“Shark Tank” is a show that has spotlighted one profession that few might have thought about years ago: the grocery store buyer. Buyers are the people who decide which foods get purchased for sale in supermarkets. These people are the gatekeepers who help smaller brands break through to ravenous consumers, or keep those name brands that have graced shelves for years top of mind with shoppers. In 2021, grocery stores in the United States brought in $803.05 billion in sales, so for many supermarket chains, having the right person in this role is imperative.

According to ZipRecruiter, an average grocery store buyer’s annual salary is around $67,000. Traditionally, grocery store buyers were always men. However, with the growth of progressive markets like Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s, and independent health food stores gaining in popularity, trends are shifting toward offering more women and people of color the chance to step into these roles. Some stores equate the shrewd business skills that women possess and the assumption that women are the primary purchasers for the household with why they are desirable candidates for this line of work. The country’s cultural landscape has also changed, so finding job applicants with knowledge of international products and foods means that those customers will be more likely to purchase from stores that stock those items.

So what does it take to break into this profession? Well, excellent negotiating skills, for one. Buyers must be able to allocate a large food inventory, often for multiple locations. Therefore, getting the best cost per unit is vital. Next, having contacts is essential. With supply chains in peril ever since the pandemic, buyers must be able to keep shelves stocked with the highest-demand products. Candidates that typically integrate easily into this role are grocery store workers or people with retail management experience. Occasionally, some stores might even require a candidate with a college degree. 

However, there are some drawbacks to grocery store buying. With the rising cost of inflation and political debates about an impending recession, buyers must be careful to purchase enough to keep their stores competitive, but not so much that they have to unload inventory at a discount. When supply chain issues first surfaced in 2021, many stores overbought to ensure customer inventory. Nearly a year later, in 2022, as the economy began to slow, retailers like Target – with grocery stores integrated into their business models – offered massive sales with up to 70% off some items. While this may have been great for consumers, suppliers and chains had to take a loss in the process.

Supermarkets became a lifeline for people riding out the COVID-19 crisis. From the beginning of the global lockdown in early 2020, households relied heavily on the buyers purchasing the necessities that ultimately landed in peoples’ homes. As eating habits shift and buying patterns fluctuate, having individuals with a diverse knowledge of food, culture, and commerce will grow in importance. Competent grocery store buyers in the future will also need eCommerce skills to meet the demand of consumers who have grown used to the convenience of having groceries delivered. Grocery store buying is a dynamic profession that could offer a unique opportunity to those who work in stock rooms or as cashiers to utilize their skills and years of experience in a managerial capacity.

Sources: Ziprecruiter, Statista