Explore Careers - Job Market Report

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Retail and Wholesale Buyers  (NOC 6233)
North Shore Region
Description |  Titles |  Duties |   Related Occupations

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.

appliance buyer, assistant buyer, buyer – retail, buyer – wholesale, chief buyer, clothing buyer, food buyer, merchandiser, produce buyer, taster and buyer, beverages.

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.

Included Cities in Region | Service Canada Offices

Truro, Amherst, Antigonish, New Glasgow, Oxford, Parrsboro, Pictou, Springhill, Stellarton, Trenton, Westville

View a list of Service Canada offices in this area.

Education & Job Requirements for Retail and Wholesale Buyers in North Shore Region

Education and job requirements can vary by region. Workers in regulated occupations require a licence to work legally. Workers in non-regulated occupations do not require a licence, but employers may have other certification requirements.

Local Employment Requirements

Physical Requirements:
- This occupation typically requires good near vision and good colour discrimination.
- There is usually a need for workers in this occupation to have the ability to communicate verbally.
- The occupation can involve some physical activity (sitting, standing or walking).
- Strength to handle loads of up to 5 kg may be required.

[Report Publication Date: 2011-06-15 |  Source: Labour Market Information - HRSDC ]

Skills Requirements

There are often specific abilities, aptitudes and knowledge that are prerequisites to obtain employment in an occupation.

Most employers who advertise are looking for workers who have the following experience and skills:

Experience:
Experience an asset.

Specific Skills:
Arrange product according to planogram.

Essential Skills:
Oral communication, working with others, computer use, problem solving, job task planning and organizing, reading text, document use, critical thinking, decision making and numeracy.

List of Associations

AssociationsLink opens in a new window are organizations that may provide news to its members about networking events, professional development and other common issues for people working in the same industry.

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[ Source: CanLearn - HRSDC ]
Information for Newcomers

Getting your language skills assessed

If you do not know what your English or French language level is, visit one of the Language Assessment Centres across Canada. They will assess your language level and direct you to the appropriate language training program.

Please consult the Nova Scotia and Canada tabs for more useful information related to education and job requirements.