This unit explores the role of Retail Buying and its interconnectedness with the activities, operations, and the various departments within the organisational structure of a contemporary fashion brand. Students will explore and analyse: the Australian fashion retail environment (market and industry factors); retail ownership and organisational structures; and the changing nature of fashion retailing. The principles and practices of retail buying are examined and their centrality to effective Merchandise Planning and prudent financial management of critical path elements. The functions, tasks and techniques that comprise and underpin the retail fashion buying role are examined in depth and the future implications of the integration of new, digital technologies on all elements of the retail buying process will be investigated.