Merchandisers play a vital role from product planning through production. After meeting with the R&D designers, merchandisers then apply the concepts for each season to product plans, materials and designs. Next, they decide the product lineup and volume for each season, paying close attention to a detailed marketing strategy. One other important task for our merchandisers is to decide when to increase or reduce production during a season. Any decisions about adjusting production in line with demand are made jointly with the product planning department.