Here's how you can strategically identify market trends as a merchandiser.

One thing i have found helpful is data record. Yeah right data is merchandiser bestest friend. Your data is your business value and by keeping the record daily it keeps you updated everytime. And secure your time to time changes record as well in business trend with passage of time..

It depend on how deep the internal data that is available. We need to analyze from at least 2 to 3 months to see whether there is a pattern for new items (whether it is a launch effect-usually lots of promotion and price support or it is the organic one). Besides that it is also a good idea to see some benchmark from marketplace (e-commerce). Doing some competitor checking by visiting theirs stores to see how they display and compafe prices also could help you understand what is happening

To identify market trends as a merchandiser: Analyze sales data. Monitor industry reports. Customer feedback. Research about Competitors. Use trend forecasting tools. Attend trade shows. Collaborate with suppliers. Leverage technology and data analytics.

Understanding previous years' trends to take a strategic approach for the current season can significantly enhance market performance and reduce the risk of not meeting sales deadlines. Proper data plays a vital role not only during planning for the next season but also in tracking patterns during the season and applying those learnings to the next similar season. Seventy percent of the data will give you a clear indication of what needs to be done; the remaining insights can be derived from the experience you have gained in the field and with other stakeholders of the company.

Online Store Visits: Visit online shops that carry your brand's products. Observe what is prominently displayed and selling well to understand current consumer preferences. Brand's Seasonal Planning: Work closely with the brand’s seasonal planning team to understand the upcoming collections and trends they want to capitalize on. This helps in aligning your production with their needs. Competitor Analysis: Analyze what other apparel brands in the same category are producing. Look at their new collections, marketing strategies, and how they are engaging with customers.

YES in my Mentoring now of Startup Inventors my Step 2 learning process is COMPETITIVE RESEARCH. Since 90% of Startups FAIL & the Marketing is #1 but Research is # 2 reason. I hear daily from new inventors " there is NO COMPETITION to my invention" & they are 100% WRONG. Your product may be different from other products in the category but they do not understand how Retailers add product in their Line Review to their Floor Planogram & the concept of OTB which I teach my mentees the REAL WORLD so they can talk to Nationwide retail buyers like a professional.

Through competitive landscaping, you can identify whitespace opportunities in your current assortment and inform future product strategies. However, it is key to not chase after trends that have already peaked or don't align with your brand. The best strategy may be to focus on products that serve as counter-programming to the trends already saturating the market.

I think watching your competitor is the best way to analyze the market as well as your weakness. You also find the point you have to improve. You can find the market demand & supply You can find the current price of raw materials. You can find the market values There are many things that you will find by analyzing the competitors.

It is important to understand the importance of social listening because it provides understanding of customer preferences, identifying trends and competitor analysis. As a merchandising manager, choose right tools to analyze social media data. Set clear goals and Analyse data regularly to engage with customers. Social listening is great tool for merchandising managers for product launches, promotional campaigns and crisis management. It provides more informed decisions abilities for customer satisfaction which lead to stay ahead of market trends.

YES I have done up to 17 trade shows per year & spent 12 weeks traveling worldwide per year walking trade shows to source new vendors & products. We found about 90% of our NEW VENDOR Products were sourced at a trade show. That is the reason why I currently do CES \ NHS \ Inspired Home \ SuperZoo \ Medtrade \ SEMA \ Kids Expo \ ASD trade shows to SELL our 40+ New Inventors Products to Retailers. DO NOT Spend time listening to Speakers but spend your time WALKING THE SHOW & TALKING TO 100's of Vendors. I taught my Ningbo Office Merchandising team how to walk a show & scripted them on Introductory questions to a new vendor. YES \ NO Questions that if they could not answer say thanks & leave the booth. Time is precious with 100's of vendors!

Get feedback from your partners consumers on the product reviews when you launch a product. Professional Nationwide Retailers \ Wholesalers do NOT waste marketing budget on expensive Surveys \ Focus Groups from 50-100 consumers subjective opinions. A professional MERCHANT has the INSTINCTS to know what a consumer wants! A great merchant Steve Jobs said "I think Henry Ford once said, "If I'd ask customers what they wanted, they would've told me a faster horse." People don't know what they want until you show it to them. That's why I never rely on market research." My mentor said to me about asking a group of customers " A Horse designed by a Committee is a Camel" So ONLY listen to EXPERTS #3 Reason why 90% of Startups Failed

Customers has always been the CenterPoint of any business. The only gap happens when we don't hear them correctly and start taking unnecessary action which are not required. Looking closing customer data would give good sense of understanding in terms of are we really fulfilling dreams of customer, where we are lacking, what better we can do for better customer experience. Customer was, is and will be maker or breaker for any business from startups to well established brand in the markets.

Intuition increased as experience within any job. It involves understanding customer preferences, proactive adjustments and trend spotting keep the store relevant and exciting for customers. Combination of experience and intuition help to create engaging displays within stores or online presence, adapting to market changes, it might involve shifting focus to trending products or rethinking promotional strategies. Intuition and experience can help to build customer loyalty by understanding and anticipating customer needs.