FASHION BUYING

Why choose the Fashion Buying short course at the Italian Institute of Fashion Management? 

Savvy buying is the cornerstone of brand and retail success. Here, you'll learn to predict trends before they hit the mainstream, leveraging data analytics to make informed purchasing decisions, and building strategic assortments that resonate with your target audience. 

Through immersive simulations, real-world buying scenarios, and insights from industry-leading buyers, you'll learn to negotiate like a pro, manage budgets effectively, and curate collections that drive sales. If you're ready to transform your passion into a high-powered buying career, this course is your essential first step.
 

The Fashion Buying course is designed for:

-    Graduates and current students from different disciplines, who want to specialize in the buying and collection management process within the fashion industry. The course will equip you with essential skills to select, purchase, and manage product assortments, analyzing market trends, consumer behavior, and negotiations.
-    Buying professionals from other sectors, who wish to transfer and specialize their skills in the dynamic world of fashion. This course offers the opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge of the specificities of fashion buying, allowing them to adapt their abilities to the unique context of the fashion industry

By the end of the course, you will be able to make strategic decisions in selecting the right collections, manage budgets, and optimize the buying process. You will learn to use data analysis tools to predict market trends, negotiate with suppliers and brands, and improve the profitability of purchasing operations. With a comprehensive and up-to-date view of the industry, you’ll be ready to step into the dynamic world of fashion buying and contribute to the commercial success of fashion brands.
 

The Fashion Buying course boasts an exceptional faculty composed of experienced fashion buyers, retail managers, professors and brand strategists. Each instructor brings significant expertise in sourcing, merchandising, and managing fashion collections across both luxury and mainstream markets.

Their extensive industry knowledge and practical experience provide you with the latest tools and strategies to excel in the dynamic world of fashion buying. With a focus on real-world applications and hands-on learning, you will develop the skills to manage collections effectively and optimize buying decisions, preparing them for a successful career in fashion retail.

In the fashion industry, fashion buying plays a crucial role in determining the commercial success of brands and retailers. With an increasingly competitive and ever-evolving market, it is essential to develop a strategic and innovative approach to product selection and purchasing management. This short course in Fashion Buying provides essential skills to interpret trends, build effective assortments, and optimize sales strategies.
Through targeted modules, the course explores key aspects such as merchandising, trend analysis, pricing, omnichannel strategies, sustainability, and the use of digital tools for purchasing management. Each module combines theory and practical application to offer a clear and hands-on understanding of the fashion buyer’s role in today’s market. 

The course awards an official IIFM certificate.

Fashion Business Models
The course aims to introduce students to the main business models that characterize the fashion system, the underlying business logic, and the different positioning choices and strategies, up to their impact on the configuration of characteristic processes. The most current and relevant trends in the sector will also be introduced, with a focus on the fashion and luxury segments.
 

Markets & Trend Analysis
Understanding the fashion market and its dynamics is essential for making strategic buying decisions. This module equips participants with tools to analyze global trends, consumer behavior, and the economic and cultural factors that influence the fashion industry. Participants will learn how to interpret market data and emerging trends to predict consumer demand and create successful assortments.
 

Branding & Product Positioning
A product’s success depends on how well it meets market needs while communicating a clear and distinctive brand identity. This module explores product positioning strategies within an assortment, examining the relationship between brand identity, pricing, and perceived value. Participants will learn how to develop effective branding strategies to enhance product desirability and competitiveness in the market.
 

Buying & Merchandising
Assortment management is a key element in fashion buying. This module delves into the product selection and planning process, from defining product ranges to managing orders and stock. Participants will explore buying techniques, assortment strategies, and merchandising practices aimed at maximizing sales and ensuring collections are balanced and aligned with the brand's identity.
 

Line Building & Category Management
Building a successful collection requires a strategic approach to managing product categories. This module guides participants in developing cohesive fashion lines, analyzing the balance between categories, pricing, and market demand. Key topics include collection development techniques, assortment optimization, and profitability management to improve sales performance.
 

E-commerce & Omnichannel Management
The integration of online and offline sales is crucial in fashion retail. This module provides an overview of omnichannel strategies, covering e-commerce, marketplaces, and in-store experiences. Participants will learn how to optimize the customer journey, manage inventory with an integrated approach, and use digital tools to enhance sales and customer loyalty.
 

Field Project: Buying & Merchandising
A practical project where participants apply their learning to develop a buying and merchandising strategy for a brand or retailer. Through market analysis, product selection, and assortment planning, participants will work on a real-world brief and present their strategic solutions, receiving feedback from industry professionals.
 

Individual Study & Coaching
This module offers a personalized learning experience, allowing participants to explore topics of interest and receive professional development support. Through one-on-one coaching sessions, participants will refine their skills in fashion buying, work on individual projects, and develop a strategic approach to their career path in the fashion industry.

IIFM's short courses deliver a dynamic, industry-driven learning experience. Dive into hands-on projects, tackle real-world challenges, and connect directly with leading fashion professionals. We blend cutting-edge theory with practical simulations, company visits, and exclusive networking opportunities.
Gain specialized skills and actionable insights in a condensed timeframe, equipping you to thrive in today's fast-paced fashion and luxury landscape. Experience the IIFM difference – where learning is immersive, interactive, and directly relevant to your career ambitions.

Our specialized short courses in Fashion Law, Fashion Journalism, Digital Fashion, and Fashion Buying can have a direct and powerful impact on your careers, offering market-relevant skills that truly make a difference in the job market.
Featuring an inter-disciplinary Faculty, sessions with professionals, a diverse cohort of international classmates from all over the world - this is the perfect formula for enhancing your expertise and connections. 
And there’s more: upon completion, you’ll join our exclusive Alumni association, a global community of fashion professionals that unlocks invaluable networking opportunities and career pathways.
 

The courses at the Italian Institute of Fashion Management offer flexible learning, designed to fit your lifestyle, needs and commitments. You can choose to attend classes in person or,  at your choice, join online sessions live or even access recorded lessons whenever it suits you. This flexibility allows you to study at your own pace, balancing your education with work or personal need without any stress. With a modular program, you can fully personalize your learning experience, taking advantage of the opportunity to interact with instructors and experts no matter where you are. The flexibility is total, giving you the freedom to grow professionally while managing your daily responsibilities.

APPLICATION PROCESS AND ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

To initiate the selection process, prospective candidates must complete the following steps:
1.    Application Form : Complete and submit the application form, accessible at the page APPLY NOW.
2.    CV: Attach a CV to the online application.
Upon receipt of the required documents, IIFM will evaluate the application and will notify the candidate of the final decision (admission or non-admission) within 7 days.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Applicants must meet one of the following qualifications:
-    Current enrollment in an a degree program or possession of a degree equal to or higher than a bachelor's degree.
-    Knowledge of English.

The program is designed for under-graduate students, graduates (bachelor's or master's degrees), and professionals.

FINANCIAL COMMITMENT
The total course fee is €3,500, payable in two installments:
-    First installment: €2,000, due upon acceptance of the application.
-    Second installment: €1,500, due by the start of the program.
These fees include a portion of the study materials and access to the Institute's facilities.
Financial aid is available for the Italian Institute of Fashion Management Master students. For detailed information, please contact: info@iifm-milano.it

Withdrawal Policy
The initial registration fee is non-refundable.
Participants may withdraw from the course up to the eighth calendar day prior to the course start date by sending a written notification to the Italian Institute of Fashion Management's legal address (with advance notice via email). In such cases, a refund of the amount paid, excluding the initial fee, will be issued.
If a participant communicates their intention to withdraw after the specified deadline, or fails to provide notification and does not attend the course, no refund will be granted. However, the participant will have the option to attend a subsequent edition of the course (if available) or another IIFM course within one calendar year of the original course start date, subject to the payment of any price differences.