During season time, retailers rely on 2 solutions to lure shoppers, generate sales and lift their own holiday spirits.
We believe retailers should look at BOTH of the below options and not just 1 of them for maximising their sales.
1. Assortment-planning solutions. By analyzing sales targets, shelf space and allocation rules, the solution enables planners to distribute the right mix (and amount) of products at store level. Retailers in this camp believe that if you can create the right assortment to meet shoppers’ needs, there is no reason for markdowns.
2. Markdown optimization. Here, chains use item-movement data, consumer shopping behavior data and other metrics to analyze and manage prices, promotions and markdowns on merchandise. This is more popular with short life cycle merchandise. If companies stock a seasonal assortment and the weather patterns change, they need price optimization to count for that change.
Some retailers are even upping the ante and using price optimization, hoping to connect with some new shoppers.
We would love to hear your thoughts on which one do you believe is better suited and why?