Which function of marketing gathers, stores, and analyzes information about customers, trends, and competing products?

The function of marketing that focuses on gathering, storing, and analyzing information about customers, trends, and competing products is Marketing Information Management. This function plays a crucial role in the decision-making process by providing valuable insights that help businesses understand market dynamics and customer preferences.

By systematically collecting data from various sources, Marketing Information Management allows marketers to identify trends, monitor competitor activities, and gain a deeper understanding of their target audience. This process typically involves the use of tools and techniques for data analysis, ensuring that the information gathered can be transformed into actionable strategies.

In contrast, Sales Management primarily deals with overseeing the sales team's performance and strategizing to meet sales targets. Product Development focuses on creating new products or improving existing ones based on consumer needs and market demands. Brand Management is centered on maintaining and enhancing the perception of a brand in the market, which is more about positioning and communication than the analysis of data. Thus, Marketing Information Management is essential for grounding these other functions in well-researched data.