62101 – Retail and wholesale buyers
Lead statement
Retail and wholesale buyers buy merchandise for resale by retail or wholesale establishments and are usually responsible for the merchandising operations of retail or wholesale establishments. Retail and wholesale buyers who are supervisors and those who are assistants are included in this unit group.
Main duties
- Purchase merchandise for resale by retail or wholesale establishments
- Review requirements of establishment and determine quantity and type of merchandise to purchase
- Study market reports, trade periodicals and sales promotion materials and visit trade shows, showrooms, factories and product design events
- Select the merchandise which best fits the establishment's requirements
- Interview suppliers and negotiate prices, discounts, credit terms and transportation arrangements
- Oversee distribution of merchandise to outlets and maintain adequate stock levels
- Establish and maintain contact with suppliers
- May supervise the work of other retail buyers.
Employment requirements
- A university degree or college diploma in business, marketing or a related program is usually required.
- Completion of secondary school is required.
- Previous work experience in retail or wholesale establishments is usually required.
- Supervisors and senior buyers require experience in the occupation supervised or in a particular merchandise line.
Example job titles
appliance buyer · assistant buyer · buyer - retail · retail buyer · cattle buyer · clothing buyer · food buyer · fruit buyer · fur buyer · hardware buyer · hog buyer · livestock buyer · log buyer · lumber buyer · meat buyer · merchandiser · pharmaceuticals buyer · produce buyer · retail merchandiser · salvage buyer · scrap buyer · chief buyer · senior buyer - retail or wholesale · chief buyer - retail or wholesale · buyers supervisor · beverage taster and buyer · timber buyer · tobacco buyer · wholesale buyer · perishable food buyer · specialty food buyer · buyer - wholesale
Wages (per hour)
| Province / territory | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | $19.23 | $30.00 | $48.08 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $17.32 | $25.82 | $39.74 |
| Nova Scotia | $16.50 | $22.61 | $38.96 |
| New Brunswick | $19.23 | $23.00 | $61.54 |
| Quebec | $20.00 | $32.00 | $50.97 |
| Ontario | $20.00 | $29.81 | $45.67 |
| Manitoba | $18.70 | $24.04 | $48.08 |
| Saskatchewan | $16.15 | $32.00 | $48.08 |
| Alberta | $19.23 | $28.73 | $38.46 |
| British Columbia | $20.00 | $30.77 | $47.60 |
Source: Job Bank wages, 2025 release (ESDC). Low and high are the 10th and 90th percentiles.
Occupation details: ESDC OaSIS 2025, based on NOC 2021.