Which factor should be prioritized when selecting product lines to carry in a retail store?

When selecting product lines to carry in a retail store, prioritizing projected sell-through dates is essential because this factor directly influences inventory turnover and cash flow. Understanding how quickly items are expected to sell helps retailers manage their stock levels effectively, ensuring that they maintain a fresh and appealing merchandise mix.

By analyzing projected sell-through dates, retailers can anticipate customer demand and avoid overstock situations, which could lead to markdowns or unsold inventory. Additionally, products with favorable sell-through projections are often more likely to align with seasonal trends and consumer buying behaviors, maximizing sales potential.

While other aspects like brand loyalty, vendor location, and historical marketing spend can play significant roles in merchandising decisions, they do not have the same immediate impact on sales and cash flow as projected sell-through dates do. Therefore, focusing on the likelihood of how quickly products will move through inventory enables retailers to make informed decisions that support overall business health and profitability.