S7 E1: What it really takes to thrive in fashion buying today with Stevie, Head of Buying at Hobbs

In this episode of Buying & Beyond, we sit down with Stevie, Head of Buying at Hobbs, to explore her inspiring journey through the ever-changing world of fashion retail. From her early days at the London College of Fashion to leading buying teams at two of the UK’s most iconic high street brands - House of Fraser and Hobbs. Stevie’s career story is a masterclass in resilience, creativity, and leadership.

Stevie opens up about how her early internships shaped her understanding of the industry, sharing honest reflections on the importance of saying yes to opportunities, learning from setbacks, and building confidence in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment. Along the way, she recalls some of her most memorable buying moments - from navigating last-minute product challenges to the satisfaction of seeing designs come to life on the shop floor.

We also dive into how the role of the buyer has evolved - from hands-on product selection to leading teams, managing suppliers, and driving sustainability. Stevie shares how she approaches supplier relationships as genuine partnerships, grounded in trust, communication, and shared values. She also discusses how mentorship and culture play a vital role in shaping positive, motivated teams and fostering the next generation of retail talent.

And of course, no conversation would be complete without a few laughs -  including Stevie’s hilarious and humbling “retail therapy” story from the pandemic years, your have to tune into to hear that one- trust us it's a good one and relatable to most parents juggling a full time career and parenthood!

Whether you’re an aspiring buyer just starting out, or a seasoned professional looking to reconnect with the heart of retail, this episode offers a thoughtful, inspiring, and often funny look at what it really takes to thrive in fashion buying today.

✨ Three Key Takeaways

1. The Power of Early Experience: Internships and entry-level roles are invaluable for building resilience, gaining perspective, and discovering where your strengths lie.
   
   
2. Relationships Drive Results: From suppliers to team members, great buying is built on trust, communication, and shared purpose — especially as sustainability becomes central to every decision.
   
   
3. Leadership Is About People: The best leaders in retail balance creativity with empathy, creating cultures where ideas, mentorship, and collaboration can truly thrive.