Specialsortiment

Specialsortiment, also referred to as Sondersortiment, denotes a portion of a retailer’s assortment that lies outside the core range and is offered for a limited time or in restricted quantities. It is used to complement the regular assortment, enabling retailers to respond to trends, test new products, attract new customers, and add variety to the shopping experience. Specialsortiment can be found across sectors such as groceries, fashion, electronics, and home goods, and may be distributed through stores and online channels.

Typical characteristics include temporary availability, selective sourcing, and varied display. Types of items within a specialsortiment include seasonal goods, exclusive or co-branded products, regional specialties, limited editions, test products, and promotional bundles. These items are often chosen to create novelty, differentiate the retailer, and stimulate demand without permanently altering the core assortment.

Management of a specialsortiment involves cross-functional planning across merchandising, procurement, and marketing. Key decision criteria include expected margin and turnover, strategic fit with brand positioning, supplier reliability, and the ability to forecast demand for short windows. Inventory planning emphasizes limited exposure, fast replenishment or rapid end-of-life decisions, and clear delineation from the core range.

Benefits and risks accompany the approach. Benefits include increased traffic, higher average basket size, and the ability to test concepts with minimal long-term commitment. Risks involve cannibalization of core products, misalignment with brand, space constraints, and forecasting errors. Successful implementation relies on clear labeling, consistent branding, timely promotions, and post-curchase evaluation to inform future selections.