How to become a retail and wholesale buyer
Official title: Retail and wholesale buyers
Also called: Fur buyer, Hog buyer, Log buyer, Food buyer, Meat buyer, Chief buyer, Fruit buyer, Scrap buyer, Cattle buyer, Lumber buyer, Retail buyer, Timber buyer
Retail and wholesale buyers buy merchandise for resale by retail or wholesale establishments and are usually responsible for the merchandising operations of retail or wholesale establishments. Retail and wholesale buyers who are supervisors and those who are assistants are included in this unit group.
Main tasks
- 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
- May supervise the work of other retail buyers
How to become one
Completion of secondary school is required. A university degree or college diploma in business, marketing or a related program is usually required. Previous work experience in retail or wholesale establishments is usually required. Supervisors and senior buyers require experience in the occupation supervised or in a particular merchandise line.
Ways in
- College or CEGEP: College or CEGEP program. 26% of workers hold a college or other non-degree diploma (Census 2021). Common fields: Business administration, management and operations; Business/commerce, general; Design and applied arts.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $58,500 a year The middle half earn $43,875 to $74,997.
- About 22,900 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 23,500 are projected by 2033. (+2.6%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a retail and wholesale buyer?
Completion of secondary school is required. A university degree or college diploma in business, marketing or a related program is usually required. Previous work experience in retail or wholesale establishments is usually required. Supervisors and senior buyers require experience in the occupation supervised or in a particular merchandise line.
How much does a retail and wholesale buyer earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $58,500 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $43,875 to $74,997.
Is a retail and wholesale buyer a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 3% by 2033, from about 22,900 to about 23,500 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a retail and wholesale buyer?
Not always. 27% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: College or CEGEP program.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03