Which form of auditing helps in collecting in-store observational data?

The correct answer, merchandising audits, is specifically designed to collect in-store observational data related to product displays, shelf placement, pricing, and promotional positioning. This type of audit focuses on the effectiveness of merchandising strategies and how products are presented to consumers in a retail environment. By gathering real-time insights about how products are displayed and interacted with by customers, merchandising audits enable retailers and manufacturers to make informed decisions regarding product placement and marketing effectiveness.

The other forms of auditing serve different purposes. Financial audits primarily focus on verifying financial data and compliance with accounting standards, rather than observational data. Inventory audits concentrate on tracking stock levels, managing replenishment processes, and assessing inventory accuracy, which is more quantitative than observational. Sales audits evaluate sales performance and trends, looking primarily at sales data rather than the in-store visual and physical arrangement of products. Thus, merchandising audits stand out as the most relevant for gathering in-store observational data.