Merchandising involves the tactics (or business processes) that contribute to the sale of goods and services to the customer for profit. Merchandising is the promotion of the sale of goods that can employ pricing, special offers, display and other techniques designed to influence consumers’ buying decisions. The concept of merchandising is based on presenting products at the right time, at the right place, in the right quantity and at the right price to maximize sales.

At a retail in-store level, merchandising refers to the variety of products available for sale and the display of those products in such a way that it stimulates interest and entices customers to make a purchase.

For example, the definition of product merchandising applies whether a retailer is merchandising shoes in-person or online, and even if they are merchandising a product that isn't physical, such as an eBook.