Buyers

According to recently revised estimates of the U.S. Department of Labor, overall employment of wholesale and retail buyers is projected to decline 6 percent through 2032. The employment of buyers is, to some extent, tied to the health and growth of the national and international economy. Regardless, even during periods of slow economic growth, workers will continue to be needed to buy goods and services for business operations or for resale to customers. In addition, buyers and purchasing agents often play an important role in controlling costs for an organization.

On the other hand, as businesses seek to maximize efficiency through the use of computer programs and management innovations, such as just-in-time (JIT) purchasing, to increase corporate efficiency, the trend of some large retail companies to centralize their operations will contribute to fewer new jobs for buyers. There may also be fewer jobs for buyers in the public sector due to increased use of cooperative purchasing agreements, which allow state and local governments to share resources to purchase supplies. Some job openings will result from the need to hire replacement workers for those who leave the field. On the other hand, companies in the service sector are beginning to realize the advantages of having professional buyers who will stay on the job longer. Job candidates with a bachelor's degree will have superior opportunities of finding work in the field.