Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Definition
A merchandising business is a type of enterprise that purchases goods for the purpose of reselling them to customers at a profit. These businesses can operate either as wholesalers or retailers.
Merchandising businesses record inventory as a significant asset on their balance sheets.
Revenues in merchandising businesses are generated primarily through the sale of goods.
Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) is a critical expense item for merchandising businesses, representing the direct costs attributable to the production of the goods sold.
Gross profit in a merchandising business is calculated by subtracting COGS from total sales revenue.
Merchandising businesses frequently use inventory management systems to track stock levels and reorder products as needed.