IGNOU MS-612
- Retail Management,
Latest Solved Assignment
(July 2024 - January 2025)

1 a) In the last two decades the retail sector in the Indian context has made a remarkable dent with exponential growth there by substantially contributing to the Indian economy. In the light of the above statement you are advised to seek the help of secondary data sources, the internet sources etc. and collect as much data as possible with regard to the sector in question. Prepare an exhaustive essay on the key driver/triggers to the growth of the sector. Besides, the strength and opportunities you may also look as the threats and weaknesses if any, and report the same. Justify and support with data and figures wherever they deem fit.
b) Briefly classify and discuss the retail formats with suitable examples. Highlight their advantages and caveats for each of these formats.

2 a) Identify and discuss the major retail activities that a retailer needs to consider to operate their business. Comment on the consumer behavior or patterns that a retailer ought to consider to attract their target customers.
b) Discuss the significant role that locational decisions play in the context of retailing. Elaborate the major influencing factors that you would consider in deciding a location for a fast food joint catering to young working professionals in any metro city of your choice.

3 a) Why is merchandizing assumes greater importance in organized retailing. Discuss. Pick up one garment retailer and another premium footwear brand and discuss their merchandising activities such as sourcing merchandising planning and supply chain issues pertaining to their respective business.
b) Define and explain the term atmospherics in retail marketing mix. Explain with suitable illustrations the store lay out and visual merchandising as key constituents of retail atmospherics.

4 a) Discuss the importance of sourcing as a key function of retailing. Explain the process of sourcing in a logical sequence.
b) Today, non-stone retailing is in the forefront of every retail business. Discuss the statement by identifying/picking up any two non-store retail businesses of your choice which have been successful in relation to their brick and mortar stores.

1. a) Explain the terms retailing and wheel of retailing. Discuss the key decision areas that a retailer has to consider for its success.
b) Why it is necessary to have a sound knowledge of consumers and the various stages of consumer decision making process in retail business? Explain.

2. a) Success of any retail business is primarily attributed to its locations. Discuss the above statement in terms of the choice of location criteria being adopted and all after aspects in this regard. Explain with example.
b) Define and explain the role and various component of atmospheric in the context of retail business.

3. a) Discuss the importance and the key role of sourcing function in retail business. Explain the various steps involved in sourcing process.
b) Discuss the concept of relationship marketing. How does it stand different from transactional marketing? Illustrate with an example.

4. a) List the legal and security issues in the context of retail business. Discuss each of these issues and their impact on the retail operations.
b) What is the role of technology in retailing in the current business environment? Indentify the application areas of technology and comment on their role on retail business.