A strong interest within the Buying industry, in particular womenswear buying was the key driver behind this dissertation. The focus was on whether with today's rapidly changing technological advances are having an impact on the Buying industry, potentially making the role less creative than in previous years. The title for this thesis chosen for this was: 'To what extent have technological advances changed the womenswear fashion buying industry?'

 

In order to get a sold understanding of the role, Buyer's were contacted and interviewed from across the retail sector, incudling compaines such as John Lewis, Hugo Boss and Marks & Spencer. It was important for this topic that the role was fully understood inclduing the background and roles and responsibilities. Chapter headings included 'Today's Buying Envorment', 'Defining Creativity', 'Current Impacts on the Buying Industry' & 'Future Technological Advances'. 

 

The dissertation was then concluded with a conclusion where it was found, that while technology is now a substansial part of the role, there is still a requirement that a Buyer is creative in order to produce new and innovative ideas for the specific retailer.

 

 

 

'The buying industry today relies heavily on technology, from ‘mathematical computer programs to weather forecasts, social media, and the internet’ (Clodfelter, 2009: 44). It is an industry that must adapt to this, with many now questioning, does today’s data analysis make this generation of buyers more mechanical and less creative?'