A retail merchandiser buys products at wholesale and sells them for retail. Because of competition, retailers often contend with razor thin profit margins that they must monitor with an eagle eye.

Companies have used the retail method of inventory accounting for many years. According to the Committee on Ways and Means, the retail inventory method has been the best accounting method since 1941.

Retail businesses have unique accounting challenges. Here's a guide that will get you through the basics. Many, or all, of the products featured on this page are from our advertising partners who ...

Retailers are trying to manage cost increases from President Donald Trump's tariffs. A practice known as retail inventory method accounting could affect how higher costs show up in companies' profit ...