Module V 2
Amity School of Fashion
Overview
Course: B.Des FD, Semester-III
Subject: Fashion Marketing and Merchandising
Instructor: Ms. Ruchika
Module 5: Merchandising
Definition of Merchandise
Merchandise: Goods bought and sold for profit.
Originates from the French word ‘merchant’.
Defined as goods and commodities sold at the retail level (Business Dictionary).
Types of Merchandise
1. Staple Merchandise
Regular products or basic items consistently carried by retailers.
Examples:
Grocery Store: Milk, Bread.
Book Store: Writing book, Pencil, Pen.
Automotive: Oil, Lamp.
2. Assortment Merchandise
Variety of products necessary to provide customers with a selection.
Examples:
Apparel Store: Shirts in various colors.
Bicycle Store: Different types of bikes (Kids, BMX, etc.).
Shoes Store: Sports, Formal, Canvas shoes.
3. Fashion Merchandise
Products with cyclical sales influenced by changing tastes and lifestyles.
4. Seasonal Merchandise
Products that sell well during specific non-consecutive seasons.
5. Fads Merchandise
Products generated by trends (technology, artists, movies) leading to high sales for a short period.
It is difficult to forecast sales and popularity durations for these products.
The 4 R's of Merchandising
The Right Product
The Right Time
The Right Price
The Right Place
The Right Quantity (Additional)
The 5 Rights in Merchandising
Right ITEM
Right TIME
Right PLACE
Right QUANTITY
Right PRICE
Detailed Explanation of the 5 Rights
1. The Right Product
Key for supply chain success. Collaboration and coordination among departments are crucial.
Extensive market research needed to ensure product demand before launch.
2. The Right Time
Fashion items need early introduction for gauging buyer interest and facilitating orders.
Products often showcased ahead of peak demand, especially seasonal items.
3. The Right Price
Correct pricing is vital for profitability. Strategies include cost-plus pricing (considering costs and adding profit margins).
Must be flexible to adjust according to market demand.
4. The Right Place
Effective display opportunities are necessary: store displays, online presence, product placements in media.
Example: Product placement in movies (e.g., “I Robot” showcase).
5. The Right Quantity
Balance between supply and demand is critical. Storage space, manufacturing speed, and supplier availability affect stock levels.
Demand influenced by consumer appeal and price; developing strategies using linear equations can optimize pricing.