Answer to Question 1
b
Answer to Question 2
Denise should keep Bella Notte and Serge. Bella Notte offers the best discounts and lowest cost of merchandise of all four vendors and, therefore, will likely have a higher gross margin. Serge, in addition to being the second lowest cost, has offered an invaluable service in doing an in-store personal appearance for each season. This type of event will bring customers into the store and promote brand loyalty. Although they do offer an additional 50 days dating, Je Veux should be eliminated because the only discounts they offer are based on the quantity bought. Since Denise and Chasseurs are trying to streamline orders and assortments, they would not likely reap the benefits of this discount. Since their costs are higher, their gross margins are likely to be lower. Rouge does offer a promotional allowance and display items, but they should be eliminated because they are the newest vendor and do not have a proven track record. Their cost of merchandise is also much higher than Bella Notte and Serge and would likely produce a lower gross margin.