It’s Not the Title That Makes You a Great Buyer (#029)
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 misleadingWhat questions to ask in your next performance reviewThe core skills that make you stand out as a buyer
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13:10
Making the Leap: How to Transition Into Fashion Buying (#028)
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 buyingWays to gain relevant experience—even if you’re starting from scratchThe mindset shift you need to succeed as a fashion buyerHow retail experience can give you a competitive edgeIf 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.Polish & Perfect Your Resume 🔹 Enroll in Thrive in Fashion Buying & Merchandising, my course designed to help you build the skills and confidence to thrive in fashion buying.Thrive in Fashion Buying & Merchandising Course
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7:16
Common Buying Mistakes and How to Avoid Them (#027)
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 itIf 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 Thrive in Fashion Buying & Merchandising Course
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15:04
How to Set Your Fashion Buying Career Goals for 2025 (#026)
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 gapsDon’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 belowPolish & Perfect Your Resume Thrive in Fashion Buying & Merchandising Course
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13:59
The Top 5 Trends to Watch out for in 2025 (#025)
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 belowThrive in Fashion Buying & Merchandising Course
This podcast "Thrive in Fashion" is your ultimate guide to navigating the dynamic world of FASHION BUYING & MERCHANDISING. Hosted by Elisabeth Mac Hale, a seasoned fashion buyer and industry consultant, this podcast is designed for aspiring buyers, fashion graduates & boutique owners, passionate about the fashion business.
Each episode explores different aspects of fashion buying, from trend analysis and product development to retail strategy. Elisabeth shares her wealth of experience, offering practical insights and industry tips, to help you build a successful career in fashion buying.
Ireland