What is the primary role of merchandise planning?

The primary role of merchandise planning is to ensure that the right products are available at the right time and in the right quantity. This process is crucial for retailers as it involves forecasting demand, analyzing sales trends, and understanding customer preferences. By effectively planning their merchandise, retailers can optimize inventory levels, reduce stockouts, and minimize excess inventory, all of which contribute to increased sales and improved profitability. This strategic approach helps retailers align their product offerings with market demand, ensuring they meet customer needs and increase customer satisfaction.

The other options focus on different aspects of retail management. Setting store layout design is important for optimizing the shopping experience and product presentation but does not involve the strategic planning of merchandise inventory. Handling customer complaints is essential for customer service, ensuring customer loyalty and satisfaction, but it is not related to merchandise planning. Developing marketing campaigns is crucial for promoting products and attracting customers, but it also falls outside the scope of merchandise planning, which is more focused on the logistics and availability of products rather than promotional activities.