he retailing environment is influenced by many factors, including consumer preferences, the state of the economy, current fashion trends, popular culture, and the retailer’s store image.

The retailing environment is influenced by many factors, including consumer preferences, the state of the economy, current fashion trends, popular culture, and the retailer’s store image.

Think back to all the topics that have been covered during this course (e.g., consumer behavior, fashion forecasting). Identify a specific merchandise category (e.g., consumer electronics, apparel, home furnishings) and discuss how the current economic, societal, and/or technological environment can affect the successful sale of this merchandise category. Consider each factor and choose one that you believe will have more impact than the others. Discuss your answer in detail.