Mastering Assortment: How Retailers Can Balance Selection, Speed, and Profitability

In today’s hypercompetitive market, successful assortment planning is more than just SKU counts—it’s about leveraging data, speed, and supplier alignment to deliver value across channels. 

This panel discussion brings together leaders from Microsoft, Cognizant, Icertis, Allume Group, and H Squared Research to explore how the smartest retailers are evolving their assortment strategies to meet shifting consumer expectations while protecting margins.

📌 In this discussion, we cover:

• How retailers are using AI and automation to streamline assortment planning across physical and digital channels

• Which data sources and analytics tools are enabling smarter, faster decisions

• The role of supplier collaboration in reducing risk and improving speed-to-shelf

• How to balance SKU rationalization and innovation

• What benchmarks and trends are shaping the future of assortment through 2025

Featuring insights from:

• Hitha Herzog, Top Retail Expert

• Andrea K. Leigh, Top Retail Expert

• Shannon Kirk Nakamoto, Senior Director, Industry Advisory, Icertis

• Kimberly McKinley, Director, Retail Industry Strategist, Microsoft

• Robert Johns, Senior Director, Retail Commercial Leader Americas, Cognizant

Whether you're optimizing existing assortments or preparing for new category expansion, this conversation offers practical advice for staying ahead.