With an emphasis on developing a strategy for buying, this comprehensive book gives students the skills they'll need to become successful buyers in all retail areas. Its simple and straightforward approach presents students with step-by-step instructions for typical buying tasks, such as identifying and understanding potential customers, creating a six-month merchandising plan, and developing sales forecasts. Ample activities give students the opportunity to apply these skills as they would in a professional environment This new edition offers expanded coverage of the use of technology for retail buying and working with foreign markets. The companion text, Making Buying Decisions: Using The Computer as a Tool furthers the connection between retail buying strategies and merchandise math.New to this Edition -- Updated and expanded chapter features: Internet Connections, Snapshots and Trendwatches -- New, more contemporary illustrations -- Expanded and updated coverage of direct marketing and the growing use of database-driven marketing and technology -- New chapter on purchasing from foreign sources -- Revised discussion of the types of buying offices -- Updated facts for identifying changes in consumer markets -- Consolidated coverage of domestic markets and negotiating with vendors -- More emphasis on using the Internet as promotional tool -- Increased coordination with companion text Making Buying Decisions -- Instructor's Guide provides suggestions for planning the course and using the text