Today we’re joined by Shani - Shani has worked for Arcadia, Tesco, Tie Rack and Superdry - all large Uk retailers but with very different buying offices and Shani is here to tell us all about it. It’s a really raw and honest talk about how retail used to be and the stereotypical situations you would hear about in Buying offices. Katy and Shani met at university studying the same Fashion Retail Buying course (20 years ago!) and lived together at their first jobs in London. We dive into the stories of the struggles, dramas and hilarious moments as they entered the world of buying. We talk about why Shani decided to study at De Montfort and her inspiring lectures Helen Dunn and Pippa Clarkson- what a difference it makes when your taught by someone who has come from industry! Shani talks us through her career history as she climbed the ladder from a visual merch role at Topshop right through to a Senior Buyer level at Superdry. We talk about how grateful she was to get that first opportunity at Burton (thanks Jane!) after taking a risk to move to London without a job! Shani’s story is a real rollercoaster ride of different retailers departments and demands, as we hear all about the different buying structures she has worked within, how to manage up & down when you land that first promotion, and how to navigate working for a company that does not have any processes! We hear all about why Shani loved her time in buying from the travelling, the buzz of being able to make some big decision that will make a difference, but most of all the incredible people you meet along the way. They are your tribe, we are all similar in our thinking and determination to succeed with passion and excitement for what we do. Our key takeaways are: Take a risk if it feels comfortable it’s not going to challenge you or change your journey! The right balance of Buying AND Merchandising skills is so important for a businesses survival Its can be a very uncertain environment as you could be moved around departments at a moments notice, just remember though it's great to challenge yourself with a new category and take it as a compliment your obviously doing something right! Oh and ALWAYS have biscuits - sign offs, supplier meetings, or toddler tantrums! If your a buyer listening to this and would love to join us for a chat on the podcast, get in touch- we would love to have you on to share your experience with others to inspire and inform anyone looking to join the wild world of retail buying. Drop us a DM via instagram or send us an email
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