When should retailers consider revising their assortment?

Retailers should consider revising their assortment regularly based on sales performance because this approach allows them to respond dynamically to changing consumer preferences and market conditions. Continuous assessment of sales data helps retailers identify which products are performing well and which are underperforming. This information is crucial for making informed decisions about which products to keep, promote, or discontinue.

By regularly updating their assortment, retailers can optimize their inventory, ensure they are meeting customer demand, and potentially increase profitability. This practice aligns with the principles of category management, which emphasizes using data-driven insights to make informed merchandising decisions.

In contrast, considering assortment only at specific times of the year, such as the end of the year or before holidays, could result in missed opportunities to capitalize on trends or respond to shifts in customer behavior. Additionally, relying solely on changes from product suppliers would limit a retailer's ability to actively manage their assortment based on their own sales performance insights.