🧾financial accounting i review

Merchandising business

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.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Merchandising businesses record inventory as a significant asset on their balance sheets.
  2. Revenues in merchandising businesses are generated primarily through the sale of goods.
  3. 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.
  4. Gross profit in a merchandising business is calculated by subtracting COGS from total sales revenue.
  5. Merchandising businesses frequently use inventory management systems to track stock levels and reorder products as needed.

Review Questions

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