Product Description

In some parts of the world, especially in developing markets, category management today remains a stretch goal – a new idea full of untapped potential. In other areas, the original eight-step process that emerged in the late 1980’s forms the foundation of many companies’ approach to category management. In still others, particularly in developed countries like the U.S., the U.K., and others, refinements are being made – most of them designed to place consumer understanding front and center.

New ideas are emerging – from "trip management" to "aisle management" to "customer management." Whether a new descriptor emerges to replace "category management" is yet to be seen. Even if that does happen, what won’t change is the overall objective – to help retailers and their manufacturer partners succeed by offering the right selection of products that are marketed and merchandised based on a complete understanding of the consumers they are committed to serving.

This book, which explores both the state of and the state-of-the-art in category management, is for everyone with a vested interest in category management. It can serve such a broad audience because category management is about bringing a structured process to how executives think and make decisions about their businesses, no matter what information and information technology they have access to.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #220280 in Books
• Published on: 2005-12-07
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 368 pages

Review
"It provides an insight into how they [companies such as Hershey and Hewlett-Packard] have used category management to succeed and how to apply their methods in your own organisation." (Supply Management, April 2006)

From the Inside Flap
In recent years, new technologies, new approaches, and new research have significantly al-tered the category management landscape.

In addition to a comprehensive review of the discipline, Consumer-Centric Category Management offers guidance in the form of real success stories from top brands like General Mills, Chiquita, Hershey, and Hewlett-Packard. You'll learn how they use category management to succeed and how you can apply their success to your own efforts.

Arguing that category managerstoo often neglect the most important part of the equation—the consumer—this indispensable guide helps marketers keep up with the evolution of category management without abandoning the proven basics. Marketers who want to win in today's cutthroat marketplace should start here.

From the Back Cover
New Strategies and Cutting-Edge Practices in Category Management

When category management first appeared, it turned marketing basics into an organized eight-step process that helped retailers and manufacturers sell products more efficiently and effectively. But over the years, many marketers—obsessed with the bottom line—have forgotten that the key to sales success lies in knowing the consumer. This book demonstrates how today's leading category management practitioners put the consumer first. The book also applies powerful new insights to category management basics.

From initial planning to pricing, promotion, and supply chain management, every aspect of category management is covered, including guidance on how to implement category plans effectively and keep them on track. Plus, the classic eight-step process that forms the foundation of successful category management is reviewed in detail, showing marketers the latest methods of implementation for today's consumer marketplace.

Customer Reviews

Excellent Information, obviously biased
This is an excellent book for anyone involved in Category Management, seasoned pros and newbies alike.

It is not surprising to see of the companies and people involved in this book. It's disappointing to get through it and not hear from some of the great companies doing great work today. More people should share what they're doing.

The authors take great care to list the different tools used by each company. Kind in mind who who sponsored the book and realize that their are other tools at work in this industry.

Mark it up and keep it around. It has a great index and will serve as a good reference tool.

You must read it
if you are not a retail guru, but if you're an executive involved with retail, fast moving consumer goods, shopper understanding, category management, trade promotions, and so on, you must read it. It's clear, ordered, easy to read, and best of all is edited by ACNielsen, wich is the global leader in FMCG information.

At the end of your reading you'll understand the importance of shoppers in the FMCG business, wich is the functionallity of decision trees, what's next beyond category management (trip management). Why is so important to understand shopper's behavior to achieve succesful exhibits and boost your sales.

The Practicle Side Of Category Management Plainly Explained.
Some management publications slump into excessive conceptual theories, meaningless acronyms, or pointless detail that serve only to turn off the novice, while failing to add tangible value to those seeking to enhance existing expertise. ACNielson's "Consumer-Centric Category Management" is not one of these publications. The book is well structured, guiding the reader, in plain concise English, through the key A - Z stages, techniques, benefits and risks associated with the category management. Like me, I'm sure you'll find in every chapter practical ideas you'll be keen to try out.