Synopses & Reviews
With an emphasis on developing a strategy for buying, this comprehensive book gives students the skills they'll need to become successful buyers in all retail areas. Its simple and straightforward approach presents students with step-by-step instructions for typical buying tasks, such as identifying and understanding potential customers, creating a six-month merchandising plan, and developing sales forecasts. Ample activities give students the opportunity to apply these skills as they would in a professional environment This new edition offers expanded coverage of the use of technology for retail buying and working with foreign markets. The companion text, Making Buying Decisions: Using The Computer as a Tool furthers the connection between retail buying strategies and merchandise math.New to this Edition -- Updated and expanded chapter features: "Internet Connections," "Snapshots" and "Trendwatches" -- New, more contemporary illustrations -- Expanded and updated coverage of direct marketing and the growing use of database-driven marketing and technology -- New chapter on purchasing from foreign sources -- Revised discussion of the types of buying offices -- Updated facts for identifying changes in consumer markets -- Consolidated coverage of domestic markets and negotiating with vendors -- More emphasis on using the Internet as promotional tool -- Increased coordination with companion text Making Buying Decisions -- Instructor's Guide provides suggestions for planning the course and using the text
Synopsis
In this straightforward approach to preparing students for merchandising careers in retailing, students are presented with step-by-step instructions on buying tasks such as identifying and understanding potential customers, creating a six-month merchandising plan, and developing sales forecasts.
About the Author
Richard Clodfelter is at the University of South Carolina.
Table of Contents
Contents
Understanding the Retail Environment Where Buying Occurs
-- Today's Buying Environment
-- The Buying Function in Retailing
-- Buying for Different Types of Stores
Getting Ready to Make Buying Decisions
-- Obtaining Assistance for Making Buying Decisions
-- Understanding Your Customers
-- Understanding Product Trends: What Customers Buy
Planning and Controlling Merchandise Purchases
-- Forecasting
-- Preparing Buying Plans
-- Developing Assortment Plans
-- Controlling Inventories
Purchasing Merchandise
-- Selecting Vendors and Building Partnerships
-- Locating Sources in Domestic and Foreign Markets
-- Making Market Visits and Negotiating with Vendors
-- Making the Purchase
Motivating Customers to Buy
-- Pricing the Merchandise
-- Promoting the Merchandise