Required skills

analytical skills to evaluate and analyse

market trends and projections

sales figures and investment levels

space requirement

communication and interpersonal skills to

ask questions to identify and confirm requirements

establish supplier relationships and negotiate supply of goods

give instructions

liaise with relevant personnel

provide feedback and coaching through clear and direct communication

provide information and training on product range

use and interpret nonverbal communication

use language and concepts appropriate to cultural differences

literacy and numeracy skills to

analyse stock figures

calculate and estimate product range contributions

develop pricing policies

technology skills to use and apply technology including electronic data interchange EDI

Required knowledge

store policy and procedures in regard to

buying

current and future stock inventory levels

marketing

profit margins

quality control

stock location and allocated areas

industry and store information including

channels of distribution

existing and possible new suppliers

market competition

market needs

pricing procedures including GST requirements

range of merchandise available

product knowledge

relevant legislation statutory requirements and codes of practice relating to the retail industry

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria required skills and knowledge range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the following is essential

applies store policy and procedures industry codes of practice statutory requirements and regulations in regard to buying merchandising and marketing practices

demonstrates planning procurement and rationalisation of stock and merchandise ranges

interprets market trends and applies them to the store situation to create opportunities to improve sales while maximising profits

trains and communicates information to and from staff or team members in regard to stock merchandise and service range

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure access to

a retail work environment including existing merchandise ranges

relevant store systems information and documentation including

stock management system

store or department sales figures

merchandise budget information

merchandising and marketing policies

merchandising plan including space allocation data

merchandise and supplier data

sales staff

Method of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge The following examples are appropriate for this unit

observation of performance in the workplace

customer feedback

written or verbal questioning to assess knowledge and understanding

review of portfolios of evidence and thirdparty workplace reports of onthejob performance

Guidance information for assessment

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector workplace and job role is recommended

Store merchandise and marketing policies may include:

Customer requirements may be monitored by:

Merchandise range may include:

Impact on business operations may include:

Relevant personnel may include:

Feedback may be sought and given:

Staff training may include:

Staff may include:

Stock lines may be deleted due to:

Consolidation of stock may include: