Merchandise Assortment Worksheet
Fashion Merchandising Retail Foundations • Week 3 • Day 2
Curated Mix vs. Volume
BUILD YOUR MERCHANDISE ASSORTMENT
"A strong store carries the right mix—not simply the most products."
Student Worksheet
Name:
Date:
Period:
Targets:
1. Categorize & balance mix • 2. Target customer fit • 3. Staple vs. trend balance
Part 1 | Bell Ringer: The One-Product Store Warm-Up Analysis
The Scenario: Imagine a clothing store that sells only 25 styles of plain black T-shirts.
1. Would this store attract many shoppers? Why or why not?
2. What other products would customers expect?
3. Can a store offer too many choices? Explain.
Part 2 | Core Vocabulary Explain each term in your own words
| Term | Meaning — In Your Own Words |
|---|
| Merchandise Assortment | |
| Breadth (Variety) | |
| Depth (Assortment) | |
| Staple Merchandise | |
| Trend Merchandise | |
Part 3 | Quick Check: Breadth or Depth? Determine whether each decision expands Breadth or Depth
- A clothing store adds a brand-new jewelry and accessories section.
Answer:
- A denim store adds 8 new wash styles, rises, and fits of jeans.
Answer:
- A boutique adds an entirely new category of athletic footwear.
Answer:
Fashion Merchandising • Retail Foundations Build Your Merchandise Assortment • Page 1 of 3
Part 4 • Guided Practice
MERCHANDISE MIX CHALLENGE
Retail Buyer Case Study
Target Customer & Store Context
You are the retail buyer for a new store near a high school campus. Your target customer is high school students who want comfortable, affordable, and trendy clothing for school, sports, and weekends.
Product Menu: 5 Department Categories Select your assortment from these options
01 Tops
- • basic T-shirts
- • graphic T-shirts
- • cardigans
02 Bottoms
- • jeans
- • joggers
- • leggings
03 Layers
04 Shoes
- • sneakers
- • fashion boots
05 Accessories
- • hats
- • jewelry
- • handbags
A. Choose FOUR categories your store should carry (Assortment Breadth):
B. Staple Products Reliability & Familiarity
Identify two staple products from your chosen categories:
C. Trend Products Relevance & Excitement
Identify two trend products from your chosen categories:
D. Strategy Analysis: Why Carry Both Staples and Trends? Optimal Mix
1. What could happen if your store carries ONLY STAPLES?
2. What could happen if your store carries ONLY TRENDS?
Fashion Merchandising • Retail Foundations Build Your Merchandise Assortment • Page 2 of 3
Part 5 • Store Project Application
BUILD THE ASSORTMENT FOR YOUR BUSINESS
Launch Day Concept
Store Concept:
Target Customer:
Make choices for your customer—not just personal preferences. List at least 3 specific products per category. Circle/Mark at least TWO staple products and underline at least TWO trend products.
Category 1:
Category 2:
Category 3:
Category 4:
Which category will have the GREATEST DEPTH (the most variety/choices)? Why?
How do your product choices fit your target customer and brand?
Part 6 | Final Buyer Check
My products fit my target customer.
They match my store's brand and price point.
My customer would realistically shop for these.
Each product adds value to the assortment.
Exit Ticket Mastery Check
1. Explain the difference between breadth and depth:
2. Why should a retailer carry both staple and trend merchandise?
3. Which category will have the greatest depth in your store? Why?
Fashion Merchandising • Retail Foundations Build Your Merchandise Assortment • Page 3 of 3
