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Retail Buying and Assortment Planning

Retail buyers decide what customers will find on the shelf, and poor buying decisions tie up cash in slow stock while bestsellers run out. This programme gives buyers and category staff a structured method for selecting ranges, planning assortments by store and season, negotiating supply terms and managing markdowns in the African retail environment.

What you will be able to do

  • Analyse sales data to understand what customers actually buy.
  • Build an assortment plan balanced across price points and categories.
  • Select and range products by store format and local demand.
  • Plan buying quantities and timing to avoid stockouts and overstock.
  • Negotiate cost prices, terms and supplier support.
  • Manage markdowns and range reviews to protect margin.

Course outline

  1. 01The role of the buyer and category strategy
  2. 02Analysing sales and customer demand data
  3. 03Building a balanced assortment plan
  4. 04Ranging by store format and local market
  5. 05Buying quantities, timing and open to buy
  6. 06Supplier negotiation and terms
  7. 07Markdown, clearance and range review
  8. 08Working with suppliers and store teams

Who should attend

Retail buyers, assistant buyers, category and merchandise planners responsible for selecting products and planning ranges for stores and chains.

Dates, venues and fees

DatesVenueDaysFeeCalendar
17 to 19 Aug 2026Dar es Salaam3US$1,500
24 to 26 Aug 2026Pretoria3R13,000
31 Aug to 2 Sep 2026Cape Town3R13,000
14 to 16 Sep 2026Online3US$900
21 to 23 Sep 2026Mozambique3US$1,500
28 to 30 Sep 2026Cairo3US$1,500
5 to 7 Oct 2026Accra3US$1,500
12 to 14 Oct 2026Lusaka3US$1,500
19 to 21 Oct 2026Kigali3US$1,500
26 to 28 Oct 2026Nairobi3US$1,500
2 to 4 Nov 2026Durban3R13,000
9 to 11 Nov 2026Johannesburg3R13,000
23 to 25 Nov 2026Mauritius3US$1,500
30 Nov to 2 Dec 2026Dubai3US$1,500
7 to 9 Dec 2026Lagos3US$1,500
14 to 16 Dec 2026Harare3US$1,500
21 to 23 Dec 2026Kampala3US$1,500

Fees are per delegate. South African venues are priced in rand; other locations and online in US dollars. Fees exclude 15% VAT where applicable. Group bookings of three or more delegates from the same organisation qualify for a reduced rate; contact us for a quotation.

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