.png)
Buying and Beyond
Welcome to the Buying & Beyond podcast, the podcast for all things Retail Buying...and more!
Join us, Kate & Lyns, buyers and best friends, each week for industry insights, stories and expertise from real people in retail.
Enjoy honest stories and conversations, retail therapy and learn bite-sized tips from us and our guests from across the industry.
- Season 1 starts with Becoming a Buyer - the background to how we started in the industry, what exactly is a Buyer, working your way up the ladder and the main meetings and tasks working in Buying
- Season 2 is all about Being a Buyer - leading a team, coordinating trips, working with suppliers, product & personal development and sustainability
- Season 3 takes us beyond just the direct Buying team - we introduce merchandisers, talk about designers and new trends, burnout & life coaching.
- Season 4 is where we are joined by more Retail Buyers and have also invited Retail Businesses to tell us their stories
- Season 5 continues with a fantastic assortment of Retail Buyers and Retail Businesses. We find out how they got started and what inspires & excites them about retail - plus we lift the lid on what Brands need and Buyers expect!
We are your modern day mentors; prepping Buyers of the future and empowering current Buyers. Our insights for retail businesses and entrepreneurs will shine a light on how to to build, grow, scale and pitch like a pro!
If you like listening to this podcast, please rate, follow and share - you can also find us on instagram @buyingandbeyond
Come behind the scenes with Buying and Beyond
Buying and Beyond
S6 E6: Why wine buying is the dream job with Emma Robinson
In this episode of Buying and Beyond, we sit down with Emma Robinson, a consultant wine buyer whose career is as rich and layered as the wines she sources. From studying science to stepping into the world of fine wines, Emma has carved out a unique path, working across yacht provisioning, supermarket collaborations, and specialist training.
Emma shares what it really takes to succeed in wine buying, from the value of qualifications like WSET and Master of Wine, to the deep product knowledge and relationships required to source the right bottles for yachts, restaurants, and retail shelves. Along the way, we explore the differences between on-trade and off-trade sales, the role of climate and production in shaping wine quality, and the constant balancing act of price versus provenance.
We also talk about the fun side of the job: spotting emerging trends like orange wine, chilled reds, and Georgian wines; traveling the world to meet producers; and the occasional challenges (and perks!) of finding rare bottles under pressure. Emma reflects on her favourite regions, shares stories from the road, and offers practical tips. This is a great listen if you’re an aspiring buyer, a wine enthusiast, or simply looking for the perfect winter bottle.
With advice on supporting English vineyards, stretching your wine budget, and discovering something new every time you pour a glass, this episode offers a fascinating peek into a career built on both passion and precision.
Key Takeaways
- Knowledge is power - building a career in wine buying requires specialist training and hands-on experience to earn credibility and trust.
- Tradition meets innovation - global trends, climate shifts, and evolving tastes are constantly reshaping the wine industry.
- There’s always more to discover - from new regions and grape varieties to unexpected career paths- there’s always something new to discover
Connect with Emma: If you’re interested in a career in wine buying or want to learn more, Emma encourages you to reach out and explore wine courses or volunteer during harvest season.
If you've liked this episode please rate, follow, subscribe and share :)
- and if you already have, thank you!
Follow us @buyingandbeyond on Instagram
Send us a DM or email hello@buyingandbeyond.co.uk
Find out more about us www.buyingandbeyond.co.uk
If you'd like to show a little more love, then head here to give us just a little bit *extra* and show us your support :) thank you!