For this week’s questions, walk through the steps of the merchandise planning process using Costco seasonal merchandise as your guide.1.What did you do in each step as it applies to winter...

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WRITTEN ASSIGNMENT
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Discussion
Each step I did as it applies to winter seasonal/holiday merchandise at a Costco –
· Step 1: Sales Analysis – The first step in merchandise planning is to conduct a sales analysis of the previous year's seasonal merchandise. This helps Costco determine which products were successful and which ones did not perform well. Costco would review sales data and product performance for winter seasonal/holiday merchandise sold during the previous year's winter season, including items such as holiday décor, gift items, winter clothing and accessories, and holiday foods and beverages.
· Step 2: Forecasting – Once Costco has analyzed the sales data for the previous winter season, the next step is to use that information to make sales projections and forecast demand for the upcoming season. This involves taking into consideration a range of factors such as trends in consumer spending, shifts in demographics, and changes in the economic environment. For instance, Costco may forecast a greater demand for outdoor heating equipment and winter clothing if there is a prediction of a colder than usual winter (Trish et al., 2021).
· Step 3: Assortment Planning – The next step in the process is to determine the product assortment for the winter/holiday season. This involves selecting the products that will be sold in...