Merchandising is an especially important aspect of retailing. Buyers must curate product lines and programs that appeal to their target market(s) while ensuring that activities (purchased inventory, pricing, etc.) adhere to budgets and sales/profit plans. Meanwhile, planners must ensure that financial and inventory plans are accurate and achievable and must keep buyers on track to prevent overbuying,underbuying, and profit loss.

Between buying and planning, is one role more important than the other, or are both roles equally important? Take a position on this issue and briefly discuss (200 words) why you selected the position you did, supporting your answer with concepts from the text or other reliable sources.