In this episode of Thrive in Fashion, I dive into the most common mistakes fashion buyers make—and how to avoid them. From overbuying and misjudging trends to indecision and poor negotiation, these pitfalls can have a huge impact on your bottom line.

I share real-world stories from my experience, including how hesitation and lack of confidence can derail a buying season, why ignoring customer feedback is a costly mistake, and how balancing gut instinct with data leads to smarter buying decisions.

Key takeaways:

✔️ Trust your data—don’t rely solely on gut feeling

✔️ Stick to your critical path—indecision costs time and money

✔️ Keep the customer front and center—feedback is everything

✔️ Negotiate smartly—profitability depends on it

If you're in fashion buying, this episode is packed with insights to help you avoid costly mistakes and make better decisions.

If you would like to develop your fashion buying knowledge from Concept to Customer check out the online course in buying and merchandising

As 2024 comes to a close, it’s time to look ahead and start setting your career goals for 2025! In this week’s episode of the Fashion Forward podcast, I’m sharing tips on how to set goals that will set you up for success next year.

Whether you’re aiming for a promotion, mastering new skills, or exploring new career opportunities, this episode covers everything you need to stay on track and motivated throughout 2025.
✨ Reflect on this year's wins and lessons
✨ Define clear, achievable goals
✨ Align your goals with your long-term career vision
✨ Identify skills to develop and fill any gaps

Don’t miss out on these practical tips—listen to the full episode today and set yourself up for a successful year ahead!

If you would like to develop your fashion buying knowledge from Concept to Customer or want to have a resume audit with Elisabeth check out the links below

In this week’s episode, we're looking ahead to the biggest trends shaping the fashion industry in 2025! From Neo-Minimalism’s “less is more” ethos to groundbreaking tech-infused textiles, we’re covering it all.

Whether you’re in buying, merchandising, or just curious about where fashion is headed, this episode breaks down five key trends: Neo-Minimalism, Tech-Infused Textiles, Playful Colors and Prints, Gender-Fluid Fashion, and Circular Fashion. Tune in to hear details and examples on how to recognise these trends and ways to include them in your buying strategy.

Feeling stuck in your current buying role? Learn how to refine your trend forecasting, inventory management, and negotiation strategies to get noticed.

Details in the link below

In this episode of Thrive in Fashion, Elisabeth Mac Hale reveals the realities of fashion buying that aren’t taught in classrooms. Elisabeth breaks down common misconceptions, from the allure of glamour to the heavy focus on sales data and spreadsheets.

She shares her insights and experiences as a buyer, highlighting the balance between creativity and commercial strategy, and how market knowledge and customer insights are essential for success. Packed with real-world examples, this episode is a must-listen for aspiring buyers, fashion students, and anyone eager to thrive in the retail buying office.

FREE DOWNLOAD >>

https://learn.thriveinfashion.com/buyers-30-tips-register

If you would like to make your fashion buying kowledge Industry ready from Concept to Customer check out the link below

In this episode of the Thrive in Fashion Buying and Merchandising podcast, host Elisabeth Mac Hale answers some of the most frequently asked questions about career growth in the fashion industry.

Whether you’re a junior buyer looking to advance or a seasoned professional seeking a fresh perspective, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

Elisabeth discusses essential skills for advancement, strategies for transitioning into mid-level and senior roles, and ways to foster growth outside of work. She also addresses feelings of being “stuck” in a role and emphasizes the importance of mentorship. Tune in for practical tips and resources that can help you accelerate your career path in buying and merchandising!

If you would like to lern and develop your fashion buying skills and how develop products from Concept to Customer check out the link below

In this week's Thrive in Fashion Buying podcast episode, Elisabeth Mac Hale breaks down some key metrics every fashion buyer must understand to optimize inventory, make data-driven decisions, and maximize profitability. Discover how to use metrics like Sell-Through Rate, Weeks of Supply, Inventory Turnover Rate, and Markdown Rate to fine-tune your buying strategy.

Elisabeth provides examples of these metrics in action, helping you grasp their impact on sales performance and profitability. Whether you’re aiming to boost sell-through, improve cash flow, or reduce markdowns, this episode equips you with the insights to excel in your buying role.

Tune in for actionable tips and elevate your data-driven strategy today!

If you would like to lern and develop your fashion buying skills and how develop products from Concept to Customer check out the link below

Episode 21 of the THRIVE IN FASHION podcast dives into the preparation and strategy of seasonal planning for fashion buyers. As we transition from AW24, Elisabeth Mac Hale shares actionable steps to ensure you are prepared and strategically set for the upcoming buying season.

In this episode, Elisabeth discusses:

Reviewing Current Season Performance: Learn how to evaluate your best and worst products, spot trends, and gather critical insights to inform your next buying decisions.

Setting Clear Goals and Budgets: Why it’s crucial to establish your goals early and how to approach initial budgeting, leaving room for flexibility and growth.

Identifying Key Trends and Customer Insights: Understand how to select the most relevant trends for your brand, considering both fashion and broader socioeconomic factors.

Planning Your Buy by Category: Tips on managing quantities, sell-through rates, and getting your product mix right for maximum impact.

Creating a Timeline and Critical Path: Mastering the art of staying on schedule from sample approval to product delivery, and why timing is everything.

Get ready to streamline your planning process and set yourself up for a successful season ahead. Here is a Link to the FREE checklist

If you would like to develop your fashion buying skills and Learn more in-depth about how to develop products from Concept to Customer check out Elsabeth's Course via the link below

In this episode of the Thrive in Fashion podcast, host Elisabeth Mac Hale explores essential pricing strategies and costing fundamentals for fashion buyers, whether you’re managing a large retail business or running an independent boutique.

Elisabeth breaks down the key components of pricing, from cost of goods to landed costs, and explains critical differences between gross and net profit margins. Tune in to learn how mastering the pricing process drives profitability and brand success.

If you would like to lern and develop your fashion buying skills and how develop products from Concept to Customer check out the link below