Merchandise

Merchandise refers to goods that are bought and sold, or produced for sale, by retailers and wholesalers. The term encompasses consumer products sold in stores, as well as promotional items produced to support events, brands, or media franchises.

Common categories include apparel, toys, home goods, electronics, and collectibles, as well as promotional merchandise used for branding at events or as gifts. In entertainment and sports, licensed merchandise uses rights to characters or teams.

Merchandising involves planning and presenting products to maximize sales. This includes assortment planning, pricing, display, packaging, and in-store or online marketing. Retailers use shelf layout, merchandising calendars, and promotions to influence demand and seasonality.

Licensing and intellectual property play a major role when third-party brands or characters are used. Licensors grant rights in exchange for royalties, fees, and quality controls. Private-label or house brands are produced by retailers under their own brands.

Distribution channels include physical stores, online marketplaces, direct-to-consumer websites, and pop-up events. Supply chains cover sourcing, manufacturing, quality control, and logistics. Demand forecasting, data analytics, and inventory management help balance supply and demand.

Sustainability and regulation are increasingly considered, with emphasis on ethical sourcing, reduced packaging, recyclability, and compliance with intellectual property laws.