1. EOPA 2016 Administered the last week in March before Spring Break or the 2 week in April, right after Spring Break 200 questions

3. Competencies  Advertising / Promotion – 5% Communications – 6% Visual Merchandising – 6% Marketing / Merchandising - 13% Technology in Retail Merchandising – 9% Economics -8%  Customer Service, Sales, and Selling – 10% Professionalism in Retail Merchandising – 19%  Related Mathematics – 15% Entrepreneurship – 9%

4. Advertising / Promotion 1. Explain the concept and purpose of advertising and cooperative advertising 2. List forms of advertising media and the advantages and disadvantages of each

5. Communications 1. Apply effective verbal and telephone communications, including proper grammar and vocabulary 2. Prepare basic written and presentations 3. Follow oral and written directions 4. Describe nonverbal communication

6. Visual Merchandising 1. Plan, schedule themes, and arrange effective and attractive displays 2. Explain the use and effect of visual merchandising 3. Use safety precautions when setting up displays

7. Marketing / Merchandising 1. Characterize how merchandising impacts a retailer’s perceived image 2. Explain the role of wholesalers and distributors 3. Operate point-of-sale terminal/calculator 4. Receive incoming stock, verify invoice accuracy, process inventory for sale 5. Process returned/damaged inventory 6. Explain functions of store space planning, maintenance, and cleanliness 7. Demonstrate an understanding of the concept of the marketing mix and segmentation 8. Demonstrate an understanding of the buying process

8. Technology in Retail Merchandising 1. Describe benefits of technology in retailing 2. Describe digital pricing and inventory systems 3. Compare advantages and disadvantages of electronic payment to the retail establishment 4. Characterize how technological changes impact a retailer’s perceived image 5. Describe various forms of digital retail technology (e.g., Internet, cellular, rewards cards, social media) 6. Compare advantages and disadvantages of “brick and mortar” versus online businesses

9. Economics 1. Display knowledge of the concept of supply and demand 2. Distinguish between consumer wants and needs 3. Explain the concept of opportunity cost 4. Describe the concept of global opportunities related to goods and services 5. Define characteristics of economies related to government involvement

10. Customer Service, Sales, and Selling 1. Explain the importance of positive customer relations 2. Determine the customer/client needs and buying motives 3. Demonstrate product knowledge 4. Contrast sales approaches (e.g., greeting, “soft” sell, up- selling) 5. Close the sale and provide customer maintenance activities 6. Interpret business policies to customers/clients and handle customer complaints and issues

11. Professionalism in Retail Merchandising 1. Abide by OSHA and safety standards 2. Define personality traits and skills important to retailing (e.g., positivity, enthusiasm, creativity, organizational skills) 3. Promote a positive company image 4. Describe appropriate professional appearance 5. Respect diversity 6. Exhibit business ethics and maintain confidentiality 7. Abide by policies and procedures 8. Demonstrate team and interpersonal relationships 9. Identify leadership traits

12. Related Mathematics 1. Solve addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals, and percentage problems pertaining to business/retailing 2. Make change with or without change indication 3. Calculate amount of purchase, discounts, and special charges for purchases 4. Complete sale transactions, including cash, check, charge, and sales tax 5. Apply the concepts of commission sales and sales quotas 6. Open/close out register/terminal and prepare deposit slips 7. Calculate price changes

13. Entrepreneurship 1. State the advantages and disadvantages of small business ownership 2. Explain franchising and other types of business ownership (e.g., partnership, corporation) 3. Display understanding of trademarks, patents, copyrights, and brand names