Here are some trends that be analyzed to forecast a realistic sales % change for the planned Fall Season:
• The nationwide economy is moving briskly; top management has planned an overall store-wide sales increase of 7%. • This is an average for all departments. Some Departments will project higher sales than others at the Department-level planning. Within Accessories Department: • Legwear has had a strong surge of sales for the first six-month period (sales were planned with a 15% increase but actually were ahead 23% over the year before); fashion influences of long, leggy looks with slits in dresses and skirts continue as important apparel looks; the rising trend for legwear in the Spring season • After 4 dismal years, also saw the revival of body suits which has stabilized to a fair contribution of total sales. • The textured hosiery introduced in the spring is doing very well. It is retailing at 20% higher retail prices is expected to create an explosion. • Also, cold weather scarves are growing in demand and are expected to increase the scarves sales by 15% from last year. • Belts & sunglasses is the only classification that is not doing too well and may experience another sales dip of 2% from last year. Sales % change is the starting step for dollar financial plan: How will you use the LY figures in preparation for your plan for this year's Fall season?
