MGT 157 - Principles of Merchandising

1. Demonstrate an understanding of consumer motivation.
   1. Explain the role of "taste" in the consumer selection process
   2. Discuss why consumers prefer one retail store over another
   3. Discuss personal motivation in merchandise preference
2. Demonstrate an understanding of image as it relates to merchandising
   1. Identify the established levels of merchandise (couture, designer, bridge, ready-to wear, mass)
   2. Discuss how merchandise level relates to image
   3. Explain how merchandise buying relates to image
3. Demonstrate an understanding of figure types and figure sizes and how they affect apparel styling.
   1. Identify figure types and sizes for the main categories of apparel (men's, women's, children's)
   2. Discuss the differences in sizing for the main categories and how this impacts the consumer
4. Demonstrate an understanding of the forces that influence retailing and merchandising (social, economical, and political)
   1. Discuss the retail fashion and trade fashion calendars.
   2. Explain the fashion cycle
   3. Explain the consumer calendar
   4. Discuss the relationship of the economy to the retail environment
   5. Discuss the relationship of the political climate to the retail environment
5. Demonstrate an understanding of the product life cycle and how it applies to hard line and soft line products.
   1. Identify the components of the product life cycle
   2. Discuss Trickle-Down theory and how it relates to merchandising
   3. Discuss Bottom-Up theory and how it relates to merchandising
   4. Identify trends and trend setters
6. Student will demonstrate an understanding of the relationship of designer to manufacturer to buyer to consumer.
   1. Discuss the fashion diagram depicting the functions of a typical wholesale apparel manufacturer
   2. Discuss the process for merchandise orders and shipping
   3. Identify correct merchandise terminology and details
7. Demonstrate an understanding of the primary market and how it affects Merchandising
   1. Identify the materials of fashion (fibers, fabrics, leather, fur)
   2. Identify components of mills (converters, horizontal, vertical)
8. Demonstrate an understanding of the divisions of the softline industry.
   1. Identify the categories of outerwear
   2. Identify the categories of intimate wear
   3. Identify the categories of accessories
9. Demonstrate an understanding of market comparisons and how price affects styling
   1. Discuss percentage share of the market
   2. Explain value factors
10. Demonstrate an understanding of careers in merchandising
    1. Discuss the designer’s role in product development
    2. Explore the center of fashion (foreign, domestic)