Category Management & Retail Merchandising

Overview

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Master retail merchandising, category management, and assortment planning to drive sales and profitability. Learn how top retailers optimize product selection, inventory, and store space using data-driven strategies. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of retail merchandising, covering category management, merchandise planning, forecasting, and inventory control. Learners will explore how to structure product categories, define roles, and develop strategies that align with customer needs and business goals. You will gain practical skills in merchandise budgeting, Open-to-Buy (OTB) control, and assortment planning frameworks. The course also dives into advanced concepts like store clustering, space management, and planogram design to optimize retail performance. By the end of this course, learners will be able to apply real-world merchandising techniques, improve product visibility, and make data-driven decisions that enhance customer experience and maximize sales outcomes.

Syllabus

Foundations of Category Management

Learn how to define, evaluate, and manage product categories using structured frameworks, performance metrics, and strategic execution techniques to drive retail success.

Core Merchandising and Financial Planning

Develop expertise in merchandise hierarchy, forecasting, budgeting, and Open-to-Buy control to manage inventory efficiently and align purchasing with sales performance.

Assortment, Space, and Store Optimization

Explore assortment strategy, store clustering, space management, and planogram design to optimize product placement and enhance retail store performance.