Retail Product Management: Buying...

Retail Product Management: Buying...

Publisher
Routledge
Published
2005
Pages
—
ISBN-13
9780415327145
Format
print
Language
English
Book Summary
Retail Product Management: Buying and Merchandising by Rosemary Varley is a core textbook for students and practitioners of retail buying. It covers the entire product management cycle, from understanding customer demand and selecting ranges to pricing, sourcing, and performance analysis. The book balances theoretical frameworks with practical tools, making it essential for anyone studying retail or working in buying, merchandising, or category management roles.
This book is not available
Best buying and renting options — totals include estimated shipping when seller shipping is unavailable
Store Condition Deals & Coupons Price Est. Shipping Total Buy
About Retail Product Management: Buying...

Rosemary Varley's Retail Product Management: Buying and Merchandising provides a comprehensive guide to the strategic and operational aspects of managing retail products. The book systematically explores the buyer's role, from analysing market trends and customer needs to selecting product ranges, negotiating with suppliers, and managing stock. It delves into merchandising principles such as pricing strategies, assortment planning, and space allocation, while also addressing the financial metrics used to evaluate product performance. With a focus on both fashion and non-fashion sectors, the text integrates theoretical concepts with practical case studies and examples. This makes it an invaluable resource for students on retail, marketing, and business programmes, as well as a reference for professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of the buying and merchandising function. The book emphasises the importance of data-driven decision-making and the need to balance creativity with commercial acumen in today's competitive retail environment.

Who should read Retail Product Management: Buying...?

This book is essential reading for undergraduate and postgraduate students studying retail management, marketing, or business, particularly those on modules covering buying and merchandising. It is also highly suitable for practitioners new to retail buying or merchandising roles, such as assistant buyers or merchandisers, who need a structured overview of the product management process. Additionally, professionals from other areas of retail, like store management or supply chain, who wish to understand the buying function will find it valuable. Educators and trainers can use it as a core text to support teaching and course design.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • ✓ Provides a clear and structured overview of the entire retail product management process.
  • ✓ Integrates theoretical concepts with practical examples and case studies from real retailers.
  • ✓ Covers both fashion and non-fashion sectors, making it widely applicable.
  • ✓ Includes coverage of key financial and analytical tools used in buying and merchandising.
  • ✓ Written by an experienced academic, ensuring a rigorous and up-to-date approach.
Cons
  • ✗ Some readers may find the academic tone and dense text challenging for casual reading.
  • ✗ Case studies and examples may become dated as the retail landscape evolves rapidly.
  • ✗ Focuses primarily on UK and European retail contexts, which may limit relevance for other regions.
  • ✗ Limited coverage of emerging digital and e-commerce-specific merchandising strategies.
  • ✗ Assumes some prior knowledge of retail or business concepts, which may not suit complete beginners.
Frequently asked questions
Is this book suitable for beginners in retail buying?
Yes, it provides a comprehensive introduction to the field, though some basic business knowledge may be helpful. It is widely used on introductory modules.
Does the book cover both fashion and non-fashion retail?
Yes, it includes examples and principles applicable to both fashion and non-fashion sectors, making it versatile for various retail contexts.
Is this the latest edition?
The ISBN provided refers to a specific edition. Readers should check for the most recent edition to ensure up-to-date content, as retail practices evolve.
Does it include case studies?
Yes, the book integrates case studies and practical examples to illustrate key concepts and real-world applications.
Is this book useful for professionals already working in retail?
Absolutely. It serves as a valuable reference for practitioners seeking to refresh their knowledge or understand the broader context of buying and merchandising.

At Windsorbooks, we compare prices from trusted sellers so you can buy, rent, or sell textbooks at the best total price — shipping included.

As an Amazon Associate, Windsorbooks.com may earn a small commission on qualifying purchases.