assortimentsplan

An assortimentsplan, often translated as assortment plan, is a strategic document used by retailers to define the range of products that will be offered in a store or across channels. It specifies which categories are included, the breadth of the assortment (the number of categories), and the depth within each category (the variety of SKUs). The plan aligns with the retailer’s brand, store format, customer segments, pricing strategy, and supplier relationships.

The primary purpose of an assortimentsplan is to create a coherent, sustainable product range that meets consumer needs while optimizing sales, margins, and inventory turnover. It guides procurement, merchandising, promotions, and pricing decisions, and it helps ensure consistency across stores or online channels. The plan also clarifies targets for core versus seasonal or peripheral products and defines preferred suppliers, product life cycles, and sustainability considerations.

Typical components include category definitions, target market and price positioning, breadth and depth targets, core and seasonal assortments, supplier and sourcing strategies, lifecycle management, planogram alignment, and a schedule for reviews and updates. The plan often differentiates between different store formats or channels and may include regional adaptations. It also links to performance metrics such as sales per category, gross margin, stock turnover, and rate of obsolete stock.

In practice, the assortimentsplan informs planograms and shelf layouts, promotional calendars, and replenishment processes. It is continually refined using sales data, market trends, and consumer insights to maintain relevance and profitability while reducing out-of-stocks and overstock.