Introduction to Fashion Buying (Online)

Due to the changing nature of the current retail landscape, Fashion Buying skills are becoming ever more important to the success of businesses, large and small. The skilled act of buying the right products in order to attract target consumers is increasingly difficult with the constantly changing economy. Fashion Buying is a fundamental factor to any area of retailing and is an essential part of the success of all fashion businesses.

The use of social networks, online media products, and the changing demographic of fashion consumers are also leading to retailers needing to be successful at attracting their core consumers. The buying process for small independent retailers and some department stores can be quite different from working for a high street fashion chain store.

This course encourages you to observe and engage with the buying cycle and also to gain an understanding of the fashion process with specific references made to both own label development and branded product selection. You will also become familiar with the consideration of target markets and the effects of shopping trends on those markets.

You will also be introduced to ways in which companies and other key bodies are working to address these impacts and their motivations.

You will have the opportunity to work with an experienced tutor who will assist you with your understanding of the subject, facilitate and encourage discussion and provide feedback on your progress. You will have access to a range of online resources such as guest lectures, live critiques, podcasts, e-books, interviews and films created with industry professionals.

You will also be encouraged to attend relevant exhibitions, trade events and shows wherever possible.

Course materials will be available through the Solent Online Learning Portal| and you will work independently, at your own pace, on a series of exercises designed to encourage a self-reflective approach to your personal knowledge development. Group discussion and a sharing of knowledge, experience and ideas will be actively encouraged in order to create an online ‘community of learning’ within which you will develop a network of colleagues.

A final assessment will take place at the end of the twelve-week, course for which you will be required to submit electronically a final piece of work.

Where possible and appropriate you will be encouraged to relate this unit to your own working practice.

Course delivery

The course combines practical exercises with input from industry experts along with current supporting theory. You will be encouraged to reflect on your progress while working through the course materials and exercises, while also developing your creative and visual communication skills.

Who is the course for?

• Independent boutique owners and staff
• High street retail managers and staff
• Those thinking of setting up a fashion business
• Those thinking of a future career in fashion retail
• Those wishing to refresh or enhance their existing professional skills and improve and update their CV
• Those interested in learning about fashion buying/the fashion industry.

Key details

• Unit code: UPDU054P
• Duration: 12 weeks
• Online attendance: 5 sessions
• Expected total study time: 100 hours
• Location: online
• Credit: 10 credits at Level 4 (First year degree level)
• Certificate: 10 credits
• Fee: £350

Contact

To enquire further or apply for a place on this course, please contact Lisa Mann.

Email: lisa.mann@solent.ac.uk|
Telephone: +44 (0)23 8031 9386