Retail Assortment Planning: A Practical Weekly Checklist

Start with the questions customers ask

A useful assortment starts with the questions retailers hear every week. Note the products customers request, the categories they compare, and the items that regularly need replenishment. Keep the list short enough to review during a normal store walk.

Review the shelf in three passes

• Availability: Flag empty spaces and items that may run out before the next delivery.

• Clarity: Make sure labels and category groupings help staff find the right item quickly.

• Balance: Compare proven staples with a limited number of new items worth testing.

Turn observations into a weekly plan

Choose a small set of actions: replenish the strongest sellers, tidy confusing sections, and record one question to investigate next week. A consistent routine makes the next order easier to explain and easier to adjust.

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