This episode was recorded LIVE at Top Drawer in September 2025. Top Drawer is the UK's leading design-led trade show for buyers and retailers to discover, connect, and purchase lifestyle products across sectors like Home, Gift, Fashion, and Stationery. It's held twice yearly at Kensington Olympia, London.

Join us, Kate & Lyns, for a chat with Rosie, Head of Range & Ecommerce at NOTHS. Rosie has worked in a variety of different retail environments, from slow carefully crafted collections to fast fashion trading floors, the charity sector and marketplace buying. We will be discussing Rosie's experience working as a retail buyer for large UK retailers, such as, Principles, Debenhams, Oasis, Jaeger, River Island, BBC Children in Need, Superdrug and NOTHS.

Rosie, like us, is an expert in product development and trading strategies. She knows exactly how to drive sales, curate compelling product ranges and pivot at the most testing of times. She has spent the past 8 years sharing her knowledge with independent brands at NOTHS. Rosie knows everything there is to know about sourcing, coaching and scaling small product based businesses. With 70% of all sales expected to be on marketplaces by 2030, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Whether you’re a retail business or a retail buyer, we can guarantee you’ll learn something new.

Key takeaways

• Why it’s vital to understand a retailer’s core values… each will be unique in their behaviour, goals and expectations - and buyers will shape their strategy around that
• What it’s really like to be a buyer today… the highs and lows, the challenges they face day to day, and the impact this has on decision making and bringing on new suppliers
• How brands can focus their efforts to capture a retailer’s attention…practical advice on building strong relationships with buyers and customers to drive retail growth

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In this episode of Buying and Beyond, we sit down with Emma Robinson, a consultant wine buyer whose career is as rich and layered as the wines she sources. From studying science to stepping into the world of fine wines, Emma has carved out a unique path, working across yacht provisioning, supermarket collaborations, and specialist training.

Emma shares what it really takes to succeed in wine buying, from the value of qualifications like WSET and Master of Wine, to the deep product knowledge and relationships required to source the right bottles for yachts, restaurants, and retail shelves. Along the way, we explore the differences between on-trade and off-trade sales, the role of climate and production in shaping wine quality, and the constant balancing act of price versus provenance.

We also talk about the fun side of the job: spotting emerging trends like orange wine, chilled reds, and Georgian wines; traveling the world to meet producers; and the occasional challenges (and perks!) of finding rare bottles under pressure. Emma reflects on her favourite regions, shares stories from the road, and offers practical tips. This is a great listen if you’re an aspiring buyer, a wine enthusiast, or simply looking for the perfect winter bottle.

With advice on supporting English vineyards, stretching your wine budget, and discovering something new every time you pour a glass, this episode offers a fascinating peek into a career built on both passion and precision.

Key Takeaways

1. Knowledge is power - building a career in wine buying requires specialist training and hands-on experience to earn credibility and trust.
2. Tradition meets innovation - global trends, climate shifts, and evolving tastes are constantly reshaping the wine industry.
3. There’s always more to discover - from new regions and grape varieties to unexpected career paths- there’s always something new to discover

Connect with Emma: If you’re interested in a career in wine buying or want to learn more, Emma encourages you to reach out and explore wine courses or volunteer during harvest season.

Support the show

If you've liked this episode please rate, follow, subscribe and share :)
- and if you already have, thank you!

Follow us @buyingandbeyond on Instagram

Send us a DM or email hello@buyingandbeyond.co.uk

Find out more about us www.buyingandbeyond.co.uk

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In this week’s episode, we sit down for a lively catch-up - no guest, just an honest, in-depth chat about the trends, trade shows, and inspirations shaping fashion and retail right now.

We kick things off with the joys of autumn fashion: cozy knits, rich burgundy tones, suede textures, and the art of layering. From there, we dive into the rise of head-to-toe colour drenching, playful bold combos, and the season’s must-haves like bomber jackets, kitten-heel boots, and the enduring love for athleisure and wide-leg styles.

The conversation takes us through highlights from Copenhagen, New York, London, and Milan Fashion Weeks - street style moments, statement accessories, and even the infamous “rat bag.” We also explore how K-Pop and nostalgia are shaping trends, from sparkly bra tops to platform trainers.

Shifting gears, we reflect on the London Design Festival, where circularity, upcycling, and comfort-driven interiors are setting the tone for the future of home design. Trade shows also get their moment, as we discuss their ongoing evolution and the unique value of in-person connections, discovering fresh talent, and celebrating sustainable brands.

And yes it may only just be autumn, but Christmas is already creeping in. Expect bows, tactile textures, and quirky ornaments to take over festive displays this season. Plus, a little teaser for our future episode, where we’ll dive into all things festive - including a surprising new wave of hot chocolate trends.

✨ 3 Takeaways

1. Fashion is embracing both bold and cozy - from head-to-toe colour drenching to autumnal layering, comfort and confidence walk hand in hand this season.
2. Trade shows and design festivals remain vital - they’re evolving spaces that spotlight sustainability, new talent, and the irreplaceable power of face-to-face connections.
3. Nostalgia and playfulness are shaping the future - whether in K-Pop-inspired styles, quirky Christmas ornaments, or luxury upcycling, consumers are seeking joy and storytelling in what they buy.

Support the show

If you've liked this episode please rate, follow, subscribe and share :)
- and if you already have, thank you!

Follow us @buyingandbeyond on Instagram

Send us a DM or email hello@buyingandbeyond.co.uk

Find out more about us www.buyingandbeyond.co.uk

If you'd like to show a little more love, then head here to give us just a little bit *extra* and show us your support :) thank you!

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2300060/support