Gain the practical skills you need to launch a career in retail buying. Whether you’re starting out in retail or planning a move into buying, this course gives you a competitive edge in the fast-moving retail industry.
The Certificate of Retail Buying and Strategic Planning is a professional development course that covers the full buying process from identifying customer needs to managing supplier relationships, pricing, inventory and strategic planning.
In this online retail buying course, you will gain a strong foundation in product selection, supplier negotiation, stock control, and consumer trends. You will also explore consumer behaviour, learn how to evaluate product quality, forecast demand, and manage stock effectively.
You will gain insight into ethical sourcing, sustainable practices, and how to adapt to changing trends. You will also make smarter buying decisions to meet business goals and customer expectations, guided by sales data and market research.
On completion of this course, you will feel prepared to contribute value in a retail buying or strategic planning role.
Course Structure
Certificate of Retail Buying and Strategic Planning
Unit 1 – Introduction to Retail Buying
- Introduction to retail buying
- Roles and responsibilities
- Key skills and qualities
- Overview of retail sectors
Unit 2: Understanding Consumer Behaviour
- Understanding consumer behaviour
- Identifying target markets
- Shopping trends and customer preferences
- Using sales data to predict demand
Unit 3: Product Selection and Merchandising
- Product selection and merchandising
- Understanding product quality
- Evaluating market-fit
- Assessment methods
- Pricing strategies and profit margins
- Visual merchandising strategies
Unit 4: Supplier Relations and Negotiation
- Supplier relations and negotiation
- Sourcing and selecting suppliers
- Supplier evaluation checklist
- Supplier research methods
- Negotiating supplier agreements
- Managing supplier relationships
- Negotiating prices, terms, and contracts
- Ethics and sustainable sourcing
Unit 5: Inventory and Stock Control
- Inventory and stock control
- Forecasting demand
- Reducing waste
- Managing slow inventory
- Supply chain logistics
Unit 6: Financial Aspects of Buying
- Financial aspects of buying
- Budgeting
- Financial planning
- Managing profit margins
- Cost control strategies
- Profitability through strategic buying
- Analysing sales reports
Unit 7: Trends, Innovation, and Market Analysis
- Trends, innovation and market analysis
- Staying ahead of industry trends
- Adapting buying strategies
- Understanding why consumer needs change
- Strategies for adapting to customer needs
- Overcoming challenges
- Using data to enhance buying decisions
Unit 8: Retail Buying in Action
- Retail buying in action
- The role of strategy planning
- Portfolio, range, and category planning
- Suppliers, inventory and financial strategies
- Creating a retail buying strategy
- Implementation, risk management, and review
- Case studies
- Career pathways
- Retail buyer career
Study Hours
Estimated duration 30 Hours
Course Delivery and Start
Start anytime, self-paced and 100% Online
Assessment
Assessment will be comprised of written exercises, including short-answer questions, reflective tasks, short reports and/or projects. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Testimonials
My experience was very good studying with Australian Online Courses, and I will probably be doing another few courses soon.
I. Basharat, Morphett Vale, SA | Certificate of Retail Buying and Strategic Planning
I really enjoyed studying with Australian Online Courses. As someone who has never studied online I found it easy to use and easy to fit into my schedule.
M. Lilikakis, Bulleen, VIC | Certificate of Retail Buying and Strategic Planning
It was a seamless and easy experience that gave me the knowledge that I was looking for and needed.
Z. Khan, Springwood, QLD | Certificate of Retail Buying and Strategic Planning
Graduation
A Certificate of Attainment and Statement of Results will be issued upon successful completion of this course.
How to Enrol
Enrolment Form – Employment Services and Rehabilitation Providers
Enrol via Live Chat (Business Hours)
Enrol via Telephone 1300 76 2221 (Business Hours)
Payment Options
Visa, Mastercard, BPAY and EFT/Direct Deposit. Please allow 1-2 Business days for processing for EFT and BPAY.
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support via email;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
Are there any entry requirements or pre-requisites?
There are no course or subject pre-requisites for entry into our programs. However, our professional development programs are generally intended for people over the age of 18. In some circumstances, enrolments from younger people may be considered. Please complete the AOC Parent Guardian Consent Form prior to enrolling and submit here.
Are there any computer requirements?
To study online with Australian Online Courses you will need a computer (desktop PC/laptop) running a current/updated operating system with reliable high-speed internet access. You will need to use the Google Chrome browser to access your course.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
How is this course delivered?
This course is delivered online via our easy-to-navigate Learning Management System (LMS), where you will discover interactive online learning/written content, resources and assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our LMS and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email only during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
- Buyers Administrator
- Buying and Product Manager
- Buying Administration Assistant
- Retail Buyer
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