Assortment Optimization Analyzer
Optimize product assortments with data-backed SKU recommendations
What You Can Do
You can systematically evaluate your current assortment against sales data, margin targets, and inventory constraints to identify which SKUs are underperforming and where gaps exist relative to customer demand and competitor offerings. Claude synthesizes your sales analytics, shelf-space limitations, and strategic objectives into prioritized recommendations for SKU additions, discontinuations, and repositioning—helping you build balanced assortments that drive both revenue growth and operational efficiency.
Features
Evaluate each product against velocity, margin, turn rate, and shelf-productivity metrics to pinpoint low-performers and stars
Map your current assortment against customer segments, price tiers, and competitor offerings to uncover white space and duplication
Generate format-specific assortment recommendations for flagship, compact, or specialized store types
Balance profitability targets against sales velocity to optimize overall category contribution
Identify categories or price tiers where own-brand products can replace manufacturer SKUs
Prioritize SKU changes by impact and feasibility with phased implementation timelines
Compare your breadth and depth against competitor assortments to justify strategic positioning
Factor shelf-space, warehouse capacity, and replenishment cycles into SKU recommendations
Example Output
Example 1: Category Depth Analysis
Input: Sales data for snack-chip category (52 SKUs, 18-month history) + shelf-space allocation + margin tiers
Output:
- Consolidation Opportunity: 12 SKUs below velocity threshold (< $500/month); recommend discontinuing 8 low-margin dupes
- Gap Identified: No organic/better-for-you options in $3–5 price tier (competitor has 3); recommend 1 new premium SKU
- Margin Recovery: Shift promotional support from bulk items to higher-margin snack packs; estimated +$12K annual margin
Example 2: Store-Format Assortment
Input: Performance data for flagship vs. express-format stores + inventory constraints
Output:
- Flagship: Recommend 68-SKU assortment (full breadth/depth, 4 private label)
- Express: Recommend 28-SKU core assortment (best sellers + private label focus)
- Private Label Opportunity: Replace 6 low-velocity manufacturer SKUs with 2 private label variants to improve margin by 8%
What's Included
- assortment-optimization-analyzer.md: Structured prompts and analytical framework for SKU evaluation
- SKU Performance Template: Data collection sheet (SKU name, sales, margin %, turn rate, shelf space, velocity tier)
- Assortment Audit Checklist: Step-by-step guide to gather and organize portfolio data
- Competitive Benchmarking Framework: Competitor assortment mapping template
- Implementation Roadmap Template: Phased SKU change prioritization and timeline
Who It's For
- Category Managers — Build data-backed assortment strategies aligned with margin and velocity targets
- Merchandisers — Optimize SKU mix and shelf allocation across store formats
- Buying Teams — Justify SKU additions/deletions with performance and gap analysis
- Retail Operations Leaders — Reduce inventory carrying costs while maintaining customer choice
- Private Label Planners — Identify opportunities to expand own-brand within categories
Best For
- Seasonal and annual assortment reviews and resets
- Identifying and closing competitive assortment gaps
- SKU rationalization and low-performer discontinuation
- Store-format-specific assortment customization (flagship vs. compact)
- Private label expansion planning and manufacturer SKU replacement
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