Buying and Beyond

Today we are joined by Ally Mitchell founder of Ocean Kitchen Scotland a brand that's doing amazing work using recycled plastic found in the ocean. Joining with Ally today is Anna Campbell-Jones, an awarding winning interior design and presenter of Scottish home of the year. Together they are both here to talk about their collaboration of an amazing new swallow wall ornament range. Ally chats to us all about how he started his brand after his career as a commercial diver, diving all over the world and being involved in dives up in scotland where he saw first hand the devastation of plastic contamination in our oceans. He tells us his story on how this inspired him to start a brand that even he didn't anticipate to have such incredible growth in such a short space of time. Anna tells us her story as a interior designer for over 35 years, 7 years a judge on Scottish home of the year and Scottish influencer of the year (interiors and design) 2022-23. Anna began to be approached by brands to promote their products. She thought “why dont i make my own products” so she set out to design her own brand of homewares, all made in Scotland and sustainably.Ally and Anna met whilst speaking at a climate conference in Glasgow, COB 24. They quickly realised they had a lot in common despite one being an North Sea saturation diver who had founded a sustainable pant pot business and the other being a TV presenting interior designer. They met for scones and coffee a couple of weeks later and brainstormed spontaneously from pots to ducks to swallows, deciding to create swallow wall ornaments from Scottish ocean plastic.There was no plan apart from to collaborate and experiment, launching softly on each of their Instagram accounts these little objects, symbols of hope and home, organically became an overnight sensationHear their story from evolution of the concept of the swallow to the design and production process- even collecting the waste themselves on the beach cleans they regularly do together. This story is incredible inspiring and really highlights the power of storytelling and motivation to make an impact on the planet.  Our key takeaways:Organic, homegrown ideas often have exceptional potential for rapid growth.Collaborations thrive when brands with shared values unite.When a product connects with people in different, personal ways, it helps build a loyal customer base that grows with the brandOcean swallows are available on both Ally's and Anna's Websites, find out more here: https://oceanplasticpots.com/ and https://annacampbelljones.com/ You can also contact via their instagrams @ ocean.kitchen.scotland and annacampbelljonesEveryday AI: Your daily guide to grown with Generative AICan't keep up with AI? We've got you. Everyday AI helps you keep up and get ahead.Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showIf you've liked this episode please rate, follow, subscribe and share :) - and if you already have, thank you!Follow us @buyingandbeyond on Instagram Send us a DM or email hello@buyingandbeyond.co.uk with any 'Retail Therapy' storiesFind out more about us www.buyingandbeyond.co.uk If you'd like to show a little more love, then head here to give us just a little bit *extra* and show us your support :) thank you! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2300060/support

Today we're joined by Shani - Shani has worked for Arcadia, Tesco, Tie Rack and Superdry - all large Uk retailers but with very different buying offices and Shani is here to tell us all about it. It's a really raw and honest talk about how retail used to be and the stereotypical situations you would hear about in Buying offices.Katy and Shani met at university studying the same Fashion Retail Buying course (20 years ago!) and lived together at their first jobs in London. We dive into the stories of the struggles, dramas and hilarious moments as they entered the world of buying. We talk about why Shani decided to study at De Montfort and her inspiring lectures Helen Dunn and Pippa Clarkson- what a difference it makes when your taught by someone who has come from industry!Shani talks us through her career history as she climbed the ladder from a visual merch role at Topshop right through to a Senior Buyer level at Superdry. We talk about how grateful she was to get that first opportunity at Burton (thanks Jane!) after taking a risk to move to London without a job!  Shani's story is a real rollercoaster ride of different retailers departments and demands, as we hear all about the different buying structures she has worked within, how to manage up & down when you land that first promotion, and how to navigate working for a company that does not have any processes! We hear all about why Shani loved her time in buying from the travelling, the buzz of being able to make some big decision that will make a difference, but most of all the incredible people you meet along the way. They are your tribe, we are all similar in our thinking and determination to succeed with passion and excitement for what we do. Our key takeaways are: Take a risk if it feels comfortable it's not going to challenge you or change your journey! The right balance of Buying AND Merchandising skills is so important for a businesses survivalIts can be a very uncertain environment as you could be moved around departments at a moments notice, just remember though it's great to challenge yourself with a new category and take it as a compliment your obviously doing something right! Oh and ALWAYS have biscuits - sign offs, supplier meetings, or toddler tantrums!If your a buyer listening to this and would love to join us for a chat on the podcast, get in touch- we would love to have you on to share your experience with others to inspire and inform anyone looking to join the wild world of retail buying. Drop us a DM via instagram or send us an email hello@buyingandbeyond.comEveryday AI: Your daily guide to grown with Generative AICan't keep up with AI? We've got you. Everyday AI helps you keep up and get ahead.Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showIf you've liked this episode please rate, follow, subscribe and share :) - and if you already have, thank you!Follow us @buyingandbeyond on Instagram Send us a DM or email hello@buyingandbeyond.co.uk with any 'Retail Therapy' storiesFind out more about us www.buyingandbeyond.co.uk If you'd like to show a little more love, then head here to give us just a little bit *extra* and show us your support :) thank you! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2300060/support

We couldn't be more thrilled to kick off Season 5 with such an incredible guest! It was an absolute privilege to have a conversation with the creator behind the wildly popular Instagram account, Life of a Buyer (LOAB). With over 33,000 engaged followers, this account has become a must-follow for anyone in the industry. If you know, you know!We've been eager to get answers to some burning questions we've had for LOAB, and guess what? They responded! To keep the mystery alive, Katy will be stepping in to take on the role of LOAB in this episode, as we dive into the insights they've shared with us.We're chatting about everything from what inspired them to start this account, the most humbling, proud, and rewarding moments of LOAB's journey to what the future holds. Plus, we'll talk about the power of collaborative spaces like this one and how it benefits all of us in the industry. You won't want to miss this one!Key Takeaways:1) Don't sweat the small stuff and the promotions will come2) We are a very loyal, dedicated community with a bond like no other.3) The thrill of that best seller still gets me. Seeing someone wearing or using something I've helped create and buy, I still love that.If your a buyer listening to this and would love to join us for a chat on the podcast, get in touch- we would love to have you on to share your experience with others to inspire and inform anyone looking to join the wild world of retail buying. Drop us a DM via instagram or send us an email hello@buyingandbeyond.co.ukEveryday AI: Your daily guide to grown with Generative AICan't keep up with AI? We've got you. Everyday AI helps you keep up and get ahead.Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showIf you've liked this episode please rate, follow, subscribe and share :) - and if you already have, thank you!Follow us @buyingandbeyond on Instagram Send us a DM or email hello@buyingandbeyond.co.uk with any 'Retail Therapy' storiesFind out more about us www.buyingandbeyond.co.uk If you'd like to show a little more love, then head here to give us just a little bit *extra* and show us your support :) thank you! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2300060/support

In today's episode, we're joined by the incredibly inspiring Bex, founder of the beautiful family run jewellery business in the heart of Wilkshire Boho Betty.  From a doctor to a business owner, Bex has managed to juggle her growing brand while raising four kids under five! Her story is a testament to resilience, compassion, and the power of kindness in business.Boho Betty's designs focus on making every wearer feel good, affordable luxury stylish pieces resonating with so many people. In fact, their first design remains the bestseller to this day—proof that authenticity and staying true to your vision pays off. From selling bracelets in the playground to being listed on QVC, Bex journey is one of hustle, determination, and heart.One of the most inspiring aspects of Bex story is her kindness project. During the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, Bex and her team gifted bracelets to nurses as a way to show their appreciation. This led to the launch of a community built on kindness, where acts of generosity spread far and wide. Bex shares how her relationship with a very special Lady Nikki, which started through Instagram, sparked the idea of a special necklace in honour of this amazing woman who lost her battle with cancer. With all proceeds going to charity, this piece became a sensation, raising £30k for an incredible cause!In this episode, we dive deep into the philosophy that drives Boho Betty's success: Kindness is King. Bex is proof that business doesn't always have to be about the bottom line. It's about collaboration, compassion, and building a community that shares your values.Key Takeaways:Kindness and Collaboration: Bex's business is built on the power of kindness, with every interaction rooted in compassion and community. The Importance of Storytelling: Bex's story of Boho Betty has helped her brand connect with customers and retailers who share the same values. It's a reminder that storytelling is a powerful tool in building a meaningful brand.Navigating Retail: As a small brand, getting into larger retailers can be a challenge, but Bex shares her insights on how to make sure your brand aligns with the right stockists and how international markets can be a great opportunity for growth.Customer Service Matters: The importance of communication, customer service, and understanding your audience is crucial for both retailers and end customers. Bex's approach shows that creating lasting relationships is key to sustainable business growth.Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or looking to stock a beautiful jewellery, this episode will inspire you to think about business in a new way—where kindness and collaboration truly are the foundation of success.Make sure to tune in, and don't forget to check out Boho Betty's stunning collection of jewellery.Are you inspired by Bex journey? Let us know in the comments or on social media! Have you experienced the power of kindness in your own business or community? We'd love to hear your stories.You can check out Boho Betty's beautiful collection visit www.bohobetty.co.uk or follow her on instagram @bohobettyukIf your a brand that struggles with getting that face time with buyers then why not list on our directory. We are building our community of buyers and with our profile set up we know what a retailer is looking for. We can create this profile for you and give you some guidance and advice on your pitching techniques. If you would like to be considered for a spot in our directory then email us @ buyingandbeyondIf you've liked this episode please rate, follow, subscribe and share :) - and if you already have, thank you!Follow us @buyingandbeyond on Instagram Send us a DM with any 'Retail Therapy' storiesFind out more about us www.buyingandbeyond.com

Today we are joined by Audrey, one the co- Founders of The Polyfloss Factory. The company's main goal is to reduce plastic waste and to transform it into a valuable and unique new resource by inventing a machine inspired by the principle of candy floss making, to recycle plastic waste. The technology turns plastic waste into fibre that can be used for insulation, packaging, textiles and moulded plastic pieces. We have a huge interest in sustainability as we have discussed in many of our previous episodes, so Audreys business is incredibly fascinating to us.Audrey met her fellow founders on the masters program Innovation Engineering Design course at the Royal College of Arts & Imperial College London and is now a teacher there herself! She initially trained in fashion and has worked as a designer in several companies such as Alexander Mcqueen and Jean Paul Gaultier working in haute couture.  Audrey tells us some stories from her time in this world from seeing the beginning of 3D printing and digital embroidery technology, also getting the chance to design and dress Lady Gaga with her innovative and technology led fashion. She gained amazing creative skills and had some incredible experiences but felt this wasn't the career for her, Audrey wanted to design for purpose and to help people.The Polyfloss family was formed after realising the amazing chemistry the four founders had bringing together engineering, material science and industrial design coupled with their curiosity about each other skills led to a great family dynamic with no hidden agendas. Audrey and the team spent years learning all about plastic - she even conducted her own experiments in her kitchen much to her flat mates dismay!  For more than 6 years they developed their technology and used it for educational workshops, exhibitions and tests. The team were so determined to get the Polyfloss name out there that at points they even slept in the exhibition space when they couldn't afford a hotel!We ask Audrey how this machine can be applied or used in the retail industry. One of the biggest issues we've found as Buyers wanting to work with recyclable materials and more sustainable options. We discuss how retailers need to be making conscious decisions without putting the pressure on the buying team to ‘make up the money'. Audrey tells us all about how the Polyfloss Factory is currently developing a brand new and easy-to use mini Polyfloss machine for Fablabs, R&D centres, associations and anyone wishing to tackle plastic on a small scale.Our takeaways:The team's patience and passion during years of trial and test, highlight the importance of staying true to your values, continuously learning, and challenging your thinking. Collaboration across diverse skills often leads to the best solutions. the polyfloss story reminds us of the power of working together.It's inspiring to be surrounded by the next generation. They bring hope with fresh ideas and a strong determination to drive positive changeThis episode is an incredible educational and inspirational listen. Watch this space and find out more about how to work with, support and purchase the machines at https://www.thepolyflossfactory.com. If you've liked this episode please rate, follow, subscribe and share :) - and if you already have, thank you!Follow us @buyingandbeyond on Instagram Send us a DM with any 'Retail Therapy' storiesFind out more about us www.buyingandbeyond.com

To celebrate International women's day we are so excited to be joined by Jayne Lasley founder of clothing brand Fairlie Curved. Fairlie Curved is a brand that is dedicated to helping curvy women, particularly those with fuller busts, feel and look fabulous in stylish garments that fit and flatter their unique shapes. Jayne is an ex New Look and Internacionale Buyer with a very commercial eye. It was vey clear from day 1 that she was going to excel in a fashion retail career - who wants to make a tea towel in home economics? Not Jayne, hot pants are much more fabulous! She joins to tell us her story about how she started this incredible brand using all her skills and knowledge from her fashion buying days. Jayne originally created the idea for Fairlie Curved at university however it wasn't until later during her retail buying career that she made the idea a reality. Jayne found she was often complimented on the way that she dressed, and she set up an account to help other women with small band, big cup figures to dress well for their shapes. She shared tips and advice, such as wearing a chunky necklace to take the focus off the larger bust and balance the shape. It was so well received, and as Jaynes following grew, she knew she wanted to do more for the community she had built. After pulling out her university designs from the loft during the pandemic Jayne decided now was the time to launch her brand. It so clearly filled a gap in the market. A brand for curvy women looking for help to dress for their shape and most importantly, feel good in what they are wearing.  Collaboration and feedback is integral to Fairlie Curved, and it is part of the brand ethos to always interact with the community to ensure that the brand remains focused on designing and stocking products that answer to the customers needs.We talk all about Jaynes buying career from the experience she gained at some of the UK's top high street brands to the contacts she made by supporting suppliers with constructive feedback. Jayne lets us into a few funny stories on her travels around the world and how her buying career has given her the skills and confidence to launch this inspiring brand.Fairlie Curved is a brand that that is already on its way to achieving great recognition. Tops featured on Lorraine and Loose Women, pop ups in Bravissimo the brand has also won awards in particular the business growth award at the Icon business awards. Our take aways:Brands that start with a community have a clear target audience and a clear customer base. Building a community, finding like minded individuals and creating a space where people feel seen, will make it much easier to see the opportunity to create products that solve a problem for people. Communicating with your community, sharing ideas and welcoming feedback will enable you to create products that your customers actually want. It will help your brand to stay relevant and to survive in the retail landscape. Set clear boundaries for you and your business in order to allow you to have quality time for work and your personal life, as these are equally important. Work/life balance can be achieved even in successful business that can still maintain growth. Being efficient by making quick decisions and not over analysing will free up time. You can check out the fairlie curved range at www.fairliecurved.com and follow the brand on instagram @fairliecurvedIf you've liked this episode please rate, follow, subscribe and share :) - and if you already have, thank you!Follow us @buyingandbeyond on Instagram Send us a DM with any 'Retail Therapy' storiesFind out more about us www.buyingandbeyond.com

Today we are joined by co-founder of The Better Trends Company, Louise Healy, here today to talk about her career journey and of course all things trends! The Better Trends Company are a trend and design agency doing better, with focused trend insights and design strategies to fuel creativity and empower confident decisions for SME's. By turning trends into actionable tools, they help you create purposeful products that resonate with your audience. Better trends lead to better products—and brighter futures for your brand, your customers, and the planet.As buyers, trend planning and research is part of the job that we LOVE the most, so we are super excited to talk to Louise today about how she started The Better Trends Company and her career journey to date, that squiggly line that led her to where she is today. After graduating from Central St Martins, Louise started out as a stylist and art director creating editorials for Vogue, GQ and Harpers Bazaar and has worked for global brands such as Samsung, Chanel, Google and Ikea. Louise tells us how she met her co-founder Natalie and the inspiration behind starting The Better Trends CompanyWe discuss how important it is that trends are used for the better, to connect with your customer and not to drive unwanted product ranges. Louise talks about how the The Better Trends Collective membership is creating a community of collaboration which is key for retail survival. We also chat through some valuable trend round ups from the latest catwalk shows as Louise talks us through what trends she's been seeing coming through and the brand/designers she is admiring right now. Our key takeaways:1) Investing in trend information is incredible valuable for your brand DNA - giving confidence, alignment with brand and reducing markdown2) Trends don't exist without people, real trends form through behaviours and attitudes, pay attention to the big picture over fads!3) Trust the journey you are on, your experiences will help inform your thinking and approach and that is your individual superpowerFor more information on The Better Trends Co. membership or how to work with Louise and Natalie head to www.the better trends company.com or email them directly on hello@thebettertrendscompany.comIf you've liked this episode please rate, follow, subscribe and share :) - and if you already have, thank you!Follow us @buyingandbeyond on Instagram Send us a DM with any 'Retail Therapy' storiesFind out more about us www.buyingandbeyond.com

Today we are speaking to Claire Gray founder of the amazing skin care brand Ermana Natural skin care and fellow podcaster, for the 'Skin and Within' podcast! Claire is also an ex buyer. Claire will be telling us all about her journey through retail and onto her most recent ventures. Claire and Lynsey first meet briefly at Marks and Spencers and then again at Dobbies garden centres - retail really is a small world!We discuss the similarities of our highs and lows in retail, giving insight into some of the challenges we have faced and what we have all learned from it. Plus we talk about our view on the high street now and what our predictions for the future are. Claire's story is super interesting, she is such an inspiration to all wanting to start a brand based on your own personal health journey. Make sure to also check out her Podcast 'Skin and Within' also available on apple podcasts.Our key takeaways:Throw yourself into product development- learn as much as you can about how a product is made and invest your time in this. You will become a very valuable team member. WE LOVE PRODUCT! Be brave and just get started with that idea, if you believe in your story it will be a success- home grown brands from authentic sources are what consumers are craving for now. Buying gives you the skills to build brands, it's such a great starting point to give you the confidence and knowledge to start your own product range. If you don't have a buying background but have a idea that you have been wanting to get off the ground for years, we've helped clients to do just this! Drop us a message and we can book you in for a power hour to help you get your idea from paper to production! If you've liked this episode please rate, follow, subscribe and share :) - and if you already have, thank you!Follow us @buyingandbeyond on Instagram Send us a DM with any 'Retail Therapy' storiesFind out more about us www.buyingandbeyond.com

Today we are joined by the lovely Sarah Hansford, a buying professional with many hats! Sarah has been in the buying world for over 20 years and worked for lots of different retailers. She's a fellow ex M&S buyer and most recently is doing some amazing work teaching and inspiring at the Fashion Retail Academy. From the M&S grad scheme to working across multiple big high street names, such as, BHS, The White Company and QVC to name a few, plus working suppliers side Sarah's journey is incredibly varied and interesting.Sarah talks about what inspired her to get into buying and how she progressed through the ranks. We talk how much she loved working at M&S and how nice it is to see how well it's doing. Her favorite product category (fashion accessories) and what a buzz you get when launching a successful range. We discuss how much she loves working supply side and how much you get to understand the manufacturing process from the other side! We talk about some of the perks Sarah has had in different roles including a one spa treatment a month!Sarah spills the tea on some hilarious moments and stories with certain buying teams she's worked in. Those devil wears prada moments and also how fun it was to work for brands like QVC with live trading. Her passion and knowledge for the industry really shines through! We talk about her proudest moments working with the Fashion Retail Academy and how rewarding it is to be educating and inspiring our new buyers of the Future. Sarah tells all about the amazing new courses and opportunities there are at the FRA and how much she gets out of teaching and learning from the new generation!Our key takeaways: Learning from a really experienced buying professional like Sarah is such a privilege. She really has seen it all in her time in industry working in so many different areas of retail.It's such an exciting time for the next generation and with their collaborative mindset from the outset retail really has a chance to thrive once again.Lets try and bring the fun back into buying. The industry has moved on for the better but we still need to work out how to laugh and bring enjoyment into the job we LOVE - combat the stress with a little light humour! If you're thinking about a career in buying then reach out to Sarah on linkedin she's happy to chat and help with any questions you have. You can also check out the FRA website https://www.fashionretailacademy.ac.uk/ Alternatively if your a buyer in industry and can relate to all these stories please do get in touch we would love to have you on the podcast!If you've liked this episode please rate, follow, subscribe and share :) - and if you already have, thank you!Follow us @buyingandbeyond on Instagram Send us a DM with any 'Retail Therapy' storiesFind out more about us www.buyingandbeyond.com

Today we discuss the importance of trade shows for Buyers and for brands to connect. We give you the insight into our favourite things about a trade show, trend spotting and helping the evolution of a brand. Plus we debate the pros and cons to be stocked in a large retailer, pitch tips and how to nurture that long term partnership. What do we as Buyers look for in a brand to list them and some of our favourite ways of being approached...Then, how should Brands follow up after a trade show? Are there any 'rules' to follow or is it all down to individual Buyers likes & dislikes? We discuss a typical buyers view, and give our tips and advice to make sure you get the best response. For example, do not send long emails, make sure you include something unique and memorable, possibly a personal message that mentions something specific you have discussed on the stand and think about timings i.e. within a week, bear in mind sign off dates. We want to join buyers and brands together and we feel we have an opportunity with this podcast to do this. In such turbulent times we need to be more collaborative as its becoming harder than ever to win over the trust of a buyer as a new supplier. There is a huge amount of risk and let's face it, the hard work it takes to bring in a new brand,  the cost of time and money for investing in all of the onboarding. Our three takeaways: Think about the Buyer you are approaching and consider how they would like to be approached... Most Buyers will be looking for a relationship that is developed organically with a long term partnership focus. Be passionate about your product as Buyers are product people they want to see your knowledge and passion! However, don't try to second guess what they need, ask the right questions to get to know this and allow them to realise that your product would suit their strategy. What would the Buyer exHow would a Buyer expect to be pitched to? Find out before the pitch as much as you can the strategy for their department. How your product is different to other products in the range? How does your product fit with my customer profile? How do you compliment the other brands in storeCollaboration is crucial to survive, we need to help each other grow. If your a brand that's struggling with your pitching techniques and how to get that first meeting with your dream retailer, check out our webinar on our website www.buyingandbeyond.com. We talk you through tips to get stocked in a large retailer. We also offer power hours where you can chat to us 121 and we can help you with those questions you have to perfect your pitch an get you retail ready. If you've liked this episode please rate, follow, subscribe and share :) - and if you already have, thank you!Follow us @buyingandbeyond on Instagram Send us a DM with any 'Retail Therapy' storiesFind out more about us www.buyingandbeyond.com

Anna joins us to tell us her incredible and emotional story of how events in life have taken her from Fashion Retail Buying to Founder of an activewear brand. Anna loved her job as a Retail Buyer but events outside of her control ended her career. Her passion for fashion, buying and retail shines through in this episode, as well as her determination to turn every moment into a positive. There is an amazing full circle moment from her dissertation to the ethos of her brand now. Mardy Bum is a feel good brand, put comfort first and encourages positivity. Anna has made a conscious decision to ensure all of her products are sustainable, and believes these are non-negotiables that should be part of every retailers core. Organic growth, quality over quantity - it might be cost a bit more but she's doing it the right way. *please be aware this episode has a emotional story involving an accident which may be triggering for some.This is such an incredible story that it is hard to find fjust 3 takeaways as there are so many, but here we go: Find a course you love, don't be afraid to change course if you don't feel like that's a path for you, courses with placement years are a great way to get into industry. Grad schemes are also a brilliant way to learn the ropes. Lots of retailers have these- with amazing training schemesBuying is a really colourful creative exciting career full of travel and amazing opportunities to product develop ranges within the security of an established brand BUT you have to work to get there, admin and the training process is fundamental to get you to the role of a buyer. Life is a journey and its how we roll with our experiences and use them to help shape our future - trust the journey through the ups and downs. Stay true to your personal brand values. If you've liked this episode please rate, follow, subscribe and share :) - and if you already have, thank you!Follow us @buyingandbeyond on Instagram Send us a DM with any 'Retail Therapy' storiesFind out more about us www.buyingandbeyond.com

We are feeling so excited for 2025 and all the exciting projects we have in the pipeline. Ready to leave 2024 behind and bring through positive energy from such a great year to build on our foundations and grow into the business we want to be. Starting the year a fresh, goal setting and talking about what's in store for retail…There is still uncertainty on the high street and a budget that threatens to strangle, yet some brands are turning themselves around, focusing in on a customer base and nailing some brilliant marketing campaigns. There are now so many different ways for brands to exist, whether it's through social media, trade fairs or even wholesale platforms like Creoate and Faire. We discuss the Forbes article Game changing trends that will define 2025  and impacts of AI, sustainability credentials, visibility of supply chain, price is still a barrier, pre loved revolution and social shopping - The authenticity of AI and the contradiction of the term ‘Hyper personalised when AI is not a personal touch at all! AI is an incredible tool to use to support and streamline retail but more for processes, rather than trying to be ‘personal'Sustainability still the top of everyone's agenda but also the one to get bumped down the priority list every time. Pre-loved is now a fully recognised mainstream and we couldn't be more proud to champion it. Tik tok 12 hour lives feels overwhelming but it is simply the next generation version of tv channel shopping with Gen Z are more likely to trust a Tik Tok review over any other product advertisement!Here are our takeaways from this episode:Identifying your customers - how have they changed the way they live and how can you adapt to that with your brand? Do your values still align? Everything moves quicker as technology continues to evolve at speed and customers have higher expectations, are less brand loyal and want things quicker. Make sure your brand resonates with your target audience and you stay relevant - this may mean you need to pivot. AI is getting personalised and taking over the customer experience, but how ‘personal' is this? We feel AI has a place but in balance, buying is all about creativity and gut feeling! It is so important to still have this as everyone has their own personal style, it is an emotive and subjective - we can't just use data to move things forward or we will all just look the same. We would prefer AI data use to be less personal and more process driven to be able to drive creativity and solving logisticsSustainability transparency - the next big step is to make sure that eco credentials are as obvious as a price tag on all products. It should be part of a customer's buying decision process.  This does bear a cost which needs to be recognised and reflected in margin targets. For retailers to have longevity it needs to be a core business value and core business driver, it's not just a nice to have - and it needs investment!If you've liked this episode please rate, follow, subscribe and share :) - and if you already have, thank you!Follow us @buyingandbeyond on Instagram Send us a DM with any 'Retail Therapy' storiesFind out more about us www.buyingandbeyond.com

This week we are easing ourselves into the new year with a good goss to start…We are catching up and chatting about skiing, impractical ski wear, sportswear brands, practical dressing v. fashion and a great first gift from a boyfriend…Then we get into the serious stuff (well, you know us, it's serious with a many a laugh!) and we talk about January trading, classic fitness DVDs, water bottles, quick win trading brainstorm, stock buys to take when the only products left are the products that didn't sell…do you take a punt?! Baubles or Reindeers in January anyone?! If so, an execution plan is essential to communication to stores and customers!Here's our top 3 points from today's episode:How do you plug the gap of missed Xmas sales? YOU CANT! Unless you win the lottery. Haha. Typical ideas to 'inflate your sales' (haha) in January could be electric blankets, water bottles, smoothie makers, fitness focused goods, but unless this is planned we would recommend you stay away from buying more stock at this point in the year or you will just be left with or net your sales without making any extra money. Remember, quick wins don't have to be about buying more stock could be concept driven. Your end of year stock number is more important, cash is king. We'd suggest you think of stock moving exercises, such as ideas of collaborating with other departments or product categories to push that excess stock, or how could you generate some extra sales with a spin on a marketing campaign? Look after your staff, this is definitely the main month of illness and wellness. Many people can find the month post festive fun tough, the dark and the cold days with Summer still feeling so far away and customers only really shopping rock bottom price products. How can you improve the mood of your team? Give them a great start to the year, with motivation and a positive drive - remember you are your team! Give back to them and you will see the results.  It's all about getting products booked pre CNY, very quickly after Christmas factories will be shutting down in China, so it timing is crucial to make sure your products land when you need them to this year. Lets also all take a moment to think of those seasonal teams that don't get a break over Christmas, planning is crucial and ensuring that sign off goes smoothly as we have not got the luxury of time with CNY looming!On a positive note, January is a great time to look at your road map and get on with re -forecasting those numbers. We have great expertise in this and many packages on our website to help you get kick started with the new year ahead. Drop us a message and we can set up a discovery call to see how we can help you. If you've liked this episode please rate, follow, subscribe and share :) - and if you already have, thank you!Follow us @buyingandbeyond on Instagram Send us a DM with any 'Retail Therapy' storiesFind out more about us www.buyingandbeyond.com

Here we are our final episode for Season 3, ending with a Christmas special :) We've both bought Christmas for over 7 years and it was one of our favourite areas to buy, it can be so much fun! We talk favourite themes, development trips, sample mishaps and what happens in a Christmas sign off- the one everyone in the company wants to be at! We are now signing off for Christmas and wish all our listeners and lovely break and a Merry Christmas. See you in the new year when we will be back for season 4! Black Friday- the debate, should you or shouldn't you, what feels right for your brand- you need to repeat those numbers next year. Are you just bringing forward sales that could still come with more profitChristmas is all about being creative, don't be afraid to try those bold themes but remember traditional will always be in style and let's make christmas more environmentally friendly, there is so many great new techniques out there. Everyone will have an opinion in the sign off, stay true to your customer and don't let emotion get in the way of a decision. If you've liked this episode please rate, follow, subscribe and share :) - and if you already have, thank you!Follow us @buyingandbeyond on Instagram Send us a DM with any 'Retail Therapy' storiesFind out more about us www.buyingandbeyond.com

This week are joined by Levanah Gates, The Buyers Coach. Levanah started working in retail buying at a similar time to us, she's worked at a large number of high street retailers and has seen it all! She joins us to tell us her story, from starting out in the industry, almost working in trend forecasting, to making the transition from buying manager to life coach.  The 3 top points from today's episode areSometimes working in Buying can be really overwhelming. It's an incredible job that can give you the highest highs, but also some of the lowest lows. Take a step back, breathe and find a way to make it work for you or use one of the many skill sets you have amassed during your career and make a move that feels more fulfilling. Life coaching will teach you a lot about yourself. It will help to transform your thinking and give you that clarity you need to move you forward to achieve your goals or even help you set them. Having the insight from someone that knows the industry from the inside, but can also give you an outsider's perspective is golden. They understand all the quirks that come with the territory and what will or won't work in that environment, but they're far enough removed to give you a fresh perspective.Find Levannah at https://levanahgatescoaching.com/If you've liked this episode please rate, follow, subscribe and share :) - and if you already have, thank you!Follow us @buyingandbeyond on Instagram Send us a DM with any 'Retail Therapy' storiesFind out more about us www.buyingandbeyond.com

Today's episode has been on a quite an intense subject, but one that we've had quite a few requests for us to discuss - so we hope we did it justice! Stress can be both good and bad, the adrenaline can motivate, but too much can feel overwhelming and lead to burnout. It's about finding that balance between driving and drowning, feeling strong enough to take on more but not too much that you struggle to keep your head above water, and about finding that balance between working and living your best life. There is always so much more than can be talked about when it comes to stress and burnout and sharing new coping mechanisms. We have kept the episode fairly light hearted, but there is a serious element to this and if you are struggling it's important to seek help and find a way to overcome your issues - please don't suffer in silence, you're not the only oneWork/Life balance IS important - like everything in life, you need a balance. Making sure you have time to relax, just be you, or time to spend doing sports or crafts, or which ever activities you enjoyIf you feel overwhelmed, take a step back, or step away from the situation, get some space to clear your head. Go to the tea point to let off steam (excuse the pun) or pop out for some fresh airSeek out support, build a network of trust, find the ones you can offload to, but also give you another perspective and reign in your stressful thoughtsIf you've liked this episode please rate, follow, subscribe and share :) - and if you already have, thank you!Follow us @buyingandbeyond on Instagram Send us a DM with any 'Retail Therapy' storiesFind out more about us www.buyingandbeyond.com

In Episode 7 we chat with one of our OGs, a very special trauma friend! We all started Buying as BAAs, and wow it was a wild time. We recount some of the ridiculous and hilarious memories of the Buying office - working on the hats, gloves and scarves team when you're allergic to wool, the crazy fads we tried out, being very young and impressionable, wanting to be cool and raising our profile - plus a very sad story of a promotion that was taken away. Calli tells us why working in Buying has set the scene for the rest of her career with the many transferable skills she learnt during her time in Buying, and we discuss what it's like working in a 90% female based office, the good the bad and how we think it should be! Some of the key takeaways from this episode are:There's nothing quite like a trauma friend - it bonds you for life!! Whether that is going through crazy fads and fashions together, trying out new trends, or competing and challenging each other to be better and go further in your career. Often the Buying offices are 90% female, and a whole lot of emotions, but this can be channelled to drive sales harder, not act harder. Be intuitive, supportive, and encourage development of your co-workers - rather than throwing socks!So many of the skills that you develop working in Buying will set you up for life. As Calli has shared, once you've worked in the intense environment of a Buying office, nothing will phase you anymore! You've got this!! It's not really as glamorous as it looks - it's not all glitz and glam, that's all smoke and mirrors, it's actually more spreadsheets, numbers and data and that shiny gold necklace plating will wear off! We imagined it being all travelling the globe, fancy food & drinks, buying whatever we wanted, whenever we wanted, living that high life…and there is a little of that. But really it's moving heavy boxes of product, wearing high vis jackets at warehouse visits and not sleeping for days as you travel to as many factories in as little time as possible! It's exhausting, but it's fun. It's just definitely not glamourous!If you've liked this episode please rate, follow, subscribe and share :) - and if you already have, thank you!Follow us @buyingandbeyond on Instagram Send us a DM with any 'Retail Therapy' storiesFind out more about us www.buyingandbeyond.com

This weeks episode aims to give you that confidence boost you need to leave your job and reassurance if you've just made the leap to a new company. It can be quite a daunting prospect moving on, especially if it's your first job or if you're enjoying where you work but cant see the next step internally. Sometimes you just have to move on. Often you'll find you'll go from feeling super confident in your role, to feeling really out of your depth in a new place. Many companies are same same but different; most of the processes will be similar but be slightly different order, or ways of documenting, or words to describe the same things! It can be exciting and scary, an opportunity to prove to yourself that you know more than you think you know, or even a change to re-invent yourself! So have a listen and hopefully you'll find our discussion supportive and empowering.Here are our top 3 points from today's episode to give you confidence that sometimes change is the best thing to move forwards…Knowing when to move on, and understanding that when you stop learning it's time to leave. You can always leave and come back if the opportunity isnt there when you need it, and come back bigger and better…Be brave and try something new - it might be a stepping stone to something greater. You never know where your next role might take you, take every opportunity that comes your way that feels right. Trust your gut, and take a leap of faith!Be open to learnng and understanding how other businesses work, you'll gain a better understanding of the whole industry, can bring about change in a positive way, and not irritate people by thinking you already know the best way to do something, when you hardly know how the new systems work! Think about bigger picture, not what people will think of you *if* you ask a silly question. If you've liked this episode please rate, follow, subscribe and share :) - and if you already have, thank you!Follow us @buyingandbeyond on Instagram Send us a DM with any 'Retail Therapy' storiesFind out more about us www.buyingandbeyond.com

Today we are talking to PR expert Laura Quick founder at LQPR. Lynsey has worked with Laura many times and know her to be the most enthusiastic, inspiring confident PR guru. Laura joins us to talk about the wonderful world of PR. We discuss the definition of PR, and Laura takes us through her career history including how she got started and life as a freelancer. This episode takes a trip down memory lane including those much loved press shows and the importance of building relationships with the commercial team- we are in this together with the same goal of driving profit! But remember, it's PR not ER!PR is about how people feel and see a brand, creating and promoting a positive connotation with that brand. It is so important to be working COLLABORATIVELY with the buying teams, set the trends and go on the journey togetherPR is not just for selling the individual product but the brand itself, not all ‘commercial products' are what grabs the attention of the press. Remember this when planning your range, keep thinking what is my press pieceIf you've liked this episode please rate, follow, subscribe and share :) - and if you already have, thank you!Follow us @buyingandbeyond on Instagram Send us a DM with any 'Retail Therapy' storiesFind out more about us www.buyingandbeyond.com

This episode is all about the reality check when talking about retail! We talk about how much retail has changed over the past decade or so and the impact of the pandemic - it was HUGE! It's not something we really want to remind us all about, but it's important not to forget about it and to recognise the importance it had, it was a massive moment in our careers, completely unpressedented times!Retail is tough right now, it can feel like a rollercoaster, and the advancements of tech can be a help and a hindrance, but there has also never been a better time to get involved, either with an established retailer or to start and grow your own retail business. It's a fascinating, if often challenging, and ever changing landscape.  It's the perfect time to embrace change, keep evolving to keep ahead of the market and future-proof businesses.Here's our top 3 takeaways from this episode  - Challenges only make us stronger. It might feel awful at the time, but it really does enhance your skill set to work your way through difficult times. It's how you embrace these and find solutions - although let's hope there's not going to be another pandemic anytime soon!It's crucial for brands to turn their stores into destinations consumers want to spend time in; a whole store experiences with extra services that make it a place you want to go. There's still a huge amount of change to come for retail, change is happening at a faster rate than ever with the ever developing technologies - it's exciting and terrifying, but we need to embrace the positives and focus on how it can improve productivity and profitability!If you've liked this episode please rate, follow, subscribe and share :) - and if you already have, thank you!Follow us @buyingandbeyond on Instagram Send us a DM with any 'Retail Therapy' storiesFind out more about us www.buyingandbeyond.com

September is the season for trade shows, fashion weeks, and new stock in the stores, so this week we talk all about how trade shows have changed and evolved, new trends for AW24 we're loving from our shop walks, and the styles we've loved from the New York, London, Paris & Milan shows - it'll be SS25 before we know it and we cant wait to see which trends from these shows will filter through to the high street next Spring/Summer!Here are the top 3 things from this weeks episode are:1) Trade Shows are so much more than they used to be and you will get som much more out of attending that you ever have before as a Buyer or as a Brand. It is a more immersive experience. Make time to go, listen to a talk and absorb everything. It's not just about appointments with current customers/suppliers, or finding new brands and seeing new product - although we LOVE this part too!2) Get out to the shops and spend some time walking around a variety of different product categories rather than feeling the pressure of an intense comp shop session on your department. Get a feel for the new season and new stock, and reflect on the influence these could have on the direction you take your products.3) Don't be a slave to trends. Definitely push boundaries and explore new concepts, but stay commercial and think about your customer.If you've liked this episode please rate, follow, subscribe and share :) - and if you already have, thank you!Follow us @buyingandbeyond on Instagram Send us a DM with any 'Retail Therapy' storiesFind out more about us www.buyingandbeyond.com

In our second episode of season 3 we have our first merchandiser on the show. As we discussed in episode 1, merchandisers are our partners in crime at most traditional retailers. The Buying & Merchandising department is made up of teams that mirror each other at most levels and share the responsibility of the product category ranges - although let's face it, it's always the Buyer that's really in the firing line! So in this episode we chat with Nat, one of our favourite (if not the favourite) merchandisers of all time, about what exactly is merchandising, how did she get into the industry (following a stint on tv!), highlights of her career to date, her thoughts on how buyers and merchandisers work best together, and of course some retail therapy! Here are Nat's 3 key takeaways - You wouldn't expect a merchandiser to say this, but it's don't be a slave to the numbers. It's not all about what has happened and the history of the numbers, it's also working with your buyers and your designer i.e. looking at trends, at what's coming through and using them together. It's all about collaborative working, taking a punt when the numbers say otherwise and going with your gut!Don't feel like you're pigeonholed into one product type. It has been said that you can't move between different categories, but it's clear to see from many of our guests that you can move to polar opposites for example Nat went from fashion accessories, to homeware, to sports nutrition - and even Emma in a previous episode from Laptops to Beauty! Resist analysis paralysis! This is where you can just go down a rabbit hole with numbers, which Nat absolutely loves to do, it's great to find those interesting nuggets of information, but you do also need to bring yourself back a little and try and work out exactly what that story is that you want to tell. Be concise, use the 80 20 rule and just really focusing on what your top sellers are as well. Be conscious of your analysis techniques and don't go too deep if you don't need to! Check out our instagram @buyingandbeyond Send us a DM with any 'Retail Therapy' storiesFind out more about us www.buyingandbeyond.com

A Buyer is so central to a company, there are so many relationships you need to build for successful sales, and the customer is at the heart of everything - everyone's responsibility in a company is to focus on making it the best experience for a customer, whether that be price, stock levels, design, quality, placement, POS, service…So here are the 3 takeaways from today's episodeWe'll have to start with ‘all roads lead to a buyer' - so it's important not to work in silo, you need the support of all the teams, share your ideas and aspirations, these are the people around you bring your vision to life!We're all working towards the same goal - despite different skill sets, different focus and different KPIs, the ultimate goal is still the same - to drive the company forwardsCustomers are at the heart of the company - they have to be. If your customer isn't the reason that you do the work that you do as a retailer, than you're not heading in the right direction!If you've liked this episode please rate, follow, subscribe and share :) and if you already have, thank you!Follow us @buyingandbeyond on Instagramwww.buyingandbeyond.comCheck out our instagram @buyingandbeyond Send us a DM with any 'Retail Therapy' storiesFind out more about us www.buyingandbeyond.com

So that brings us to the end of our episode, and the end of Season 2! We hope you've enjoyed listening to this season as much as we have enjoyed recording it, we've tried to keep our episodes to max 30 mins, but with so much to talk about it can be hard to keep to that time frame, we just get carried away, run off on tangents, and the topics are just so big it can be hard to limit ourselves - we're just bursting with chat! We should have ourselves a strict CP for our recordings in true retail buying fashion! Hahaha. But hopefully you like our assortment of topics, and extra bonus content!We'd love to hear from you, particularly topics you'd like to hear about, we've had a few DMs with some ideas shared which we are already thinking about for our Season 3, so feel free to drop us more! We're so excited about what the September season is going to bring, and can't wait to share what we have been working on with you all - and as buyers we all know, feedback is a gift, so please please do let us know what you think! And thats us signing off for summer - follow us on Insta for content that hopefully helps to fill your cup when those sunny sales suffer (or stormy, its the UK, who knows what sort of weather we'll be having through these school holidays..!!), lets support each other though awful augusts and not battle to beat each other down with promo after promo and racing our prices to the bottom… Looking forward to the start of september, trade shows, catwalks, new season wardrobes and into that golden quarter…*Kefir is a fermented milk drink similar to a thin yogurt or ayran that is made from kefir grains, a specific type of mesophilic symbiotic culture.Check out our instagram @buyingandbeyond

This is a topic we are both incredible passionate about, in this episode we discuss what does sustainability actually mean, how are certain retailers getting behind it. The greenwashing effect and our thoughts on some brands that are making some great changes in how we think about where our products come from. Quality vs cost and the new emerging rental market. Here are our most passionate points summarised - Climate change is real, and retail has realised we have a huge part to play. We all need to step up and push to pivot into more sustainable shopping habits and be realistic about the future of retail..Embracing the move into rental and reused, or pre-loved. How can we as big retailers be a part of the change and offer options to encourage circular consumer habitsLet's get back to quality as number 1, it should be a foundation brick for all retail, make to last, not to throw away. It may mean re-looking at our price architecture, but with people buying less, investing more, we need to balance our books while also not being to concerned with the cost of living, as customers mindset shifts to quality v quantity!Check out our instagram @buyingandbeyond

In Episode 8 we discuss the importance of personal development, taking ownership and driving your own development. It's easier said than done though, so we share our recommendations for learning opportunities, podcasts that we love (other than ours, haha), life coaching and mentoring. Of course we go off on tangents around motivation and positivity - spin studios, BMF, netflix sports documentaries, women supporting women…We also talk about finding your support network, these are the people that you feel comfortable sharing your vulnerable side and the ones that will champion you. We would really encourage you to seek the following to help support driving your own development: Seek out that support, whether that is a friend, co-worker, manager or someone in the workplace that you really respect. Go for a coffee, have an informal chat and no doubt it will open up new avenues and opportunities. If we're honest there is a great need and not enough of mentoring in retail, but if we all start seeking it out, it will drive the change we need. Look externally for extra support, so seek out podcasts, audio books, online courses etc that will give you information in bitesize chunks that you can listen to while you go about your busy life; cooking dinner, on the way to work/the gym/a friends house etc… It's a worthwhile investmentLife Coaching is a great tool to use to find out what your career path is, no one really knows where their career is going, and having a forum to openly discuss can really help to guide youCheck out our instagram @buyingandbeyond

This has been such a fun episode to record and it's been great to have another opinion thrown into the mix! Emma shares really brilliant insights into the opportunities she's taken, from merchandising laptops to buying beauty & gifting, and how the skills gained through each role can be transferable across the retail landscape. We talk about the difference between all of Emma's roles, own brand and branded, how online trades differently, decisions based on data v gut, and we touch on the advancements of technology… Plus we talk about Emma's favourite store, immersing yourself in a shopping experience and treating yourself to a little something to give yourself a pocket friendly pick me up - the beauty of beauty!Always take every opportunity as all of your skills are transferable i would never of imagined going from laptops to beauty at a fashion retailer, harness every opportunity as a chance to learn something newThe reason we love buying is that we love product and that you can be creative in branded and own brand whether that's creating your own brand or seaking someone else'sHarness your power as a buyer to make a change weather that's through elevating a small brand and a platform to grow or driving sustainability within your product area

In episode 6 the focus is on travel again, but this time inspiration trips, one of the most creative parts of the job! Similarly to a development trip, you will need to be keeping on top of your BAU, so again, as fabulous as the destinations can be, and nice it is to be out of the office, that day to day running of the team doesn't go away - but it's worth the juggle for the ideas you can get! We talk about the incredible places that Buyers get to visit, the quick turn around of product from festival to factory, and ….. It's one of the the best ways to absorb yourself in creativity and see products from a consumer point of view - just make sure you take photos before you have a cheeky drink…!         Here are our 3 recommendations for inspo trips - Don't just stay in your lane, Inspiration trips are a great one for going with other departments, such as design, or marketing, or VM, and having a great bounce around of ideasIncorporate store visits if you have any in that area - great to see from customer point of view in another demographic/geo location Plan an Inspiration trip to gain the right information at the right time to influence your next range. Think carefully about timing. Ideally this will be at the beginning of your Critical Path to help you plan your strategy - but depending on your product category it might be months ahead of your CP starting e.g. beach inspiration trips may need to be in the summer (depending on where you're going) but your CP may not need to start until the following February..

In episode 6 the focus is on travel again, but this time inspiration trips, one of the most creative parts of the job! SImilarly to a development trip, you will need to be keeping on top of your BAU, so again, as fabulous as the destinations can be, and nice it is to be out of the office, that day to day running of the team doesn't go away - but it's worth the juggle for the ideas you can get! We talk about the incredible places that Buyers get to visit, the quick turn around of product from festival to factory, and ….. It's one of the the best ways to absorb yourself in creativity and see products from a consumer point of view - just make sure you take photos before you have a cheeky drink…!         Here are our 3 recommendations for inspo trips - Don't just stay in your lane, Inspiration trips are a great one for going with other departments, such as design, or marketing, or VM, and having a great bounce around of ideasIncorporate store visits if you have any in that area - great to see from customer point of view in another demographic/geo location Plan an Inspiration trip to gain the right information at the right time to influence your next range. Think carefully about timing. Ideally this will be at the beginning of your Critical Path to help you plan your strategy - but depending on your product category it might be months ahead of your CP starting e.g. beach inspiration trips may need to be in the summer (depending on where you're going) but your CP may not need to start until the following February..

In Episode 4 we talk about our experience of working with suppliers across the world, both direct factories and agents, in the UK, and the Far East. It feels like we have only just scratched the surface on this one as it is such a huge topic, suppliers are a huge part of a Buyer's life as without our suppliers and factories we wouldn't have any product! We spend most of this episode talking about finding suppliers, developing relationships, and the importance of establishing a strong network of suppliers that you can rely on. How do you find a new supplier or factory? How do you know if they have the capabilities and the quality and prices will be as you need? This can be particularly hard when venturing into a new product area, so how do you onboard new suppliers without taking too much of a risk. Just imagine if there was a tripadvisor but for factories…gold dust! Here are our top 3 takeaways from today's conversation… More transparency is essential for more ethical practices. If we share more information on suppliers and factories we can protect our businesses AND support factories to grow.  Take the view that a supplier is a tool for creating the product. The supplier is there to help to execute and if you're confident with your brand handwriting then sharing the tools shouldn't be a concernSupport your supplier and factories by sharing your product plans at the earliest opportunity so they are confident to plan better, pay their workers well, and encourage them to share their critical paths so you can work together to utilise the workforce better and potentially increase their production.Build your supply base for the long haul, a great team requires time and investment on both sides. By doing this you will future proof your range and it allows you to concentrate on developing great product and the best deals for both parties

In episode 3 we continue the conversation around travelling, it's all about preparation and being productive - as well as exhausted! Buying trips are so full on, it's the definition of work hard and play hard. You have to fit in as much as possible in a very short space of time, but it's worth it - and remember that  sometimes you're just so delirious and tired you just have to laugh (or you'll cry!) It's most definitely NOT a holiday - whatever other departments might think! Sure you get to see great places, and experience new cultures and try new foods, but it is intense and there is no down time. Just take it all in, you'll be running at 100 mph, juggling everything, but you can rest when you get home…and make sure you do!  The 3 things we really want to highlight from today's episode are:-It's not a holiday. It can be such an amazing experience, so much to take in with new cultures to and cuisines to try, but as we've said a few times, it will be exhausting, so be prepared. Take snacks, sleep aids and just embrace it. It's the epitome of ‘work hard, play hard' - you will be working closely with suppliers from early morning to late nights, and then often eating out in the evening, taking in a lot of information, and also juggling your BAU and team management back in the office (from a different time zone!)Think about geographical efficiencies in order to plan your trip effectively - as we've said, you will need to fit in as much as possible, so make it as easy as possible on yourself by making sure your schedule flows well. 

Travelling can be such an amazing experience, you can come back so full of ideas and expertise on your product category! It's so important to get out to see factories, they are absolutely fascinating and really take you behind the scenes of the product. It can be one of the best parts of a buying role, and also one of the most exhausting. We would really encourage you to put the following into action during your product development trips - Understanding the manufacturing processes of a product is invaluable. You see the end to end process, the intricacies and also the pain points. It will help you to make improvements to your product, and also assist in your negotiations to ensure your product remains good quality & VFMAsk questions and be inquisitive. You often find you uncover new product capabilities, and you'll supercharge your knowledge of the product areas seeing the manufacturing process first hand. Become an expert. Spending time with your suppliers and having face to face meetings can really improve your relationship and your communications. It's much easier to share and explain in person

We're back for  Season 2 - and you've made it! That title is yours! You are now the leader of the team…but with that comes responsibilities too. You're setting the strategy, you're creating and selecting all the products, it's your range and your vision,  but you're also moving into more of a management role. It's such an exciting time becoming a buyer and finally getting that title is the ultimate dream, so lets celebrate with 3 reasons we love being a Buyer - You now have full control to set the direction, put all your plans into place  and steer your ship (...under the leadership of your Head of Buying/Buying Director/CEO…etc, lets not get too carried away now!)The opportunity to build the team you want around you, to nurture and create Buyers of the future. You also have the responsibility of balancing keeping your team in the loop, but also keeping them motivated, which may mean protecting them from direction, decisions and difficult conversations from the top. You can make a positive change - treat your team how you would like to be treated, value their opinions and be a role model (maybe the one you wish you'd had….)

We're ending this season by reminding ourselves why we love our jobs in retail buying, more trips down memory lane, the friends we've made, the parties we've been to and the fun, laughter and creativity that comes with it!Here are our favourite things about Buying summarised into 3 points - 1) The excitement of a new idea brewing, working with your team to bring the idea to life, launching with bells & whistles, seeing the success in sales and joy it brings to customers and then analysing how and why it was such a success, and figuring out how to do it all again - same same but different!2) Being at the forefront of trends, new and exciting creativity, products and projects, and being surrounded all day everyday (mostly) with people who share the same passion and designs that inspire and keep you motivated3) Discovering new products, sourcing new fabrics and materials and visiting factories to learn all about the manufacturing, new processes and driving a more sustainable agenda.

In this episode we're chatting about all things management, so often there is no training and you just have to learn on the job. We discuss our first experiences of managing, our preferred management style and the importance of managing up and down.Here are three things we would encourage managers to do -1) Check in, show up be, present for your team - you'll gain their respect. 2) Adapt your communication style depending on who you're talking with to get the best result.3) Align your goals. You are your team, there's no ‘I' in team. If they're performing, then you're performing.  

In Episode 8 we chat about a really common task that most buyers carry out called a compshop. It's really about how we gather our market data and take inspiration from retailers. It's important to remember that this isnt copying or stealing ideas its gathering information to identify trends and also make sure you are relevant in the market place. It can help you to also identify and define your USP and understand a range structure when looking at a new category. *Side note: MK = Marie Kondo!Our top 3 suggestions for making sure you get the most impactful ideas & inspiration for your product ranges are: 1) Get out to stores, no matter how busy you are. Online is great for giving you wide reach view on the retail landscape, but there's nothing quite like seeing and feeling the product to really understand the size, weight, quality, colour, value for money, etc etc etc.2) Inspiration can be found everywhere - walking through your local town, popping to your local garden centre, going out for dinner with friends3) Share your finds and ideas - make sure you plan in some time to follow up before you get bogged down with the BAU (Business as usual….!)

In this Episode we focus on the Sign Off meeting, we set the scene, talk about the general scenarios you might find, the questions you may face, and how to handle it all like an absolute pro..!Our top tips for a successful sign off…1) Confidence in presenting, this is your show, and keep calm when questioned, even when you don't know the answers2) Ask for constructive feedback, don't be afraid to ask why 3) Push for the products you believe in, they will respect you for standing up for the range you pulled together  - but don't fight too hard as the final decision is theirs, and ultimately they are accountable

Episode 6 is all about the critical path, which is essentially a sequence of tasks you need to finish on time in order to complete your initiative. It's a flow chart that needs to be followed as tightly as possible as any delays in critical tasks will delay your whole project. It starts from setting your strategy and takes you all the way through to launching your products on time - you hope! It's more critical and creative thinking too, if you face an obstacle in your critical path, how are you going to find a work around. Time is money! Buyers are always working in the future, planning for at least 6 months, if not 1 year, or even 18 months ahead. It's can be a long process - and so this is a long episode! *note this episode was recorded in December 2023So our round up of episode 6 is -1) Plan plan plan but be prepared for it not to go to plan2) The key to a successful sign off is a clear informative strategy and those product review touch points3) Everyone has a role to play but essentially you are the conductor. The buyer must keep everyone on track an ensure that they have completed their parts of the plan

In episode 5 we talk about trade. It's the main meeting that shapes our week, challenges us to think creatively and find solutions. It focuses on sales - how did you perform last week, what is your forecast for the next week, month, etc. Buyers costly analyse numbers as the key objective is to drive sales and see the business is growing - and if it isn't you need to be quick to adapt and come up with the new sales driving ideas. A successful trade meeting can also really be about how your present the facts, how are you trading your stock and being flexible to the needs of the business - a good performance equals good results (whether your sales are up or down!) Here are our top 3 tips to survive a trade meeting - 1) Speak confidently, you know your category inside out… if your thrown by an unexpected question keep calm and say you will find out and get back to them ASAP- but make sure you give an update by EOD!2) Always have an action plan…no one really cares how sales were last week if you don't have any idea what your going to do to drive them next week. You need to focus on the future3) Every company has a different way of saying things, if you don't understand find out! It could be you want to check the buyers guide, or the line detail, or the sales report..it's all the same thing, just worded differently! If you've liked this episode please rate, follow, subscribe and share :) and if you already have, thank you!Follow us @buyingandbeyond on Instagramwww.buyingandbeyond.com

In this episode we explore the differences between own brand development and branded buying, discuss how Buyers are responsible for everything and we have a giggle about some sampling mishaps. Both types of Buying have their pros & cons, so if you're looking to get into Buying it's good to be aware of your strengths and also the type of buying that the retailer, or department, you're applying for is focused on, so you can make sure that you're joining a business that you'll be happy with and plays to your strengths!These are the top 3 skills we think you need to be successful in these types of Buying roles -1) Creative; whether it's product design, range building, price engineering or brand positioning, it's important to think creativily.2) Collaborative; a open mindset to work with your designer, merchandiser and brands 3) Numerical; it's good to be a creative who understanding numbers - even if you have a merchandiser to do the crunching, an awareness of what the figures mean is essential and something you can learn!If you've liked this episode please rate, follow, subscribe and share :) and if you already have, thank you!Follow us @buyingandbeyond on Instagramwww.buyingandbeyond.com

In this episode we talk about the different roles in Buying , starting from entry level and working our way up the ladder step by step… and depending what company you work for there can be a lot of rungs to that ladder! We will explain some of the differences between companies, how the  number of levels often depends on the structure and size of Buying department, and also the responsibilities that come with those roles.Our key take aways from this episode are: 1) Hard work & enthusiasm go a long way…don't give up! Go above & beyond, work at the next level and you'll be rewarded2) Respect experience…knowing it's taken so long to work up the ladder, the time spent and scenarios experienced, just ask questions and learn - don't be afraid to ask!3) Be strong, develop a thick skin - all experiences (good & bad) will help shape you for the future!If you've liked this episode please rate, follow, subscribe and share :) and if you already have, thank you!Follow us @buyingandbeyond on Instagramwww.buyingandbeyond.com

In this episode we'll share all about landing our first jobs, from how we found out about the roles, to interviews, to our first days! After all the studying and internships then came the daunting process of finding a role, and then the big day is upon us, like the first day at school! The 3 top things from episode 2 we want to share with you are….1) Talk to people (again, we reiterate!) It's about making those connections2) Be excited, show your passionate, make it clear how much you love Buying and the retailer3) It's not you, it's me! If you don't get the job, don't be disheartened, it can be simple as team fit, it's not that you don't have the skill set, it might just be the spark isn't there (on both sides!)If you've liked this episode please rate, follow, subscribe and share :) and if you already have, thank you!Follow us @buyingandbeyond on Instagramwww.buyingandbeyond.com

In episode 1 we're going right back to the beginning to give you all an insight into how we got into buying in the first place - we hope that this podcast is not just relatable, but also educational, and hopefully helpful to anyone looking to get into the industry too! We'll share our backgrounds, our work experience, our interviews and landing our first jobs..The 3 top things we learnt from today's episode are….1) Do what you love - study the subjects that you enjoy. That will take you places2) Work Experience - immerse yourself into the industry3) Make connections - talking to people - building relationshipsIf you've liked this episode please rate, follow, subscribe and share :) and if you already have, thank you!Follow us @buyingandbeyond on Instagramwww.buyingandbeyond.com

Welcome to the Buying & Beyond podcast, the podcast for all things Retail Buying….and more!Join us, Kate & Lyns, buyers and best friends, each week for industry insights, stories and expertise from real people in retail.  Enjoy honest stories and conversations, retail therapy and learn bite-sized tips from us and our friends from across the industry. We are your modern day mentors, prepping buyers of the future and empowering retail businesses by offering a support network & all the tools of the trade. @buyingandbeyond on Instagramwww.buyingandbeyond.com