What does "merchant buying" involve?

Merchant buying primarily involves the selection and acquisition of products for resale, which is essential to the retail industry. This process entails evaluating various products, determining which items will meet customer demand, and making decisions about inventory levels. Merchants analyze market trends, consumer preferences, and competitor offerings to curate a product assortment that is appealing and profitable. Effective merchant buying is critical because it directly influences a store's sales performance and customer satisfaction.

Other choices do not pertain to the core responsibility of merchant buying. Negotiating store lease agreements relates more to real estate management, while analyzing consumer return rates deals with post-purchase evaluation of products. Creating marketing campaigns focuses on promoting products rather than the actual selection and acquisition process. Thus, this distinction helps clarify the specific role and responsibilities associated with merchant buying in retail.