ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines the steps that buyers and merchandisers take in order to finalise a product range. A discussion of both the pre-selection meeting and the final selection meeting will take place, as well as a thorough analysis of the sampling, fitting, and fabric-testing stages. Once the samples are accurately developed and the costing and product information is finalised, all this information is collected within the range plan spreadsheet. The range plan spreadsheet is a key document for all buyers and merchandisers and, although what is included on it varies from retailer to retailer. Each department will have their own sign-off meeting on the final range selection. In some instances, it may be a case of finalising the suggestions and edits discussed during the pre-selection meeting. Once the range has been finalised and the sealed sample created, as well as all the prices and lead times negotiated between the buyer and the supplier, then signed off in final selection meeting.
