The title and function of a person responsible for the selection and pricing of merchandise, as well as for maintaining profit margins, in a fashion retailing organization. Large retailers hire buyers who are responsible for a specific department, such as outerwear, special occasion, designer merchandise, accessories, footwear, and so on. This employee is responsible for growing the sales of a department or division and reports to the divisional merchandise manager.
Historical Dictionary of the Fashion Industry. Francesca Sterlacci and Joanne Arbuckle.