Which of the following best describes "merchandising planning"?

Merchandising planning primarily involves the strategic process of selecting and arranging merchandise in a way that maximizes sales potential. This process is crucial for retailers as it directly links product assortment to consumer demand. By carefully choosing which products to offer and how they are presented in-store or online, retailers aim to enhance customer experience and optimize sales opportunities.

Selecting merchandise involves understanding current trends, consumer preferences, and seasonal demands, while arranging it effectively might include considerations on product placement, displays, promotions, and visual merchandising techniques. By focusing on these elements, merchandising planning creates a cohesive strategy that increases the likelihood of consumer engagement and purchasing decisions, leading to greater overall sales.

The other options, while related to important functions in retail, do not capture the essence of merchandising planning as effectively. The evaluation of sales data, competitive pricing, and assessment of supply chain efficiency play supportive roles in the broader context of retail strategy but are not the core focus of merchandising planning itself.