Explore unit group

Version:
NOC 2006 Version 1.0

6233 – Retail and Wholesale Buyers

Retail and wholesale buyers buy merchandise for resale by retail and wholesale establishments and are usually responsible for the merchandising operations of retail and wholesale establishments. Retail and wholesale buyers who are supervisors and those who are assistants are included in this unit group.

Profile

Index of titles Example job titles

  • Appliance buyer
  • Assistant buyer
  • Buyer - retail
  • Buyer - wholesale
  • Cattle buyer
  • Chief buyer
  • Chief buyer - retail or wholesale
  • Clothing buyer
  • Food buyer
  • Fruit buyer
  • Fur buyer
  • Hardware buyer
  • Hog buyer
  • Livestock buyer
  • Log buyer
  • Lumber buyer
  • Meat buyer
  • Perishable food buyer
  • Pharmaceuticals buyer
  • Produce buyer
  • Retail buyer
  • Retail merchandiser
  • Salvage buyer
  • Scrap buyer
  • Senior buyer - retail or wholesale
  • Specialty food buyer
  • Supervisor, buyers
  • Taster and buyer, beverages
  • Timber buyer
  • Tobacco buyer
  • Wholesale buyer
  • Appliance buyer
  • Assistant buyer
  • Buyer - retail
  • Buyer - wholesale
  • Chief buyer
  • Clothing buyer
  • Food buyer
  • Produce buyer
  • Taster and buyer, beverages

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

  • Retail and wholesale buyers perform some or all of the following duties:
    • Purchase merchandise for resale by retail or wholesale establishments
    • Review requirements of establishment 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 which best fits the establishment'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
    • Supervise the work of other retail buyers.

    Retail and wholesale buyers may specialize in a particular merchandise line.

Employment requirements

  • Completion of secondary school is required.
  • A university degree or college diploma in business, marketing or a related program is usually required.
  • Previous work experience in retail or wholesale establishments is usually required.
  • Supervisors and senior buyers require supervisory experience.

Additional information

  • Progression to management positions in retail trade, sales, marketing or advertising is possible with additional training or experience.
  • Retail and wholesale buyers may specialize through experience or product-related training courses.

Exclusions

  • Purchasing Agents and Officers (1225)

Breakdown summary

Broad occupational category
6 – Sales and Service Occupations
Skill level
B – Occupations usually require college education or apprenticeship training.
Major group
62 – Skilled Sales and Service Occupations
Minor group
623 – Insurance and Real Estate Sales Occupations and Buyers
Version
NOC 2006 Version 1.0