UBM Ancol’s Management Study Program Encourages Student Understanding Through a Retail Public Lecture on Practical Insights and Modern Merchandise Planning Strategies

The Management Study Program of Bunda Mulia Ancol University held a Public Lecture on the Retail Business Arts course with the topic “ Optimizing Merchandise Planning: Strategies for Effective Retail Operations ” on Thursday, June 4, 2026. This activity was held face-to-face at The UBM Premiere Classroom, 2nd Floor of UBM Ancol, starting at 6:00 PM WIB. This public lecture presented Mr. Yanto Liem, as Groceries Beverages, Baby World (Food & Toiletries), & Regional Buyers GM of PT Matahari Putra Prima Tbk, as a resource person.  The material discussed focused on “ Managing Merchandise Planning Process ” in the context of effective retail operational management.

The event began with participant registration and was then opened by Elkunny Dovir Siratan as moderator. The opening ceremony included singing the Indonesian national anthem (Indonesia Raya) and the UBM March as a form of respect and institutional identity. The event continued with remarks by the Head of the Management Study Program, Ms. Tannia, SE., MM. The moderator then read a brief profile of the speaker before entering the main session of the public lecture. In her presentation, the speaker explained the importance of merchandise planning in supporting the effectiveness of retail business operations.

The discussion covered the product planning process, product category management, understanding consumer needs, and strategies for ensuring product availability that meets market demand. The speaker also emphasized that the success of a retail business is not only determined by the products sold, but also by the company’s ability to manage planning, purchasing, distribution, and placement of goods appropriately. The presentation session lasted for 60 minutes, followed by a 20-minute question and answer session. In this session, participants had the opportunity to ask questions related to the challenges of merchandise planning, stock management, product selection strategies, and retail operational practices in the modern industry. The participants’ enthusiasm was evident from their involvement in the discussion and responses to the material presented. After the question and answer session, the moderator provided a summary of the material so that participants could understand the core of the learning in a more focused manner.

The event concluded with certificates awarded to the speakers, a group photo session, and feedback from participants as a form of evaluation. Through this public lecture, students are expected to understand that merchandise planning is a crucial part of retail business strategy. Appropriate product planning can help companies maintain inventory availability, improve operational efficiency, meet consumer needs, and strengthen competitiveness in the retail market.