How to Plan Your Merchandise Buys

These data are critical to properly plan and schedule your buys for maximum coverage and in-stock positioning.

Before looking at the timing of your buys, define certain rules. Following are some suggestions:

1. Plan your catalog in dollars, and then buy in units.

If you plan your season-to-dollar totals before you place your commitments, you’ll ensure that you tie your overall plan to your marketing and financial control totals.