Sourcing Simulator is specialized form of software capable of providing great insight into merchandising decision making. It is relatively easy to learn and operate by reading the help menus, experimenting with inputs, and critically analyzing outputs. 1 see that it has great potential in a training program for new merchandisers to help them absorb the complexity of the numbers they must effectively use. The Sourcing Simulator, Version 1 that accompanies my textbook, Merchandising: Theory Principles, and Practice, 2nd ed. is the least complex version available. Two versions are available from [TC]2 - Retail version and The Retail/ Manufacturing version. The Retail Version is very similar to the Version 1. The Retail/ Manufacturing Version includes analysis of processes and costs in the manufacturing process as well as the merchandise planning component that we have discussed here. Sourcing Simulator is developed at North Carolina State University by Dr. Russ King, and available from Textile Clothing Technology Corporation $[TC]^2$, Cary, North Carolina.

Purchase decision behavior for and satisfaction with apparel among retail buyers and consumers were compared. Kunz's behavioral theory of the apparel fm was the conceptual framework; Oliver's disconfirmation model guided measurement of satisfaction. Buyers and consumers indicated their perceptions about shopping orientations, variables that influenced apparel purchasing decisions, the importance of aspects of customer service and attributes that they expected to find and found when shopping. Surveys were mailed to retailers and consumers identified by random sampling of company lists. Respondents were 66 buyers and 344 consumers. MANOVA revealed differences in retailers 'and consumers' shopping orientations, the influence of variables on purchase decisions, and perceptions of the importance of customer service. Paired sample t tests indicated dissatisfaction for buyers on 10 apparel/shopping attributes and consumers on nine items. Results support the need for vertically integrated manufacturers to redesign strategies that are more appealing to both retail buyers and consumers.