This module introduced me to the buying and merchandising principles which contribute to the fashion business practice. It helped me understand the balance between the integrated nature and distinction of the role of a Buyer and Merchandiser within different retail formats. As a combined function, buying and merchandising fuses creative and financial product requirements through strategic planning and operational trading.

 

 

 

 

 

 

This module helped me understand that to achieve business success in a highly competitive and lucrative market, the buying and merchandising function needs to be meticulous in assessing consumer demands and market trends when developing product ranges. The project worked in conjunction with the retailer, Whistles and I developed a detailed range of trousers for womenswear SS17.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The outcomes were built on initial research in the form of a competitive shop for both Whistles and two of their competitors. These observations supported the fashion product, retail environment and consumer profile for my chosen department. It was important to compare like for like to measure the retail landscape effectively and identify any future opportunities.

 

 

 

 

 

From this research, I developed a creative package to visually communicate my final range plan, I made critical paths to support each piece and designed CADs of the products in illustrator and mocked up how they would be displayed in store via photoshop.