Northwest Fur Co$.$ started $2021$ with $$102,000$ of merchandise inventory on hand. During $2021,$ $$450,000$ in merchandise was purchased on account with credit terms of $2/15,$ n$/45.$ All discounts were taken. Purchases were all made f$.$o$.$b$.$ shipping point. Northwest paid freight charges of $$8,600.$ Merchandise with an invoice amount of $$4,400$ was returned for credit. Cost of goods sold for the year was $$379,000.$ Northwest uses a perpetual inventory system.

What is ending inventory assuming Northwest uses the gross method to record purchases?

Multiple Choice

$$181,600.$

$$177,200.$

$$168,228.$

$$168,288.$