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
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Buying and Beyond
S6 E10: The Countdown to Christmas: we unwrap the chaos and charm of the Christmas retail season
In this lively season finale, we unwrap the chaos and charm of the Christmas retail season. Kicking off right after Halloween, we reflect on everything from giant spiders and creepy gingerbread men to the very first signs of Christmas fever.
With years of experience in buying seasonal products, we share insider tips, stories, and laughs about when to put up the tree, the latest in festive home décor, and the ever-evolving trends in pumpkins, ghosts, and sustainable Christmas goodies.
The episode dives into the art (and occasional chaos) of Christmas decorating whether at home or in the office and explores retailer strategies for Black Friday, Christmas, and beyond. We discuss themed Christmas ranges, the importance of novelty “press pieces,” and the sustainable challenges that come with the season, from glitter to recycled crackers and the push for longer-lasting products. Along the way, we share top tips for buying and planning seasonal ranges, the advent calendar craze, and the debate over experience gifts versus “stuff.” Of course, no Christmas chat would be complete without a few favorite Christmas stories, product mishaps, and the joys (and occasional pains) of Secret Santa because there’s nothing quite like organised fun in the office at Christmas.
Whether you’re a retail insider or simply love the magic of the season, this episode is packed with trends, practical advice, and plenty of festive cheer. It’s the perfect way to prepare for the busiest retail period of the year and to make sure your Christmas ranges hit the mark (this year, and next!)
Key Takeaways:
- Christmas buying requires careful planning - timing, trends, and novelty all play a critical role in seasonal success.
- Sustainability is increasingly important: small choices, like recycled packaging and longer-lasting products, can make a big difference.
- Experience matters - creating memorable displays, themed ranges, and engaging “press pieces” helps products stand out in a crowded market.
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