• Planning product ranges and preparing sales and stock plans in conjunction with buyers
• Listing with buyers, analysts, stores, suppliers and distributors
• Maintaining a comprehensive library of appropriate data
• Working closely with visual display staff and department heads to decide how goods should be displayed to maximize customer interest and sales;
• Producing layout plans for stores;
• Forecasting profits and sales, and optimizing the sales volume and profitability of designated product areas
• Planning budgets and presenting sales forecasts and figures for new ranges;
• Controlling stock levels based on forecasts for the season;
• Using specialist computer software, for example to handle sales statistics, produce sales projections and present spreadsheets and graphs;
• Analyzing every aspect of bestsellers (for example, the bestselling price points, colours or styles) and ensuring that bestsellers reach their full potential;
• Monitoring slow sellers and taking action to reduce prices or set promotions as necessary;
• Gathering information on customers’ reactions to products;
• Analyzing previous season’s sales and reporting on the current season’s lines;
• Making financial presentations t senior managers;
• Accompanying buyers on visits to manufacturers to appreciate production processes;
• Meeting with suppliers and managing the distribution of stock, by negotiating cost prices, ordering stock, agreeing timescales and delivery dates, and completing the necessary paperwork;
• Identifying production and supply difficulties and dealing with any problems or delays as they arise;
• Managing, training and supervising junior staff.