Our five day Buying and Merchandising course teaches the theoretical aspects of the development and buying of a fashion range.
Buyers and Merchandisers are the key decision makers in a fashion retail business, managing the creative and business processes that result in a fashion range. This short course equips you with the understanding and background to help produce a commercial yet trend-driven fashion collection.
The course is taught by experienced Fashion Buyer Mike Hansell and Buying Manager Carla Frith. We spoke to the guest lecturers to find out their top five reasons to take this short course. This is what they came up with…
Learn about the fashion industry from experienced industry professionals
We will learn about the processes of fashion from concept to consumer, gaining an understanding of how fashion ranges end up in store.
Learn how to balance commercial demands with creative ideas
We will look at how balancing demands with creativity is the key to success for the world’s top fashion brands, and we will learn how to do it.
Learn the insider tools, tricks and tips used by global companies
We will learn how the fashion industry really works and how the strategies can be applied to all retail businesses
Become industry ready for a career in the fashion world
You will have access to downloadable templates which you can use within your daily work or apply to your own business.
Delve into and understand the fashion industry; develop your own career, business, life skills and portfolio
We will learn about the different methods and practices used in the fashion industry when putting a range together and some of the challenges you may face.
With 16 years’ experience, Mike Hansell is an experienced Fashion Buyer. He has worked for some of the biggest fashion retailers in Europe in the buying function, including The Arcadia Group, Matalan, River Island and Zalando.com. He now lectures in various aspects of Fashion Buying and Business at universities and institutions across the UK.
With over 26 years’ experience between them, Carla Frith will be working with Mike to deliver the five day short course. Currently working as a Buying Manager at COS, Carla has previously worked in some of the fashion industry’s leading brands, including fast fashion international retailer Topshop and British heritage brand Jaeger. Directing and managing a team of buyers, designers and merchandisers to create forward thinking collections, Carla has played a key role in the success and growth of this rapidly expanding global brand. For the last four years, Carla has been developing successful BA programmes that coach the next generation of fashion talent into business and creative positions within the industry.
“What makes this short course exciting is that the teaching is grounded in practical exercises and mini projects to reinforce your learning and help you prepare for a career within fashion buying or merchandising.” Mike Hansell
“The course offers an exciting opportunity to share years’ worth of knowledge and expertise through intensive and practical learning. The course is a great route to learn more, up-skill or simply develop a foundation of relevant knowledge.” Carla Frith
