| Introduction | | | | in a trend earlier than its time. At the same time, you |
| Seasonal merchandising refers to the process of | | | | also need to ensure that you are not stocking an |
| merchandising that is the management of products | | | | outdated item. You have an added advantage over |
| and stocks according to the seasonal trends or | | | | other retailers if you are able to spot a trend and be |
| fashions prevailing in the market. Seasonal | | | | the first to stock it in your store. |
| merchandising is fast becoming the mantra in the | | | | Customer base |
| Indian retail scenario. | | | | While undertaking seasonal merchandising, you should |
| Seasonal merchandising has its own benefits as well | | | | have a fair idea of what customers each type of |
| as limitations. The following points analyze the | | | | seasonal product would attract. Sometimes, products |
| concept as a whole: | | | | that are in fashion may attract only a specific class |
| Accurate forecasting | | | | of customers, while some other products might |
| In order to generate more sales through seasonal | | | | attract a large number of customers. This gives an |
| forecasting, it is necessary to be able to forecast the | | | | idea of how much of the product should be stocked |
| market trends accurately. You should have a fair idea | | | | and situations like overstocking and understocking can |
| of what is in demand in the international market and | | | | be avoided. |
| in other markets in your country. A trend might be | | | | Managing risks |
| very popular in one country, but it might not have | | | | You should have well-planned strategies for risk |
| the potential to dominate the national market. You | | | | management in order to make seasonal |
| should have the ability to determine which trend is | | | | merchandising successful. In case overstocking |
| just a passing fad and which one is likely to become | | | | happens, you should take into account ways for |
| popular and manage your stocks accordingly. A | | | | stock clearance, discounts and exploring other |
| wrong forecast can lead your firm to great troubles. | | | | potential markets. Some retailers have well-defined |
| Timeliness | | | | sections such as core products and seasonal |
| Timeliness is the key to successful seasonal | | | | products. Core products are the basic or classic |
| merchandising. While deciding to stock a particular | | | | products offered by the retailer, while seasonal |
| product, you should ensure that you are not bringing | | | | products are those that are currently in fashion. |