Bethan Taylor

A highly experienced fashion buying and product development specialist and recognised fashion industry expert with extensive expertise across Woven Apparel, Footwear and Accessories. Skilled at balancing creative vision with commercial objectives, mentoring teams, and delivering practical insight into global fashion markets.

Experience in guest lecturing and consultancy, translating commercial knowledge into educational content for emerging fashion professionals.

COS- Buyer/ Product Developer at Smart Womens (2023-09 – Present)

• Lead Buyer and Product Developer for smart woven collections, overseeing all woven categories: Tailoring, Outdoor, Trousers, Skirts, Tops and Dresses within the smart Wardrobe.
• Balance creative and Visual goals with commercial objectives, curating collections that are trend-led and commercially strong.
• Combining trend research, market analysis, sales and data analysis to guide collection strategy.
• Collaborate with design, pattern and fabric teams to deliver innovative, brand-appropriate collections.
• Mentor and manage a team of 3 across JB, AB and intern levels, nurture supplier relationship, supporting creative and commercially viable solutions.
• Manage multiple seasons, categories, and global collections concurrently, balancing shifting priorities with agility while maintaining a strong and creative focus.

Self- Employed/ Buying Consultancy & Guest Lecturer at Self-Employed (2022-12 – 2023-09)

• Guest Lecturer at Fashion Retail Academy on Fashion Management and Business, delivering workshops, lectures and student project feedback.
• Product sourcing for brands and stylists, translating commercial knowledge into practical industry insights.
• Founder of You Have Found, a sustainable resale and sourcing fashion business curating collections and running pop up events.
• Supporting international suppliers in developing UK brand relationships. Offering insight into industry practices, product development and range building for the UK market.

Buyer, Footwear, Accessories & Jewellery (Maternity cover) at HOBBS Ltd (2021-07 – 2022-12)

• Managed end-to-end product journey from concept to trading for a multi channel fashion brand.
• Oversaw range planning, trend analysis, and supplier negotiation, ensuring brand-appropriate and commercially viable collections.
• Introduced new product categories and suppliers, enhancing department offering and creative output.

Buyer, Footwear, Accessories & Swimwear at WAREHOUSE FASHION (2016-01 – 2021-12)

• Managed a combined 7 categories across Footwear, Accessories, Jewellery and Swimwear, Overseeing seasonal planning, product selection and supplier relationships.
• Collaborated closely with Creative Director to develop innovative and commercially viable collections for multiple seasons.
• Worked on brand elevating collaborations with Shrimps across 2 consecutive seasons. Delivery a 98% Sell through on the collection.
• Planned and executed the buying calendar, including travel and supplier visits, ensuring seamless delivery of collections.
• Monitored sales performance and adjusted ranges to maximise full-price sell through and profitability.
• Mentored and managed a team of 4, creating an open, goal focused environment and supporting professional development.

Buyer, Own Brand Footwear at TOPSHOP (2013-01 – 2016-12)

• Managed product and range development for own-brand footwear.
• Delivered profit maximisation through supplier management and range planning.
• Mentored junior team members and supplier category strategy.

Footwear Buyer at OFFICE SHOES (2007-01 – 2013-12)

• Career progression from Assistant Buyer, to Junior Buyer and Buyer.
• Gained experience in supplier management, product development and stock planning.
• Experience on Branded Footwear and Own Brand Footwear categories.

Assistant Buyer at FAITH FOOTWEAR (2004-01 – 2007-12)

• Assisted in buying and range planning for footwear categories.
• Supported in product development andf supplier relationships.

Store Manager at FRENCH CONNECTION (2002-01 – 2024-02)

• Managed day-to-day store operations, team leadership, and sales targets.

TQUK Level 4 Certificate in Education And Training in Fashion Futures Industry To Teaching Programme – Fashion Retail Academy

BA (Hons) in Fashion & Textile Design – Winchester School Of Art