2.15. Major Divisions

zz Merchandising division: buying, merchandise planning and control, selling, fashion coordination.

The merchandising division is crucial for a fashion retail organization as it encompasses several key areas involved in the selling of fashion items. It includes buying, which involves selecting and purchasing the products that will be sold. Merchandise planning and control are focused on ensuring that the right amount of product is available at the right time to meet consumer demand. Additionally, selling refers to the actual transactions that take place between the business and the customers, while fashion coordination ensures that all elements of the collections are cohesive and appealing to the target audience.

Think of a successful event planner. They need to purchase supplies, ensure everything is organized and aesthetically pleasing, and sell tickets or invite guests effectively. Just like the event planner, a merchandising division must handle various tasks to create a successful fashion selling experience.

zz Sales and promotion division: advertising, visual merchandising, special events, publicity and public relations.

The sales and promotion division focuses on getting the fashion products noticed and desired by consumers. Advertising is a means to communicate with potential customers about upcoming products and promotions. Visual merchandising refers to how products are displayed in stores to attract customers' attention and encourage purchases. Special events might include fashion shows or promotional events that create buzz around new collections. Publicity and public relations involve managing the brand's image and communicating with the media to garner positive attention.

Consider a movie premiere. There is a lot of advertising, promotional events, and media engagement to get people excited and ensure a good turnout. In fashion, similar tactics are used to create interest and drive sales.

zz Finance and control division: credit, account payable and inventory control.

The finance and control division is vital for the financial health of a fashion retail organization. It manages credits, ensuring that purchases are paid timely without affecting cash flow. Account payable deals with the company's obligations, tracking what is owed and managing payments to suppliers. Inventory control is crucial for monitoring stock levels to avoid overstocking or running out of popular items, which can lead to lost sales.

Imagine a personal budget. You track your income and expenses to ensure you don't overspend and have enough funds for your needs. Similarly, the finance control division ensures that the company stays within its financial limits while meeting customer demand.

zz Operational division: maintenance of facilities, stores and merchandise protection, personnel, customer service and receiving and marking of merchandise.

The operational division handles the day-to-day functioning of the fashion retail business. This includes maintaining the physical stores, protecting merchandise from theft or damage, and managing employees. Excellent customer service is essential in making customers feel valued and encouraging them to return. The receiving and marking of merchandise involves adding new stock to the inventory and ensuring it is ready for display and sale.

Think of a restaurant. The operations team ensures that the restaurant is clean, food is fresh and secured, staff is trained to provide excellent service, and new menu items are prepared for customers. Likewise, the operational division ensures a smooth running fashion retail experience.

zz Personnel and Branch Store Division: may function separately if the store operations are very large.

In large retail organizations, the personnel and branch store division may operate independently, focusing on human resources aspects such as hiring, training, and employee benefits. This division ensures that each store has the right personnel to maintain operational efficiency and meet customer expectations. Ensuring employees are well-trained and motivated is key to providing excellent customer experiences.

Picture a large company like Google, which has dedicated teams responsible for hiring and supporting employees across various departments. In a retail context, the personnel division works similarly to ensure that each branch has trained employees who meet the company's standards.

--