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

Richard Clodfelter is a Professor with the College of Hospitality, Retail, and Sport Management at the University of South Carolina, Columbia and is currently the chair of the Department of Retailing. His articles and papers have received awards from several retailing and educational associations. Courses that he teaches include retail buying, internet retailing, and entrepreneurship. His primary research interests include retail pricing, purchasing on the Internet, and retail technology.