Task for the category manager

Task for the category manager

Category: "Kitchen Goods"

Goal

To develop and propose a roadmap for the "Kitchen Goods" category, resulting in a clear assortment matrix consisting of:

1. Well-known magnet brands - generate traffic and trust.
   
   
2. Quality Chinese brands with low competition - the main source of profit.
   
   
3. Accessories for upselling - high-margin products to increase the average check.
   
   

Expected Result

Category roadmap, which includes:

• list of categories and SKUs;
  
  
• priorities and sequence of launches;
  
  
• operating model for each product (drop / Ukraine / China);
  
  
• suppliers;
  
  
• target margin and price corridor.
  
  

1. Analysis of the current assortment (starting point)

Task:

To understand the current state of the category and identify gaps in the assortment matrix.

What needs to be done:

• analyze existing products on the website;
  
  
• identify:
  
  
  • key categories that are not covered or partially covered;
    
    
  • missing must-have items;
    
    
  • imbalances (surplus / shortage);
    
    
• document which gaps hinder sales and why.
  
  

Result:

List of gaps in the matrix with a brief description of the problem.

2. Closing gaps: how and with what

For each identified gap, the manager must propose a solution based on the logic below.

2.1. Closing through Drop (base + magnet brands)

When to use:

• basic and expected products for customers;
  
  
• well-known brands that build trust;
  
  
• positions where the breadth of choice is important.
  
  

What to do:

• form a basic and extended matrix for drop;
  
  
• involve well-known brands;
  
  
• allow small wholesale in Ukraine if conditions are better.
  
  

Financial framework:

• target margin: 25–35%.
  
  

2.2. Closing through China (core-profit products)

When to use:

• products with potential for core earnings;
  
  
• low or medium competition;
  
  
• brands with existing demand.
  
  

Criteria:

• well-known Chinese brands (not no-name);
  
  
• 500–2000 queries in Google;
  
  
• product weight up to 2 kg.
  
  

Financial framework:

• target margin: 45%+ (purchase + logistics).
  
  

Mandatory:

• search for suppliers in China;
  
  
• calculate logistics;
  
  
• assess risks;
  
  
• check the possibility of testing through suppliers in Ukraine.
  
  

2.3. Accessories and upselling

When to use:

• complementary products to main items;
  
  
• impulse purchases;
  
  
• positions to increase the average check.
  
  

Focus:

• high margin;
  
  
• ease of logistics;
  
  
• possibility of cross-selling.
  
  

Final format of the Roadmap

A single document/table where for each category and SKU it is indicated:

• identified gap;
  
  
• how it is closed (drop / China / accessories);
  
  
• brand;
  
  
• supplier;
  
  
• margin;
  
  
• price corridor;
  
  
• launch priority