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Retail Buyer

Also known as: Merchandise Buyer, Purchasing Manager, Category Buyer, Senior Buyer

AI Impact Score

52/100

AI is transforming demand forecasting, assortment optimisation, and supplier price benchmarking in retail buying. Buyers who leverage predictive analytics will outperform those relying purely on intuition, but the negotiation, trend identification, and supplier relationship skills remain distinctly human.

$45k – $95k

Salary Range

stable

Growth Outlook

124,000

Total Jobs (US)

+2%

Growth Rate

Task Breakdown

Tasks at Risk (4)

Routine purchase order generationBasic sales and sell-through reportingHistorical trend analysisStandard vendor comparison research

AI-Enhanced Tasks (5)

Demand forecasting and open-to-buy planningAssortment gap analysisMarkdown optimisationCompetitive price benchmarkingCross-category performance analysis

Human-Safe Tasks (5)

Supplier negotiation and relationship managementTrend identification and product discoveryPrivate label developmentBrand partnership and exclusive deal structuringIn-market sourcing trips