Assortment Optimization Analyzer
Transform SKU data into evidence-based assortment strategies that maximize velocity and margins
What You Can Do
You can turn raw transaction data, inventory snapshots, and customer behavior signals into structured assortment strategies that account for sales velocity, margin contribution, shelf space efficiency, category gaps, and seasonal patterns. This skill helps you rationalize SKUs, identify underperformers, uncover white space opportunities, and build defensible recommendations backed by performance metrics rather than intuition.
Features
Identify fast-moving SKUs by units/week and sales-per-linear-foot metrics to optimize shelf productivity
Move beyond margin percentage to analyze gross profit dollars and true margin contribution per SKU
Surface underperforming products with clear performance thresholds to guide add/delete decisions
Uncover unmet customer needs and white space opportunities to drive traffic and compete effectively
Calculate sales-per-square-foot to optimize allocation and justify space rebalancing
Identify cyclical demand trends to inform stocking decisions and seasonal transitions
Compare your assortment productivity against peer categories or competitor sets
Generate data-backed narratives for merchandising meetings and stakeholder alignment
Example Output
Input: Transaction data (50 SKUs, Q3 sales), inventory levels, margin rates, shelf space allocation
Output example 1 — SKU Performance Matrix:
- High velocity/high margin: Keep and expand (e.g., Brand A 32oz at 4.2 units/week, 38% margin)
- High velocity/low margin: Review pricing or supplier terms (e.g., Private label competitor at 6.1 units/week, 18% margin)
- Low velocity/high margin: Evaluate customer need vs. space cost (e.g., Premium variant at 0.3 units/week, 52% margin)
Output example 2 — Category Gap Analysis:
- Competitor carries 8 SKUs in sub-$5 segment; you have 2 → white space opportunity
- Seasonal demand spike (June–August) in organic subset; current assortment peaks in March
Output example 3 — Rationalization Recommendation:
- Delete 4 SKUs (combined 0.2 units/week, 2% category sales, recovers 8 linear feet)
- Add 2 SKUs in identified gaps (projected 0.8 units/week, 3.2% incremental sales)
What's Included
- SKILL.md instruction file with prompting framework and analysis methodology:
- SKU Performance Analysis Template: structured spreadsheet layout for velocity, margin, and space metrics
- Category Gap Identification Checklist: guided questions to uncover white space and customer needs
- Assortment Recommendation Framework: keep/delete/add decision matrix with scoring criteria
- Seasonal Pattern Worksheet: tracking template for cyclical demand and transition planning
Who It's For
- Category Managers — Build defensible assortment plans backed by performance data
- Merchandisers — Optimize shelf allocation and SKU mix to maximize sales-per-foot
- Retail Analysts — Surface trends in customer demand and competitive gaps
- Product Managers — Identify white space opportunities and guide line extension decisions
- Buying Teams — Evaluate supplier rationalization and volume consolidation opportunities
Best For
- Annual assortment plan reviews and quarterly rebalancing cycles
- SKU rationalization projects to cut underperformers and improve productivity
- Building business cases for product adds or deletions with data-backed narratives
- Competitive benchmarking to assess your assortment mix against market
- Seasonal transition planning and demand-pattern analysis
- White space and category gap analysis to drive incremental sales
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