Final answer:
To ensure the sale of sweaters in a competitive market, a sales associate should differentiate their offerings and services, use signage to highlight everyday low prices, and enhance merchandise displays without resorting to unsustainable discounting.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a clothing store's sales associate notices that a nearby department store is selling the same brand of sweaters for the same price, the best strategy to ensure the clothing store's sweaters continue to sell would be to focus on differentiating their product offerings and services. One strategy could be to check the competitor's website for policies and additional service offerings. By doing so, the associate can identify any areas where their store may offer superior customer service or additional value that is not available at the department store, such as a loyalty program, flexible return policy, or exceptional after-sales service. Another strategy might be to use approved signage that highlights the sweaters as the store's 'Everyday low price,' thereby communicating to customers that they are getting a good deal without the need to hunt for sales or discounts. A third strategy could be to visit the competitor's store to observe their merchandise displays and then create similar or better displays in the clothing store to increase the visibility of their merchandise, making it more attractive to potential customers. Discounting the store's selection might provide a short-term boost in sales, but it is not sustainable and could potentially devalue the brand. Instead, focusing on providing exceptional customer experiences, unique display aesthetics reflective of the store's brand, and added value services can attract and retain customers, even when competition is high.