This comprehensive book provides students with the skills and savvy needed to become a successful buyer in any area of retail. Its simple and straightforward approach presents 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. This new edition contains up-to-date coverage of important retailing trends and technological advances, including social responsibility, sustainability, fast fashion, and the use of new media and social networking. Ample activities — drawn from real-world merchandising and incorporating current trends — give students the opportunity to apply critical skills as they would in a professional environment.
Companion CD-ROM, referenced throughout book, that provides additional opportunity for the practical application of concepts using computerized spreadsheets
New to This Edition
Fresh, contemporary retailing examples in end-of-chapter "Snapshot" and "Trendwatch" case studies
Instructors Resources
Instructor's Guide
PowerPoint® Presentation
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
Making Market Visits and Negotiating with Vendors
Locating Sources in Foreign Markets
Making the Purchase
Motivating Consumers to Buy
Pricing the Merchandise
Promoting the Merchandise
Instructors and Students:
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Richard Clodfelter
is a Professor in the College of Hospitality, Retail, and Sport Management at the University of South Carolina, Columbia, where he teaches retail buying, internet retailing, and entrepreneurship. Clodfelter holds a Doctorate from Virginia Tech, a Master’s from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and a Bachelor’s from Appalachian State University. His primary research interests include retail pricing, purchasing on the Internet, and retail technology. His articles and papers have received awards from several retailing and educational associations.