: Both roles aim to maximize sales while minimizing losses through effective pricing strategies and cost control [10].

Retail buying and merchandising are the twin pillars of a successful retail operation, balancing the creative art of selection with the scientific precision of inventory management. While often grouped together, they represent distinct functions: focuses on the "what" and "from whom"—selecting the right products from suppliers—while Merchandising focuses on the "how much" and "where"—managing stock levels and physical presentation to maximize profitability. The Role of the Retail Buyer

: Merchandising ensures that products are presented at eye level and organized in a way that helps customers quickly find what they need, directly impacting the conversion rate [15].

: Buyers must analyze sales records and market trends to predict consumer demand, often traveling to trade shows to discover new products.

The primary responsibility of a retail buyer is to translate a company’s marketing and positioning strategy into a tangible product assortment [13].