Meet Tiila
“I grew from trainee to buyer in just a few years.”
Tiila Torsti, Buyer DecoAbout Tiila
During her studies, she worked in a lingerie store in Helsinki. That’s where her interest in Buying began. She enjoyed helping customers, but was especially fascinated by understanding what they bought - and why. That insight, and the ability to influence it, sparked her curiosity about the profession.
What attracted you to a career in Buying?
While studying Business Administration with a focus on marketing and sales, I became fascinated by consumer behaviour. I didn’t have a background in Buying, which is exactly why the Buying Traineeship appealed to me. You learn the profession on the job and get the opportunity to gain hands-on experience quickly.
What does the Buying Traineeship look like?
You support day-to-day activities, join supply meetings, and dive into different product categories. For example, I conducted research into paint products: what performs well, what’s missing, and where opportunities lie to improve the assortment.
You work closely with an experienced buyer who guides you, but taking initiative yourself is just as important. By figuring things out independently, you develop a deeper understanding of the role much faster.
“I have developed a good sense of what works. And sometimes a product isn’t a hit. It happens.”
You’re now a Buyer. How has your role changed?
The level of responsibility has increased significantly. I’m now fully responsible for several product groups within home decoration, such as textiles and photo frames. I look at trends, sales figures, and competitors, while also working closely with assistant buyers and suppliers.
Building strong relationships with suppliers is essential. They have a great deal of specialist knowledge and provide valuable insights into what sells well and why.
The actual buying process takes place in fixed seasonal cycles, where we make decisions for the following year. Looking at everything together helps you make better decisions. Over the years, I’ve developed a strong sense of what works. When in doubt, I brainstorm with colleagues — and sometimes I simply look around people’s homes to see what trends are emerging.
What stood out to you about Action?
What surprised me most about this role is how strong the Action community is. There are so many loyal Action fans, and new products are discovered in stores incredibly quickly.