with consumer demand, brand identity, and sales goals, ensuring that the right products are available at the right time and price.

Identify emerging footwear trends, consumer preferences, and best-selling categories.
Select the right mix of brands, styles, sizes, and price points for the store.
Work closely with footwear brands, designers, and merchandisers to curate collections.

Build and maintain relationships with footwear brands and suppliers.
Negotiate pricing, order volumes, delivery timelines, and exclusivity deals.
Secure the best terms for profit margins, markdown allowances, and return policies.

Forecast demand to ensure optimal stock levels (avoiding overstock or sellouts).
Monitor sales data, sell-through rates, and market trends to adjust future buys.
Work with planners to optimize inventory allocation across stores and online channels.

Attend fashion shows, trade fairs, and brand showrooms to discover new collections.
Place seasonal orders months in advance, aligning with retail calendars.
Balance core products, trend-driven drops, and limited-edition collaborations.

Business Planner