What is the most interesting aspect of your job?
Travelling the world and seeing fashion trends before they are launched in South Africa.
How did you get involved in fashion?
I studied for a BComm and then completed the Edcon Merchant Development Programme.
What is your favourite item of clothing in your wardrobe?
All my shoes.
In style terms, how do you think South Africans compare to Europeans?
South Africans are no longer as conservative about new fashion trends as they were in the past. We adapt to new trends faster than the conservative Europeans.
What is your most exciting experience ever as a buyer?
Launching new faces for Legit, for example Noni Gasa's clothing range in 2006 and Bonang in 2008, which is currently available in all Legit stores.
Which clothing category is your favourite?
Ladies tops as they are disposable fashion and the trends change faster.
Which items of clothing are guaranteed to be a "sure fire" sale?
Blue Jeans.
Have you ever been wrong about what will sell in the stores?
Many times, but we now have a test protocol in place where we test small quantities before the season. If the test works, we repeat the silhouette in volume.
How influenced are you by international trends? How up to date is the South African consumer?
South African consumers are immediately exposed to international trends through TV and the Internet. South Africans demand these trends as they are aspirational.
Describe one of your best moments as a buyer.
Launching my first celebrity range "Noni".
Does your own taste come into play when you buy or are you dictated to by what is available?
A buyer is trained to buy what is demanded by the customer.
Do you ever have to travel as part of your job as a buyer?
Yes, four times a year. Internationally I travel to Paris, London, New York and Spain.
What is the most exciting place you have been on a working trip?
New York. It's a very lively city.
When it comes to men's clothing, how do you know what the opposite sex will like?
I look at our sales history. I think I know our customers and I carefully observe what they wear daily.
How does one become a buyer?
Edcon offers a Merchant Development Programme for college and university graduates.
What is the least enjoyable part of your job?
Not being able to buy according to my personal taste.
I have got a job to die for
What is the most interesting aspect of your job?
Travelling the world and seeing fashion trends before they are launched in South Africa.
How did you get involved in fashion?
I studied for a BComm and then completed the Edcon Merchant Development Programme.
What is your favourite item of clothing in your wardrobe?
All my shoes.
In style terms, how do you think South Africans compare to Europeans?
South Africans are no longer as conservative about new fashion trends as they were in the past. We adapt to new trends faster than the conservative Europeans.
What is your most exciting experience ever as a buyer?
Launching new faces for Legit, for example Noni Gasa's clothing range in 2006 and Bonang in 2008, which is currently available in all Legit stores.
Which clothing category is your favourite?
Ladies tops as they are disposable fashion and the trends change faster.
Which items of clothing are guaranteed to be a "sure fire" sale?
Blue Jeans.
Have you ever been wrong about what will sell in the stores?
Many times, but we now have a test protocol in place where we test small quantities before the season. If the test works, we repeat the silhouette in volume.
How influenced are you by international trends? How up to date is the South African consumer?
South African consumers are immediately exposed to international trends through TV and the Internet. South Africans demand these trends as they are aspirational.
Describe one of your best moments as a buyer.
Launching my first celebrity range "Noni".
Does your own taste come into play when you buy or are you dictated to by what is available?
A buyer is trained to buy what is demanded by the customer.
Do you ever have to travel as part of your job as a buyer?
Yes, four times a year. Internationally I travel to Paris, London, New York and Spain.
What is the most exciting place you have been on a working trip?
New York. It's a very lively city.
When it comes to men's clothing, how do you know what the opposite sex will like?
I look at our sales history. I think I know our customers and I carefully observe what they wear daily.
How does one become a buyer?
Edcon offers a Merchant Development Programme for college and university graduates.
What is the least enjoyable part of your job?
Not being able to buy according to my personal taste.
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