Competition Format
Event structure.
Preparation
10 minYou receive a printed scenario card describing a business situation. Read carefully, identify the core problem, and outline your recommended approach. No outside materials allowed.
Role-Play with Judge
Up to 10 minThe judge acts as a business professional (customer, manager, or owner). You present your analysis and recommendations, field questions, and demonstrate your grasp of relevant performance indicators.
Transition / Wrap-Up
Included in 10 minConclude with a clear summary of your recommendations. The judge may ask 1–2 follow-up questions before scoring your role-play.
Performance Indicators
What you'll be tested on.
Retail buying and open-to-buy planning
Assortment and category management
Visual merchandising and planograms
Pricing (keystone, markdown, promotional)
Inventory turnover and shrinkage
Omnichannel retail strategy
Consumer behavior in retail settings
How to Prepare
Preparation framework.
01
Master the Performance Indicators
Download the PI list for your cluster and BA Core from deca.org. Learn the definition of each PI and be able to apply it in a business scenario.
02
Build a scenario framework
Use a consistent opening structure: re-state the situation, state your recommendation, explain the reasoning, address any concerns. Practice until it's automatic.
03
Practice with sample scenarios
DECA posts sample role-plays on deca.org. Time yourself. Film your practice. Review your vocabulary and professionalism.
04
Take practice exams
Use the Practice Exams on this hub. Focus on missed questions and trace each one back to a specific PI.
05
Compete in chapter/district competitions
Nothing replaces reps. Use every qualifier to refine your scenario approach and test comfort under pressure.
Sample Scenario Themes
Representative topics.
Not official DECA scenarios, representative themes based on past competitions.
Building a merchandise plan for a new product category
Addressing excess inventory through markdown strategy
Designing a planogram for a key seasonal display
Developing a private label strategy
Responding to a competitor's price-matching promotion
Integrating online and in-store inventory systems
Competition Tips
Notes from experienced competitors.
Know retail math: sell-through rate, GMROI, OTB, stock-to-sales ratio.
Understand markdown optimization, when to mark down and how deep.
Know the difference between push and pull merchandise strategies.
Ready to prep for RMS?
Practice exams for Marketing · Review Marketing + BA Core performance indicators · Roleplay framework.