Three years ago, Dana Mann and her brother-in-law Eric Boldt opened Family Department Store. For the first two years, business was good, but the following condensed income results for 2018 were disappointing.

Dana believes the problem lies in the relatively low gross profit rate (gross profit divided by net sales) of 21%. Eric believes the problem is that operating expenses are too high.
Dana thinks the gross profit rate can be improved by making both of the following changes. She does not anticipate that these changes will have any effect on operating expenses.
1. Increase average selling prices by 17%. This increase is expected to lower sales volume so that total sales will increase only 6%.
2. Buy merchandise in larger quantities and take all purchase discounts. These changes to selling prices and purchasing practices are expected to increase the gross profit rate from 21% to 24%. Eric thinks expenses can be cut by making both of the following changes. He feels that these changes will not have any effect on net sales.
1. Cut sales salaries (selling expense) of $60,000 in half and give sales personnel a commission of 2% of net sales.
2. Reduce store deliveries to one day per week rather than twice a week. This change will reduce delivery expenses (selling expense) of $30,000 by 40%. Dana and Eric come to you for help in deciding the best way to improve net income.
Instructions
With the class divided into groups, answer the following.
(a) Prepare a condensed income statement for 2019, assuming (1) Dana's changes are implemented and (2) Eric's ideas are adopted.
(b) What is your recommendation to Dana and Eric?
(c) Prepare a condensed income statement for 2019, assuming both sets of proposed changes are made.

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FAMILY DEPARTMENT STORE Income Statement For The Year Ended December 31, 2018 Net sales Cost of goods sold Gross profit Operating expenses $700,000 553,000 147,000 $100,000 20,000 Selling expenseS 120,000 $27,000 Administrative expenses Net income