Which of the following best defines merchandising?

Merchandising fundamentally revolves around the promotion and selling of products to consumers. This definition encapsulates various activities that are crucial for successfully presenting products to the target market, including the selection of product lines, display techniques, pricing strategies, and promotional efforts. By focusing on enticing consumers, merchandising aims to enhance sales and drive consumer engagement, making it a core component of retail strategy.

While setting minimum prices, managing logistics, and analyzing competitor pricing are important aspects of the broader retailing and marketing process, they do not capture the essence of merchandising itself. Merchandising is primarily concerned with how products are displayed and marketed to consumers, ensuring that they are not only available but also appealing, which ultimately influences purchasing decisions.