DL2W34 Fashion Merchandising

This optional unit is designed to give you an understanding of how the role of merchandising is becoming increasingly important to the fashion retailer in aiding performance, growth and survival in an ever-changing competitive environment. It explores the major drivers of change and identifies how fashion retailers have responded by using more efficient merchandising methods. It emphasises the need to accurately forecast new fashion trends and highlights the sources of information and suppliers. Planning and management of stock is addressed theoretically and also using the appropriate documentation in practical exercises. Up-to-date fashion information should be accessed from the media, fashion and trade shows, and the Internet. In order to complete the unit successfully, you will be required to achieve a satisfactory level of performance on four pieces of assessed work. There are four learning outcomes: • Explain how the dynamic external environment affects fashion retailers • Forecast fashion trends • Explain the importance of fashion merchandise planning and management • Plan a merchandise presentation appropriate for a fashion retailer’s customers