Episode Summary: "It’s not the title that makes you a great buyer— it’s your ability to make the right decisions when no one’s watching."

Make your company need you because you are so good at your job, because you have such a good understanding, because you know how to pull all the pieces together because you really understand the strategy and the why behind what you're doing both now and in the future..

You must understand that it's beyond just spread spreadsheet knowledge. You're not just an administrator anymore, you're a strategic thinker. That's how you become indispensable for your company. That's how you become the person every company wants to hire or promote.

In this episode of Thrive in Fashion, I’m challenging a mindset that holds so many junior and mid-level buyers back: the idea that your job title defines your success. It doesn’t.

I talk about why true progression in fashion buying comes from consistent, commercial decision-making—not visibility or a flashy job title. I share examples of what really builds trust with your manager, how to interpret vague performance feedback, and where to focus your development if you're serious about moving up.

Learn also :

Why comparison to colleagues is mentally draining—and misleading

What questions to ask in your next performance review

The core skills that make you stand out as a buyer

In this episode of Thrive in Fashion, I’m answering some of the most common questions I get from professionals looking to transition into a buying role. We’ll cover:

• How to translate your existing skills into buying
• Ways to gain relevant experience—even if you’re starting from scratch
• The mindset shift you need to succeed as a fashion buyer
• How retail experience can give you a competitive edge

If you’re working in retail, marketing, or merchandising and want to break into buying, this episode is for you.

Ready to take the next step?

🔹 Check out my Polish & Perfect Your Resume service to position yourself for a buying role.

🔹 Enroll in Thrive in Fashion Buying & Merchandising, my course designed to help you build the skills and confidence to thrive in fashion buying.

In this episode of Thrive in Fashion, I dive into the most common mistakes fashion buyers make—and how to avoid them. From overbuying and misjudging trends to indecision and poor negotiation, these pitfalls can have a huge impact on your bottom line.

I share real-world stories from my experience, including how hesitation and lack of confidence can derail a buying season, why ignoring customer feedback is a costly mistake, and how balancing gut instinct with data leads to smarter buying decisions.

Key takeaways:

✔️ Trust your data—don’t rely solely on gut feeling

✔️ Stick to your critical path—indecision costs time and money

✔️ Keep the customer front and center—feedback is everything

✔️ Negotiate smartly—profitability depends on it

If you're in fashion buying, this episode is packed with insights to help you avoid costly mistakes and make better decisions.

If you would like to develop your fashion buying knowledge from Concept to Customer check out the online course in buying and merchandising

As 2024 comes to a close, it’s time to look ahead and start setting your career goals for 2025! In this week’s episode of the Fashion Forward podcast, I’m sharing tips on how to set goals that will set you up for success next year.

Whether you’re aiming for a promotion, mastering new skills, or exploring new career opportunities, this episode covers everything you need to stay on track and motivated throughout 2025.
✨ Reflect on this year's wins and lessons
✨ Define clear, achievable goals
✨ Align your goals with your long-term career vision
✨ Identify skills to develop and fill any gaps

Don’t miss out on these practical tips—listen to the full episode today and set yourself up for a successful year ahead!

If you would like to develop your fashion buying knowledge from Concept to Customer or want to have a resume audit with Elisabeth check out the links below

In this week’s episode, we're looking ahead to the biggest trends shaping the fashion industry in 2025! From Neo-Minimalism’s “less is more” ethos to groundbreaking tech-infused textiles, we’re covering it all.

Whether you’re in buying, merchandising, or just curious about where fashion is headed, this episode breaks down five key trends: Neo-Minimalism, Tech-Infused Textiles, Playful Colors and Prints, Gender-Fluid Fashion, and Circular Fashion. Tune in to hear details and examples on how to recognise these trends and ways to include them in your buying strategy.

Feeling stuck in your current buying role? Learn how to refine your trend forecasting, inventory management, and negotiation strategies to get noticed.

Details in the link below

In this episode of Thrive in Fashion, Elisabeth Mac Hale reveals the realities of fashion buying that aren’t taught in classrooms. Elisabeth breaks down common misconceptions, from the allure of glamour to the heavy focus on sales data and spreadsheets.

She shares her insights and experiences as a buyer, highlighting the balance between creativity and commercial strategy, and how market knowledge and customer insights are essential for success. Packed with real-world examples, this episode is a must-listen for aspiring buyers, fashion students, and anyone eager to thrive in the retail buying office.

FREE DOWNLOAD >>

https://learn.thriveinfashion.com/buyers-30-tips-register

If you would like to make your fashion buying kowledge Industry ready from Concept to Customer check out the link below

In this episode of the Thrive in Fashion Buying and Merchandising podcast, host Elisabeth Mac Hale answers some of the most frequently asked questions about career growth in the fashion industry.

Whether you’re a junior buyer looking to advance or a seasoned professional seeking a fresh perspective, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

Elisabeth discusses essential skills for advancement, strategies for transitioning into mid-level and senior roles, and ways to foster growth outside of work. She also addresses feelings of being “stuck” in a role and emphasizes the importance of mentorship. Tune in for practical tips and resources that can help you accelerate your career path in buying and merchandising!

If you would like to lern and develop your fashion buying skills and how develop products from Concept to Customer check out the link below

In this week's Thrive in Fashion Buying podcast episode, Elisabeth Mac Hale breaks down some key metrics every fashion buyer must understand to optimize inventory, make data-driven decisions, and maximize profitability. Discover how to use metrics like Sell-Through Rate, Weeks of Supply, Inventory Turnover Rate, and Markdown Rate to fine-tune your buying strategy.

Elisabeth provides examples of these metrics in action, helping you grasp their impact on sales performance and profitability. Whether you’re aiming to boost sell-through, improve cash flow, or reduce markdowns, this episode equips you with the insights to excel in your buying role.

Tune in for actionable tips and elevate your data-driven strategy today!

If you would like to lern and develop your fashion buying skills and how develop products from Concept to Customer check out the link below