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NOC 2021 Version 1.0

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62101 – Retail and wholesale buyers

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

Profile

Example titles

  • Appliance buyer
  • Assistant buyer
  • Beverage taster and buyer
  • Buyer - retail
  • Buyer - wholesale
  • Chief buyer
  • Clothing buyer
  • Food buyer
  • Produce buyer
Inclusions
  • Merchandiser

Main duties

This group performs 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
  • May supervise the work of other retail buyers.

Employment requirements

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

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 in a particular merchandise line.
  • Retail and wholesale buyers may specialize through experience or product-related training courses.

Exclusions

  • Procurement and purchasing agents and officers (12102)

Breakdown summary

Broad occupational category
6 – Sales and service occupations
TEER
2 – Occupations usually require a college diploma or apprenticeship training of two or more years; or supervisory occupations
Major group
62 – Retail sales and service supervisors and specialized occupations in sales and services
Sub-major group
621 – Specialized sales occupations
Minor group
6210 – Technical sales specialists in wholesale trade and retail and wholesale buyers
Version
NOC 2021 Version 1.0
Date modified: