Which of these is NOT considered when developing a sales forecast?

When developing a sales forecast, it is essential to rely on factors that directly impact sales performance and the historical context of the business. Previous sales volume plays a crucial role because it provides a quantitative baseline to interpret trends and patterns in customer behavior and purchasing habits. Similarly, the marketing strategy of the merchandising operation is important, as it outlines how the business intends to promote its products and can influence future sales performance based on effectiveness. General internal factors, such as changes in staffing, operational efficiency, and inventory management, also affect sales and must be considered in the forecasting process.

In contrast, while real estate market trends can provide some context in certain industries, they typically do not have as direct an impact on sales forecasting for most merchandising operations. Real estate trends may influence broader economic conditions and consumer purchasing power but are not directly tied to the specific sales history or internal operations of a merchandising business. Therefore, recognizing that real estate market trends are less relevant for sales forecasting is key to understanding the focus of such projections.