Never commented on this thread but have to RANT, I’m a Senior Buyer at a similar retailer and I’ve been doing this job for a decade and my progression was considered ‘quick’ in the industry. I would probably have to work another decade to be a Creative Director and most of ours are either men
or women in their 40s that have years of experience.
Despite what people may think, it’s a tough job, hours are relentless and it’s an underpaid profession as well as very competitive. I wasn’t making what Molly Mae spent on that bracelet until I was a Buyer which took me 8 years, and before that I went to the Fashion Retail Academy plus I have a degree in maths which actually massively helps in the job believe it or not.
There’s a wealth of knowledge that goes into buying and merchandising, even in fast fashion, probably more so as we’re signing off hundreds of lines a week.
I’m not usually one to begrudge influencers deals etc because honestly it’s easy money we’d all take, but this is just SO typical of the industry where you have to fight tooth and nail for progression and put years in as an admin on barely a living wage. A lot of my buying merch design buddies are kicking off on Instagram about this, as well as the industry meme pages I follow. It’s a JOKE!