New Member of STI

The newest sponsoring member of the Shopper Technology Institute is Relational Solutions (www.relationalsolutions.com). The Cleveland-based company specializes in implementing Demand Signal Repositories (DSR) for consumer goods companies. Its Enterprise DSR solution, POSmart, integrates data from all retailers, distributors, syndicated and other third party data providers, loyalty data and internal data such as shipments, orders, inventory information, etc.

Next LEAD Marketing Conference

The third annual LEAD Marketing Conference, hosted by the Shopper Technology Institute, is scheduled for Sept. 19-21 at the Crowne Plaza Chicago O'Hare Hotel in Rosemont (Chicago), Ill.

The conference will focus on Loyalty, Engagement, Analytics and Digital applications. More info:www.leadmarketingconference.com 

LinkedIn Discussion Group Debuts

The Shopper Technology Institute has started a LinkedIn group to be a forum for timely and provocative discussion of issues in shopper technology. Members are encouraged to join the conversation by clicking on the logo at the left in this newsletter.   

 Debunking the Five Myths

 Of SKU Optimization

  SKU optimization needs to be an

  ongoing process to get the most

  productivity out of categories. However, 

  there are several misconceptions that keep store shelves choked with a suboptimal product mix, while "power SKUs" sit on the sidelines.

"Understanding the drivers of SKU optimization helps inform better decisions around brand and SKU optimization to make the category as productive as possible," says Paul Thompson, managing director, Henry Rak Consulting Partners (HRCP).

He describes the following five myths that manufacturers and retailers need to debunk while seeking the right balance of stock-keeping units...

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