A Political Science and Consumer Psychology major, Chrissy A. has been working as a Buyer for MILLY, a contemporary women’s brand, for about 4 months. Here’s what she has to say.
What did you study in college? Why did you choose this job? I love being a part of the ever changing fashion landscape. My job is constantly evolving as trends change.
What is an average day like in your role? I analyze sales to identify strong or slow styles in order to maximize full price selling. I collaborate with store team to ensure we have the product we need in order not to miss sales opportunities. I work with e-commerce team to merchandise Milly.com. Develop marketing strategies, such as email blasts or social media posts, with marketing team. Forecast sales and markdown projections with input from CFO.
What’s the most challenging part of your job? Coming up with new creative ways to drive sales both online and in stores.
What’s your favorite part of the job? Attending market appointments where I choose the assortment that will be in stores and online. Working with the product is the best part!
What’s a common misconception about your job? Being a buyer means just choosing the styles you like and would personally buy. There is more to it than being a professional shopper! ;)
Any tips for current college students who aspire to have your job? Intern at a retailer or vendor to get the experience then post-college, apply for a training program at an established retailer.
If you had a time machine and could travel back to visit yourself in college, what’s the #1 piece of advice you would have given yourself? Go to class more! Attending school is such a privilege; I wish I would have appreciated it more and made a concentrated effort to go to every class.
What is a fun perk of your job? Knowing what will be in stores 6 months before anyone else! And, the discount of course.
