Category Planning and Management

Finding ways to improve the bottom line

We believe category management is both an art and a science. Done well, it can drive significant improvements to the retailer's bottom line by increasing sales, margin and working capital. Our approaches are based on developing sustainable solutions that fit each client's needs. We do not believe in a generic approach for planning and executing category strategies; rather, we select from a library of PwC Canada’s Retail Consulting Services-created approaches to customize a process that works best for each retailer.

Whether you need to rationalize assortments to create a compelling customer value proposition or build cluster-based offerings that cater to localized customers, we can help you dramatically improve your category management processes and increase margins and sales. We help retailers in the scientific improvement of space, inventory and assortments by leveraging proprietary frameworks and implementing proprietary and "off-the-shelf" technology solutions. We have helped numerous retailers to create value in this area.

We have developed proprietary approaches including templates, toolsets, strategy frameworks and coaching/training materials.

Initial and Promotional Price Improvement

From helping retailers set their everyday and promotional pricing strategies to implementing price improvement solutions (technology and process changes), our focus is on improving sales and margin. We believe that retail pricing is dynamic and scientific and may change several times during the lifecycle of an item without sacrificing margin. Rapid returns can be earned through effective and knowledgeable people who understand the various levers of parameter setting, effective coaching and sustainable solutions.

Contact us to find out how we can help your business.