As merchandise planning evolves in an increasingly complex retail landscape, brands, retailers, and industry leaders are navigating challenges around AI adoption, sustainability, agility, and the future of planning tools. With insights gathered from research calls and surveys for PI Apparel Merchandise Planning USA 2025 and PI Apparel Merchandise Planning Europe 2025, we’ve identified the key themes shaping the future of merchandise planning and decision-making.
These topics will take centre stage at both events—each with regional nuances in mind—bringing together industry experts to explore practical solutions, real-world case studies, and the latest innovations in planning, forecasting, and inventory management.
1. AI-Powered Decision-Making: Hype vs. Practicality
Artificial intelligence (AI) is at the forefront of merchandise planning innovation, yet companies struggle to move beyond theoretical discussions to real-world applications. AI promises improved forecasting, automation of manual tasks, and deeper consumer insights – but adoption remains fragmented due to high costs, data quality issues, and organizational resistance.
📌 Key questions we’ll explore:
Where can AI deliver the most measurable value in merchandise planning today?
How can brands successfully integrate AI-driven forecasting and inventory optimization?
What are the pitfalls of AI adoption, and how can companies avoid common mistakes?
2. Balancing Data and Human Expertise
Merchandise planning has always relied on a combination of analytics and intuition. As data-driven tools become more sophisticated, planners must determine the right balance between automation and human decision-making. Resistance to data-led strategies, particularly among seasoned professionals, remains a major challenge.
📌 Key questions we’ll explore:
How can organizations build trust in data-driven planning without alienating experienced planners?
What frameworks ensure AI and analytics complement—not replace—merchandise planning teams?
How do brands create a culture that embraces data while valuing human judgment?
3. The Challenge of Overproduction and Demand Alignment
Retailers are under growing pressure to align production with real consumer demand. The days of mass-producing seasonal inventory with heavy markdowns are fading. Instead, brands are exploring made-to-order models, micro-season drops, and dynamic pricing strategies to better match supply with demand.
📌 Key questions we’ll explore:
How can brands improve demand forecasting to minimize overproduction?
What role do made-to-order and dynamic pricing models play in reducing excess inventory?
How can AI help retailers predict shifts in demand with greater accuracy?
4. The Future of Seasonal Planning
With unpredictable weather patterns, shifting consumer behaviors, and an increasing demand for seasonless collections, traditional seasonal planning is becoming outdated. Brands are rethinking how they structure collections, introducing more fluid product assortments that respond to real-time demand.
📌 Key questions we’ll explore:
How can brands transition from rigid seasonal planning to more adaptive merchandising strategies?
What tools and methodologies support real-time inventory management?
How are leading retailers balancing seasonal storytelling with flexible assortment planning?
5. Bridging the Gap Between Merchandising and Design
One of the longest-standing tensions in fashion retail is the disconnect between merchandise planning and creative teams. Designers prioritize innovation and storytelling, while merchandisers focus on financial and operational constraints. Finding alignment between these teams is critical for long-term business success.
📌 Key questions we’ll explore:
How can brands foster stronger collaboration between design and merchandising?
What tools and processes help align creative vision with financial planning?
How can technology facilitate real-time decision-making between teams?
6. Sustainability and Traceability in Merchandise Planning
With new regulations and shifting consumer expectations, sustainability is no longer an afterthought in merchandise planning—it’s a core business priority. Brands are increasingly leveraging traceability tools, AI-driven sustainability forecasting, and circular business models to minimize waste and improve transparency.
📌 Key questions we’ll explore:
How can brands integrate sustainability into merchandise planning without compromising profitability?
What role does traceability play in achieving responsible sourcing and inventory management?
How are leading brands using data to measure and report sustainability progress?
7. The Rise of Digital-First Merchandise Planning
E-commerce and omnichannel retail have transformed how brands approach merchandise planning. Digital-first strategies—such as social commerce, live shopping, and data-driven inventory placement—are redefining how products are launched and allocated.
📌 Key questions we’ll explore:
What role does real-time consumer data play in shaping merchandise planning decisions?
How can brands optimize inventory for omnichannel success?
What are the biggest challenges in shifting from traditional to digital-first planning models?
8. The Role of Technology in Workforce Transformation
As merchandise planning becomes more technology-driven, the required skill sets for planning teams are evolving. Companies are facing a growing need to upskill employees in data analytics, AI integration, and cross-functional collaboration.
📌 Key questions we’ll explore:
How can brands equip merchandise planners with the right digital skills?
What training programs are effective in upskilling teams for AI-driven planning?
How are companies restructuring teams to embrace data-driven decision-making?
9. Globalization, Sourcing, and Supply Chain Agility
Geopolitical shifts, tariffs, and supply chain disruptions are forcing brands to rethink sourcing strategies. Merchandise planners must navigate new regulatory environments while maintaining agility in their supply chains.
📌 Key questions we’ll explore:
How can brands create more resilient sourcing strategies amid global uncertainty?
What role do nearshoring and localized manufacturing play in modern merchandise planning?
How can AI enhance supply chain visibility and forecasting?
The Future is Interactive
Our community is calling for more dynamic, collaborative, and problem-solving event formats that prioritize real connections over one-way presentations.
We hear you…
📌 So what’s changing?
- More interactive roundtables and peer-to-peer discussions.
- Thoughtfully facilitated networking to spark meaningful connections.
- Hands-on problem-solving workshops and collaboration-driven sessions.
- Access to post-event insights—because learning shouldn’t stop when the event ends.
Don’t miss out on our 2025 Merchandise Planning events. Click the images below to register your interest now.
