What category management step involves analyzing competitors and market trends?

The correct answer is the step that focuses on understanding the competitive landscape and the broader market dynamics. Analyzing the market involves gathering and interpreting data about various aspects, such as competitor actions, consumer preferences, and emerging trends. This analysis is crucial as it provides insights into how a category is performing relative to competitors and helps identify opportunities for differentiation and growth.

By engaging in market analysis, category managers can better understand customer needs, anticipate shifts in buying behavior, and recognize potential threats from competing products or brands. This information is essential for making informed decisions about product placement, pricing strategies, promotional activities, and overall category strategies. Effective market analysis ensures that the category manager can position their offerings in a way that aligns with market demands and outpaces the competition.