A comparative article sales analysis is the comparison of two different articles. It is nearly identical to the basic articlePOS analysis except for the addition of a second, comparative article. It is also important that this analysis compare theperformance of one article against the merchandise hierarchy (department, class, subclass) of that article. The greatest value fromthis analysis can generally be gained from a visual, or graphic, presentation because similar patterns between the comparativearticles can most readily be identified in this way. This analysis is important to the merchant when determining which articlescomplement each other and which articles conflict with each other. It is also good for determining the "fit" of anarticle into a category of merchandise. Sometimes the sales patterns are very different for different operational areas of thecompany. So this comparative analysis can also compare two different operational areas for the same article.