As merchandise planning continues to evolve within a complex retail environment, brands, retailers, and industry leaders are grappling with the challenges of adopting AI, ensuring sustainability, maintaining agility, and envisioning the future of planning tools. Insights collected from various research calls and surveys have highlighted essential themes that will shape the future of merchandise planning and decision-making.
These themes will be prominently featured at upcoming events, which will consider regional variations and bring together industry experts to discuss effective solutions, real-world case studies, and cutting-edge innovations in planning, forecasting, and inventory management.
- AI-Enhanced Decision-Making: Reality vs. Aspirations
While artificial intelligence (AI) stands at the forefront of innovation in merchandise planning, many companies find it challenging to transition from theoretical applications to practical implementations. AI holds the promise of better forecasting, automation of manual processes, and richer consumer insights. However, its adoption remains inconsistent, hindered by high costs, concerns about data quality, and resistance within organizations.
Key questions for discussion:
-
- In what areas can AI provide the most significant measurable benefits in merchandise planning today?
- How can brands effectively incorporate AI-driven forecasting and inventory optimization?
- What common pitfalls exist in AI adoption, and how can companies circumvent them?
- Finding the Right Mix of Data and Human Insight
Merchandise planning has historically depended on a blend of data analytics and human intuition. As tools driven by data become increasingly advanced, planners need to strike the right balance between automated processes and human judgment. Many experienced professionals remain hesitant to embrace data-led strategies, creating a substantial hurdle.
Key questions for discussion:
-
- How can organizations foster trust in data-driven planning without marginalizing experienced planners?
- What frameworks can ensure that AI and analytics enhance, rather than replace, merchandise planning teams?
- How can brands cultivate a culture that values both data and human insight?
- Addressing Overproduction and Demand Misalignment
With rising pressure to synchronize production with actual consumer demand, retailers are moving away from the traditional model of mass-producing seasonal inventory followed by heavy markdowns. Brands are now exploring made-to-order strategies, micro-seasonal launches, and dynamic pricing to better align supply with demand.
Key questions for discussion:
-
- How can brands refine their demand forecasting to reduce overproduction?
- What positions do made-to-order and dynamic pricing models hold in minimizing surplus inventory?
- In what ways can AI help retailers more accurately predict demand fluctuations?
- Reimagining Seasonal Planning
Unpredictable weather patterns, evolving consumer behaviors, and a growing preference for seasonless collections are rendering traditional seasonal planning obsolete. Brands are now reconsidering how they organize their collections, opting for product assortments that are more adaptable to real-time demand.
Key questions for discussion:
-
- How can brands shift from rigid seasonal planning to more flexible merchandising approaches?
- What tools and methods support effective real-time inventory management?
- How are leading retailers merging seasonal narratives with adaptable assortment planning?
- Aligning Merchandising and Design
One of the long-standing challenges in fashion retail is the disconnect between merchandise planning and creative teams. Designers often focus on innovation and storytelling, while merchandisers are concerned with financial and operational realities. Achieving harmony between these teams is vital for sustainable business success.
Key questions for discussion:
-
- How can brands strengthen collaboration between design and merchandising departments?
- What tools and processes assist in aligning creative vision with financial strategy?
- How can technology facilitate real-time decision-making across teams?
- Prioritizing Sustainability and Transparency in Merchandise Planning
With evolving regulations and changing consumer expectations, sustainability has become a critical focus in merchandise planning, rather than an afterthought. Brands are increasingly utilizing traceability tools, AI-driven sustainability forecasting, and circular business models to reduce waste and enhance transparency.
Key questions for discussion:
-
- How can brands weave sustainability into merchandise planning without sacrificing profitability?
- What role does traceability hold in achieving responsible sourcing and efficient inventory management?
- How are leading brands harnessing data to track and communicate their sustainability journeys?
- The Emergence of Digital-First Merchandise Planning
The rise of e-commerce and omnichannel retail has reshaped how brands approach merchandise planning. Digital-first strategies—including social commerce, live shopping, and data-driven inventory management—are redefining product launches and distribution.
Key questions for discussion:
-
- How does real-time consumer data influence merchandise planning choices?
- What strategies can brands employ to optimize inventory for omnichannel success?
- What challenges arise in transitioning from traditional to digital-first planning models?
- Technology’s Role in Workforce Evolution
As merchandise planning becomes more technology-oriented, the required skill sets for planning teams are also evolving. Companies must address the growing need for employees to enhance their competencies in data analytics, AI integration, and cross-departmental collaboration.
Key questions for discussion:
-
- What strategies can brands implement to provide merchandise planners with essential digital skills?
- Which training programs are effective in preparing teams for AI-enhanced planning?
- How are companies restructuring teams to support data-driven decision-making?
- Adapting to Globalization, Sourcing, and Supply Chain Flexibility
Geopolitical changes, tariffs, and supply chain disruptions are compelling brands to rethink their sourcing strategies. Merchandise planners need to navigate new regulatory landscapes while maintaining agility within their supply chains.
Key questions for discussion:
-
- How can brands develop more resilient sourcing strategies in the face of global uncertainty?
- What significance do nearshoring and localized manufacturing hold in contemporary merchandise planning?
- How can AI improve visibility and forecasting within supply chains?
The Future is Interactive
Our community has expressed a desire for more dynamic, collaborative, and problem-solving event formats that emphasize genuine connections over one-sided presentations.
What changes can you expect?
- Increased interactive roundtables and peer-to-peer discussions.
- Thoughtfully facilitated networking to foster meaningful connections.
- Practical problem-solving workshops and collaboration-driven sessions.
- Access to post-event insights to ensure the learning process continues beyond the event.
