A retail assortment scorecard helps buyers compare products on channel fit, not only visual appeal. Each SKU should be evaluated for customer fit, margin, packaging, display, replenishment and product-specific risk before it enters the assortment.
Retail Assortment Scorecard
| Factor | Question |
|---|---|
| Customer / use fit | Does the product match the store, audience and intended use? |
| Price / margin fit | Can the product support the target retail price and margin after packaging/freight assumptions? |
| Shelf / display fit | Does the packed product fit the planned counter, shelf or display format? |
| Packaging readiness | Are barcode/SKU, labels, retail presentation and carton data defined? |
| Assortment role | Is the SKU an anchor, complementary item, impulse product or seasonal item? |
| MOQ / quantity fit | Does the product-specific workable quantity fit the buyer’s assortment depth and reorder plan? |
| Replenishment fit | Can the product and packaging be repeated consistently when demand is proven? |
| Operational risk | Are there electronics, batteries, complex packaging, testing, labeling or receiving requirements? |
How to Use the Scorecard
Score each factor against the buyer’s real channel requirements. A high-appeal product can still be a weak assortment choice if it creates poor margin, excessive freight volume, difficult packaging, inconsistent replenishment or unresolved compliance/receiving risk.
Build the Assortment by Role
- Anchor SKU: the strongest product for the target customer or display.
- Support SKU: complements the anchor without duplicating the same use case.
- Impulse SKU: compact/easy-to-understand item suited to the checkout or add-on role.
- Seasonal/test SKU: limited-duration item used to test a theme or demand signal.
What to Review Before Reordering
- Sell-through by SKU.
- Margin and landed-cost changes.
- Packaging/display performance.
- Barcode/SKU accuracy.
- Returns, defects or customer feedback.
- Current MOQ, timing and replenishment route.
FAQ
Should every product use the same MOQ?
No. Each SKU should use the workable quantity for its exact product, branding, packaging and production route.
How many SKUs belong in a test assortment?
There is no universal number. Use the buyer’s display space, budget, category strategy and operational capacity to keep the set manageable.
What makes a product weak even if it looks attractive?
Poor margin, bulky packaging, weak replenishment, unresolved risk or low channel fit can outweigh visual appeal.