What does the term demographics refer to in fashion merchandising?

The term demographics in fashion merchandising refers specifically to the statistical data relating to the populations in the market, particularly characteristics such as age groups, gender, income levels, education, and geographic concentration. Understanding demographics is crucial for fashion retailers as it helps them identify and target specific customer segments effectively. For example, knowing that a significant portion of the target market falls within a certain age range or resides in a particular geographical area can influence inventory decisions, marketing strategies, and overall business direction.

In contrast, the other options relate to different aspects of market analysis. Fashion trends pertain to the latest styles and designs gaining popularity, consumer spending habits refer to how much consumers are willing to spend on clothing and accessories, and brand loyalty signifies the tendency of consumers to continuously purchase a particular brand. While these elements are also important in fashion merchandising, they do not encapsulate the statistical and socio-economic components represented by the term demographics.