Merchandise Planning and Analysis taught me about the concepts and problems pertinent to budget, buying, assortment, inventory, and allocation planning and analysis in the fashion retail industry. I gained more in depth knowledge regarding the process of buying and planning for an assortment of merchandise utilizing a Merchandise Plan and Open to Buy System. Factors contributing to an assortment's success include the relevance of past sales, good, better, best merchandise, fashion or basic pieces, and upcoming trends. This course allowed me to practice my Excel skills by building assortment plants with a given budget and market research and analyze merchandise plans to determine assortment salability and product success.