The Next Buyer role is a vital position in the retail supply chain, ensuring the right products are sourced, negotiated, and delivered at the right time and price. At Next, one of the UK’s top fashion and home retailers, Buyers play a strategic role in trend forecasting, supplier management, and maximizing product profitability. This job isn’t just about purchasing—it’s about owning a product category from concept to customer.
The typical salary for a Next Buyer ranges from £30,000 to £55,000, depending on experience and category responsibility. Senior Buyer roles may reach upwards of £65,000+, with performance bonuses and benefits. It’s a challenging yet rewarding career for professionals passionate about fashion, business, and analytics.
To help you stand out in your interview, we’ve compiled the top 20 Next Buyer interview questions and model answers to give you an edge.
20 Interview Questions and Answers for the Next Buyer Role
1. Tell us about your experience in buying or merchandising.
“I’ve worked in buying roles for over four years, focusing on womenswear and accessories. My responsibilities included supplier negotiation, forecasting, and category performance analysis. I developed seasonal strategies that led to a 12% increase in sell-through rate.”
2. Why do you want to work as a Buyer at Next?
“Next has a strong omnichannel presence and is known for its high-quality product ranges and efficient supply chain. I admire your data-driven approach and would love to contribute to your continued growth in fashion and home categories.”
3. How do you identify trends for upcoming seasons?
“I analyze trend reports, attend trade shows, follow fashion influencers, and monitor competitor lines. I also work closely with design and marketing teams to align buying decisions with consumer demand and seasonal trends.”
4. Describe a time when you had to make a difficult buying decision.
“We had limited budget but two strong product contenders. I used data analysis and past performance to justify investing in a product with better margin potential, which sold 25% above forecast.”
5. What’s your approach to supplier negotiation?
“I focus on building long-term relationships, backed by clear volume forecasts and transparent communication. I negotiate based on value—not just price—considering lead times, payment terms, and flexibility.”
6. How do you manage stock levels and avoid overbuying?
“I use historical data, current sales trends, and predictive analytics to forecast demand accurately. I also work closely with merchandising teams to adjust stock levels in real-time based on performance.”
7. What systems or tools have you used in previous buying roles?
“I’m proficient in Excel, WSSI systems, PLM software, and ERP platforms like SAP and Oracle for purchase orders and inventory tracking.”
8. How do you collaborate with other departments like design or marketing?
“I regularly liaise with designers to ensure product feasibility and with marketing to plan campaigns around delivery windows and pricing strategies. Cross-functional collaboration is key to a successful launch.”
9. What makes a product range successful?
“A successful range balances trend relevance, price competitiveness, and strong margin. It should be cohesive yet versatile, appeal to the target demographic, and align with seasonal sales goals.”
10. Describe a time when a product underperformed. What did you do?
“A new range of handbags didn’t sell as expected. I initiated markdowns, analyzed customer feedback, and used those insights to better forecast demand and redesign the following season’s line.”
11. How do you prioritize your workload under pressure?
“I prioritize based on urgency and impact—delivery schedules, supplier deadlines, and sales targets. I also use digital task management tools and maintain a strong calendar discipline.”
12. What KPIs do you track as a Buyer?
“Sell-through rate, margin percentage, intake margin, OTB (Open to Buy), stock turn, and supplier lead times. These help drive better forecasting and profitability.”
13. How do you balance creativity with commercial awareness?
“While I appreciate creative design, my focus is on commercial viability. I ensure each product not only fits the brand aesthetic but meets sales targets and appeals to our core customers.”
14. How do you handle conflicting opinions with a designer or merchandiser?
“I present data to support my decisions and am always open to creative ideas. It’s about finding a balance that supports both the product vision and the commercial goal.”
15. What are the latest trends in fashion or home that excite you?
“In fashion, I’m seeing a rise in quiet luxury and sustainable basics. In home, tactile materials and calming tones are trending. I keep a close eye on WGSN, Pinterest, and competitor websites.”
16. How do you ensure compliance with ethical sourcing policies?
“I work only with approved vendors who meet audit and compliance standards. I also advocate for supply chain transparency and regularly review vendor scorecards.”
17. How do you stay informed about competitors?
“I perform weekly comp shops, track their online launches, monitor reviews, and subscribe to market intelligence platforms to benchmark our performance.”
18. What steps would you take to launch a new product category?
“Conduct market research, identify target customer profiles, source suitable suppliers, forecast demand, and align marketing campaigns to maximize visibility.”
19. What’s your proudest buying achievement so far?
“I led the relaunch of a menswear basics range that increased category revenue by 40% year-on-year through smart sourcing and margin improvement.”
20. Where do you see yourself in five years?
“I aim to grow into a Senior Buyer or Head of Buying role, mentoring junior team members and influencing high-level product strategies in a leading fashion brand like Next.”
Final Tips for Acing the Next Buyer Interview
Research the brand: Know Next’s core values, recent campaigns, and best-selling lines.
Dress the part: Fashion-forward but professional.
Know your numbers: Be ready to speak about KPIs and sales data.
Ask questions: Show initiative by asking about team structure, current challenges, or upcoming buying seasons.
Practice situational questions: Use the STAR method—Situation, Task, Action, Result—to structure your answers.
The buying world is competitive, but with preparation, confidence, and a passion for retail, you can land your dream role at Next. Use this guide to rehearse your answers, research thoroughly, and go into your interview with a strategy and a smile.
Good luck—you’ve got this!
