Retail and Wholesale Buyers
(NOC 6222)
in All Sales and ServiceRetail and wholesale buyers buy merchandise for resale by retail or wholesale businesses and are usually responsible for the merchandising operations of retail or wholesale companies. This would include developing sales projections, plans for displaying the goods, and point-of-sale advertising. Retail and wholesale buyers who are supervisors and those who are assistants are included in this group. Retail and wholesale buyers may specialize in a merchandise line.
Job Outlook
Average
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Compared to: All Sales and Service
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “average”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is comparable to the average for all occupations in Nova Scotia. This is a fairly large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities occur fairly regularly. The number employed in this occupation is expected to decline slightly over the next few years, which may affect the number of new opportunities available. With a moderate percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to contribute somewhat to employment opportunities over the coming years. Retail and Wholesale Buyers may either be working full-time or part-time hours.
The median employment income for 49% of Retail and Wholesale Buyers who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $33,735. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$12.95
Minimum$22.60
Median$34.62
MaximumAnnual Pay
$4,288
Minimum$24,877
Median$60,883
MaximumCompared to: All Sales and Service
Hourly Pay
$12.55
Minimum$18.36
Median$22.50
MaximumAnnual Pay
$2,949
Minimum$16,629
Median$45,086
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Retail and wholesale buyers buy merchandise for resale by retail or wholesale businesses and are usually responsible for the merchandising operations of retail or wholesale companies. This would include developing sales projections, plans for displaying the goods, and point-of-sale advertising. Retail and wholesale buyers who are supervisors and those who are assistants are included in this group. Retail and wholesale buyers may specialize in a merchandise line.
Job duties
Retail and wholesale buyers:
- Purchase merchandise for resale by retail or wholesale companies.
- Review requirements of company and determine quantity and type of merchandise to purchase.
- Study market reports, trade periodicals and sales promotion materials and visit trade shows, showrooms, factories, and product design events.
- Select the merchandise that best fits the company's requirements.
- Interview suppliers and negotiate prices, discounts, credit terms and transportation arrangements.
- Oversee distribution of merchandise to outlets and maintain adequate stock levels.
- Establish and maintain contact with suppliers.
- May supervise the work of other retail buyers.
Sample job titles
- assistant buyer
- food buyer
- livestock buyer
- merchandiser
- pharmaceuticals buyer
- produce buyer
- retail buyer
- retail merchandiser
- senior buyer - retail or wholesale
- wholesale buyer
Skills
You need excellent communication and negotiation skills. The ability to analyze complex information accurately and quickly is necessary for decision-making. Computer skills would be a definite asset.
Job requirements
- High school is required.
- A university degree or college diploma in business, marketing or a related program is usually required.
Other considerations
Work experience in retail or wholesale business is usually required. Retail and wholesale buyers may specialize through experience or product-related training courses. Supervisors and senior buyers require experience in the job supervised or in a particular merchandise line. Progression to management positions in retail trade, sales, marketing or advertising is possible with additional training or experience.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Sales and Service
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
Southern
Cape Breton
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Retail trade
Wholesale trade
Manufacturing
Professional, scientific and technical services
Transportation and warehousing
What is the age of Employment?
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
15-24
65+
Compared to: All Sales and Service
15-24
45-54
25-34
55-64
35-44
Top levels of education
High school
$23,532 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$23,903 median annual incomeLess than high school
$24,563 median annual incomeBachelor
$28,489 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$33,594 median annual incomeCompared to: All Sales and Service
High school
$15,705 median annual incomeLess than high school
$9,866 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$20,644 median annual incomeBachelor
$21,262 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$21,234 median annual incomeEducation & training
Business Administration and Management
College, Trades, or University ProgramThese programs prepare students to plan, organize, direct, and control the functions and processes of a firm or organization. They include courses in management theory, human resources management and behaviour, accounting and other quantitative methods, purchasing and logistics, organization and production, marketing, and business decision-making.
Institutions providing this program
Lower Sackville, NS
Halifax, NS
Wolfville, NS
Sydney, NS
Truro, NS
Stellarton, NS
Port Hawkesbury, NS
Business/Commerce
College, Trades, or University ProgramThese programs focus on the general study of business, including the processes of interchanging goods and services (buying, selling and producing), business organization, and accounting as used in profit-making and non-profit public and private institutions and agencies. They prepare students to apply business principles and techniques in various occupational settings.
Institutions providing this program
Logistics and Materials Management
College, Trades, or University ProgramThese programs prepare students to manage and coordinate all logistical functions in an enterprise, ranging from acquisitions to receiving and handling, through internal allocation of resources to operations units, to the handling and delivery of output. They include courses in acquisitions and purchasing, inventory control, storage and handling, just-in-time manufacturing, logistics planning, shipping and delivery management, transportation, quality control, resource estimation and allocation, and budgeting.
Institutions providing this program
Halifax, NS
Sydney, NS
Marketing/Marketing Management
College or University ProgramThese programs prepare students to undertake and manage the process of developing consumer audiences and moving products from producers to consumers. They include courses in buyer behaviour and dynamics, principles of marketing research, demand analysis, cost-volume and profit relationships, pricing theory, marketing campaign and strategic planning, market segments, advertising methods, sales operations and management, consumer relations, retailing, and applications to specific products and markets.
Institutions providing this program
Wolfville, NS
Sydney, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile
Contacts
Additional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.