Versailles Fall/Winter 2024

The Ask

Develop a comprehensive buying strategy for Fall 2025 by analyzing the current fashion industry, evaluating competitors, and building a data-driven 6-month sales and assortment plan.

The project required forecasting sales, planning inventory, and creating a merchandising strategy aligned with the target consumer of Gap, while assessing competition from H&M.

Team

 

Ella Lupo & Mirella Savee

This was a collaborative team project focused on developing a data-driven buying strategy. Responsibilities were divided across financial planning, market research, and merchandising execution.

My role was heavily centered on the financial planning process. Additionally, I assisted with vendor research and merchandise classification, ensuring that our financial strategy aligned with a realistic and competitive product assortment.

Process

Industry & Market Research

We began by analyzing the current state of the fashion industry, including economic conditions, consumer spending behavior, and seasonal trends. This informed all forecasting decisions.

Competitive & Consumer Analysis

We conducted a deep dive into:

  • H&M as a direct competitor (product assortment, pricing, positioning)

  • Gap’s target consumer, focusing on lifestyle, preferences, and purchasing behavior

This allowed us to identify opportunities for differentiation and growth.

Full Research

Process

Vendor & Classification Strategy

I researched and identified 10+ relevant vendors/brands that align with a retailer competing with Gap.

I also developed a detailed merchandise classification system within the women’s department, including:

  • Tops (knits, wovens, active tops)

  • Bottoms (denim, leggings, trousers)

  • Outerwear

  • Dresses

  • Accessories

Each classification was paired with realistic market price points, ensuring alignment with moderate retail positioning.

2.png
3.png
4.png
5.png
6.png
7.png
8.png
9.png
10.png
11.png
12.png

Process

P6-Month Sales Plan Development

Using historical sales data (LY), we projected Fall 2025 (TY) performance by:

  • Planning a 1–5% sales increase based on market conditions

  • Distributing sales across months (August–January)

  • Adjusting for seasonal trends and demand shifts

We then calculated:

  • Stock-to-sales ratios (S/S)

  • Beginning of month inventory (BOM)

  • Average inventory & turnover (TO)

  • Markdown strategy (40–50% of sales)

This ensured a financially viable and balanced plan.

Process

Assortment Planning

We translated financial data into a merchandising assortment plan, including:

  • Sales by classification

  • Purchases by classification

  • Price point strategy (key price tiers + unit allocation)

This step connected numbers to actual product decisions, simulating real-world retail buying.

Skills

Retail math & Financial Planning

Competitive analysis

Merchandising & Assortment Planning

Excel

Strategic Thinking & Problem Solving

Collaboration

Key Takeaways

6 Month Plan

This project strengthened my ability to connect data-driven decisions with merchandising strategy. I developed a deeper understanding of how retailers balance sales forecasting, inventory management, and consumer demand to drive profitability.

A key takeaway was learning how small adjustments in sales projections, pricing, or inventory levels can significantly impact overall business performance.

I also gained experience working collaboratively on a large-scale project, refining both my analytical and communication skills.

Sales Justifaction
Final Package
Previous

Versailles Collection