TFG – YES Intern: Buyer

TFG is recruiting a YES Intern: Buyer in the Western Cape for graduates who want practical exposure to retail buying, product selection and trend research. This full-time internship is suited to applicants with a relevant Fashion, Retail Business Management or related qualification who are interested in buying administration, sample management, sales data, product ranges and working with planning teams.

At a glance

What this opportunity is

The TFG YES Intern: Buyer opportunity gives graduates practical exposure to the buying function within a retail environment. The role focuses on supporting buying administration, product samples, trend research, future product selections and sales-data-informed decision-making.

This internship is suited to applicants who want to understand how retail buying teams select, manage and improve product ranges. The successful applicant will work with buying-related tasks while also gaining insight from collaboration with the Planning team.

Who this opportunity may suit

This internship may suit graduates who are interested in fashion, retail products, product selection, trend research and buying administration.

• Applicants with a relevant diploma or degree in Fashion, Retail Business Management or a related field.
• People with a keen interest in pursuing a career as a Retail Buyer.
• Applicants who enjoy researching emerging styles and retail trends.
• People who are comfortable working with product information, samples and sales data.
• Applicants with strong attention to detail and good administration skills.
• People who can communicate well with different teams and stakeholders.

What you’ll do / learn

The successful applicant will support buying administration, product research and range development activities.

• Assist with buying administration, including order creation and amendments.
• Support sample management.
• Liaise with Marketing on products for photoshoots.
• Assist with ad hoc buying administration.
• Research emerging styles.
• Support the buying team to select and curate future buys.
• Analyse sales data and customer feedback to help inform buying decisions.
• Share insights and ideas on how to improve product ranges.
• Gain insights by collaborating with the Planning team and contributing to product selections.

Note: This is a YES internship opportunity. The official listing does not state that permanent employment is guaranteed after completion.

Eligibility requirements

Qualification requirements

• Relevant diploma or degree in Fashion, Retail Business Management or a related field.
• Keen interest in pursuing a career as a Retail Buyer.

Skills required

• Strong analytical and research skills.
• Passion for learning and a proactive approach to acquiring new knowledge.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Good interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to interact with stakeholders at different levels.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 applications, including PowerPoint, Excel and Word.
• Ability to use technology to improve productivity, problem-solving and business support.

Behaviours

• Adheres to principles and values.
• Shows commitment to ethical conduct, integrity and responsibility.
• Adheres to standards and ensures quality in work delivery.
• Actively seeks opportunities to improve processes.
• Shows drive and perseverance.
• Demonstrates entrepreneurial thinking.
• Uses planning and organising skills to manage tasks effectively.
• Communicates and presents ideas clearly to different audiences.

What buying work in retail really involves

Retail buying is about more than choosing products that look good. Buyers and buying teams support decisions around product ranges, emerging styles, customer preferences, sales performance, stock choices, pricing considerations and timing. Good buying support requires administration accuracy, trend awareness and the ability to work with product and sales information.

For this application, your CV should clearly show your Fashion, Retail Business Management or related qualification, buying interest, product knowledge, research ability, Excel skills, PowerPoint skills and any fashion, retail, merchandise, trend research, product selection or sales analysis exposure.

Application checklist

Make sure your application is complete before submitting.

• Updated CV.
• Certified copy of your South African ID, if requested during the application process.
• Relevant diploma or degree certificate, if completed.
• Academic transcript or latest academic record.
• Any fashion, retail, buying, merchandising, Excel, PowerPoint or business-related certificates, if available.
• Clear contact details, including phone number and email address.
• Make sure your CV clearly shows your interest in becoming a Retail Buyer.

Need help with CVs, certified copies, and application tips? Use our Resources & Guides Hub.

About the sponsor

TFG is a diversified retail group with a portfolio of fashion, lifestyle, apparel, jewellery, sport, mobile, technology, homeware and furniture brands. The group operates across store and online retail channels and offers workplace opportunities for young talent through internships and youth development programmes. More information is available on the official TFG Limited website and the TFG youth workplace opportunities page.

Quick tips for applicants

• Make your Fashion, Retail Business Management or related qualification easy to find on your CV.
• Highlight any buying, merchandising, retail, product, fashion or trend research exposure.
• Mention Excel, PowerPoint and Microsoft 365 skills clearly.
• Include academic projects involving retail, product ranges, customer trends, fashion, sales data or merchandise planning.
• Show that you are interested in becoming a Retail Buyer.
• Use your CV profile section to connect your studies to buying and product selection.
• Apply early because no closing date is shown in the accessible listing details.

Common mistakes that get applicants rejected

• Submitting a CV that does not show a relevant qualification.
• Not mentioning interest in retail buying.
• Using a generic CV that does not connect your background to buying, fashion, product selection or retail.
• Not showing Excel, PowerPoint or Microsoft 365 skills.
• Leaving out academic transcripts or qualification proof when requested.
• Not checking email or phone messages after applying.
• Applying through unofficial WhatsApp, Facebook or third-party links instead of the official TFG Careers page.

Scam warning

Applicants should only apply through the official TFG Careers application page. Do not pay anyone for an internship application, interview, assessment, placement, background check, training or document submission. If someone contacts you through WhatsApp, Facebook or another platform asking for money, treat it as suspicious and verify the vacancy through TFG’s official careers platform.

How this opportunity was verified

This post was prepared using the official TFG Careers listing for the YES Intern: Buyer role, Job ID 11049. The listing confirms the job title, job identification number, Youth Development category, Western Cape location, on-site work arrangement, full-time schedule, buying-related responsibilities, qualification requirements, skills, behaviours and official application route.

The accessible listing details did not show a closing date at the time of verification. Applicants should apply as soon as possible and check the official TFG Careers page before applying in case the listing is updated, closed or removed.

For more information about how our posts are verified, please visit our How we verify listings page.

How to apply

1. Open the official TFG Careers application link below.
2. Read the full YES Intern: Buyer listing carefully.
3. Confirm that you meet the qualification and buying-interest requirements.
4. Prepare your updated CV, academic documents and supporting certificates.
5. Make sure your CV highlights buying administration, trend research, retail, fashion, Excel and product selection interest.
6. Complete the online application through the official TFG Careers page.
7. Submit your application as soon as possible because no closing date is shown in the accessible details.
8. Keep proof of submission or any confirmation email you receive.

Application Closing Date: Not stated in the accessible listing details. Applicants should apply as soon as possible and check the official page for updates.

Preference will be given, but not limited to, candidates from designated groups in terms of the Employment Equity Act.