1- One of the fastest growing sectors of the population is the over-60 age group. But these customers may have limitations in their vision, hearing, and movement. How can retailers develop store designs with the older population's needs in mind?
2- What are the different types of design that can be used in a store layout? How does this impact the types of fixtures used to display merchandise? Describe why some stores are more suited for a particular type of layout than others.
3- A department store is building an addition. The merchandise manager for furniture is trying to convince the vice president to allot this new space to the furniture department. The merchandise manager for men's clothing is also trying to gain the space. What points should each manager use when presenting his or her rationale?
4- As an architect for retail space, you are responsible for Americans with Disabilities Act compliance. How would you make sure that a store's retail layout meets both accessibility requirements and enables the company to reach profitability objectives?
5- Simply speaking, increasing inventory turnover is an important goal for a retail manager. What are the consequences of turnover that's too slow? Too fast?
6- Assume you are the grocery buyer for canned fruits and vegetables at a five-store supermarket chain. Del Monte has told you and your boss that it would be responsible for making all inventory decisions for those merchandise categories. It would determine how much to order and when shipments should be made. It promises a 10 percent increase in gross margin dollars in the coming year. Would you take Del Monte up on its offer? Justify your answer.
7- Variety, assortment, and product availability are the cornerstones of the merchandise planning process. Provide examples of retailers that have done an outstanding job of positioning their stores based on one or more of these issues.
8- As the athletic shoe buyer for Sports Authority, how would you go about forecasting sales for a new Nike shoe?
9- Assume you have been hired to consult with Forever 21 on sourcing decisions for sportswear. What issues would you consider when deciding whether you should buy from Mexico or China, or finding a source within the United States?
10- What are the advantages and disadvantages of manufacturer's brands versus private-label or store brands? Consider both the retailer's and customer's perspectives.
11- Why have retailers found exclusive store brands to be an appealing branding option? Choose a department store, a discount store, and a grocery store. What exclusive private-label brands do they offer? How are they positioned in relation to their national brand counterparts?
12- When you go shopping in which product categories do you prefer private labels or national brands? Explain your preference.
13- Reread Retailing View 14/1. Will an EDLP strategy work for JCPenney? Explain your answer?
14- Re-read Retailing View 14.5. What are your thoughts about extreme couponing? Should retailers take steps to restrict it?
15- What is the difference between bundled pricing and multi-unit pricing?
16- What are the positive and negative aspects of direct marketing from the customer's perspective?
17- What factors should be considered in dividing up the advertising budget among a store's different merchandise areas? Which of the following should receive the highest advertising budget: staple, fad, fashion or seasonal merchandise? Why?
18- A retailer plans to open a new store near a university. It will specialize in collegiate merchandise such as apparel, accessories, and school supplies. Consider the pros and cons of each of the following media: TV, radio, city newspaper, university newspaper, local magazine, web site, blog and sponsoring an event for this retailer to capture the university market.
19- Why do some online retailers include editorial and customer reviews along with product information on their websites? Explain how this may influence the consumer's buying behavior.