Trend analysis due 11pm 20th EST

Hints for Individual Trend Research Project

1. Assortment Diagram – you should include all of the “general” classifications for your department and then provide further “subclassifications” for the particular area you have been given.

2. Merchandise Group Industry Statistics - The general sizes are NOT listed in the Perry’s information online (they used to be given on a supplemental CD but with the new edition, they are not included). Thus you will need to look at other sources to determine sizing standards for your area.

Industry statistics are provided on Sakai for each of your groups. I have edited each of your group assigned values in order to include an IMU number as the number given was CuMu%. Otherwise, MD%, ST, and GM% were all given.

To find your 6 months % distribution for sales, use this method:

FEB	MAR	APR	MAY	JUN	JUL	AUG	SEP	OCT	NOV	DEC	JAN	TOTAL
6.4%	8.2%	7.4%	7.6%	7.7%	6.7%	8.2%	8.0%	8.3%	10.3%	15.6%	5.6%	100%

Add the highlighted percentages for the fall/winter season

In this example, they total 56%

To convert the 6 months to a “100%” scale, divide each month’s percentage by the total and add 2 decimals. For instance, AUG = 8.2%/56% = .146. Add two decimals and it converts to 14.6%. Repeat for each month. They should add to 100% (be sure you add them because there may be a rounding discrepancy)

3. Market location – I believe this is self-explanatory.

4. Suppliers – If you are able to find more than one supplier, great. If the site doesn’t provide pricing, please note that in your explanation. Alibaba is a good resource and will give you some idea of most classifications.

5. Comparison of product attributes – You can use the chart I provided in the assignment and just expand the columns to include the information you are reporting.

6. Competition – Be sure you are using a retailer that is actually located in the Washington DC metropolitan area that you believe would be a competitor of Perry’s. A specialty store or local boutique is appropriate as well as a national department store if you believe they have similar merchandise and target markets.

7. Trend Research – this is the most important component of this project. You really want to take a good look at the trends that are being forecast for the assigned season. You should provide pictures as well as detailed descriptions of the trend, why you believe it is important, how it may play out at Perry’s, etc. You should include style trends as well as important colors, fabrics, “looks” and any other information that would influence your buying decisions.