Assortment Composition Research Articles

An approach to brand planning under high competitor set variation

We present a novel approach to enable parsimonious local brand planning in situations where a brand’s competitive set varies substantially across points of sale. We conceptualize the entire assortment of products from all the rivals at a point of sale as a unique, holistic unit of competition that vies with the focal brand for a share of the local market. We then apply a mixture-type model to consumer transactions data to explicate clusters of assortments within which a brand has similar levels of sensitivity to assortment composition and local marketing mix activities. Our results reveal substantial variation in these assortment clusters across brands within a product category. Additionally, we find large variation in the sensitivity of a brand’s share to local marketing instruments, and asymmetry in the effectiveness of these instruments in offensive versus defensive modes. We use these findings to provide guidance for parsimonious local marketing planning in situations where competitive assortments vary across points of sale.

When time drives search effort: the effect of assortment variety on visual attention to SKU pricing

PurposeUnderstanding the effect of assortment composition on attentional levels is an essential topic for academic researchers and practitioners. This work has important implications when analyzing the influence of shopping frame time and search effort on the relationship between the reaction to assortment composition and visual attention to stock-keeping units (SKUs) pricing.Design/methodology/approachTwo experimental studies through gauze behavior analysis technology (using eye-tracking equipment) analyze the variable's large assortment, visual attention to SKU pricing, search effort and shopping frame time.FindingsThe results suggest that, although it increases the search effort, a large assortment decreases the visual attention to SKU pricing. Further, our results indicate a moderating effect associated with mitigating the negative effect by medium-low levels of search effort and a moderating impact of time in this relation.Practical implicationsMarketing professionals can carefully optimize the in-store experience by managing the assortment and variety and by influencing consumers' visual attention to SKU pricing along the journey as part of the experience. Assortment and SKU pricing strategies need to be aligned with consumer journey design.Originality/valueOur findings contribute to assortment theory and management by detailing the relationship between consumers' reactions to assortment perception and visual attention to SKU pricing in time flow. We reinforce the importance of considering assortment strategies from the consumer perspective and giving reliable information about in-store behavior.

Exploring the communication strategies in baby food supply: Differences between online and retail sales of baby milk

ABSTRACT The aim of this paper is to evaluate the variety and depth of the infant formula of milk products (IMP) assortment within the category of baby food comparing two different distribution channels. The marketing mix variables and communication strategies of 3066 references of IMP portfolio were collected directly in-store of large retail chain in the North-West of Italy and on the websites of the major baby food producers. Differences in the assortment composition were determined by considering two product lines, powdered and reconstituted milk (liquid), as well as considering milk categories according to their specialties, origin, packaging, and claims communicated on the product packaging. The results show heterogeneity in the assortment composition of IMP between the two considered channels, which differ in terms of product types and prices. The online channel focuses mainly on satisfying specific consumer needs through the offer of high value-added products. The IMP’ assortment planning is oriented to the exaltation of product nutritional value and safety, to the detriment of quality certifications and product’s origin communication. This research provides concrete tools to managers to improve the IMP planning and communication strategies for a successful sales policy.

ANALYSIS OF THE PHARMACEUTICAL MARKET OF ANTISPASMODIC DRUGS OF DOMESTIC PRODUCTION

Assortment composition of the medicines with antispasmodic action in the Republic of Uzbekistan was analyzed on the basis of the corresponding numbers 24, 25 and 26 of the State Register of Medicines and Medical Products for 2020, 2021, 2022. KEYWORDS: simetikon, drotaverine hydrochloride, antispasmodic, combined drug, market analysis.

Analysis of the tendencies and dynamics of electronic receipt prescribing for antibiotics and their electronic dispensing in Ukraine and Lviv region

Uncontrolled use of antibiotics (antibacterial, antimicrobial agents) leads to the growth of antibiotic resistance, which has become a global health problem. E-prescribing should increase the population's access to medical and pharmaceutical care.
 The purpose of the study: to establish the general trends of electronic prescribing of antibacterial drugs in Ukraine since its introduction in August 2022 and the impact of receipt e-prescribing on the controllability of antibiotic use, as well as to analyze the dynamics of the number of prescribed and dispensed electronic prescriptions for antibacterial drugs.
 We used the following research methods: informative, comparative and retrospective analysis of the dynamics of e-prescriptions for antibiotics. For this purpose, we used the e-data dashboards of the National Health Service of Ukraine (NHSU) and the data of the ENT KP «Pharmacy No.1» in Lviv for the period 08. 2022–05. 2023.
 In general, Lviv region is consistently in the top three, five or ten regions according to certain indicators. It was established that Lviv region is on the third place in Ukraine in terms of the number of issued e-prescriptions for antibiotics, on the first place in terms of the number of dispensed specified prescriptions, but in terms of the ratio of the number of issued e-prescriptions to those issued, Lviv region is in tenth place. The e-data of the National Health Service of Ukraine shows the nomenclature and number of electronic prescriptions of antibacterial drugs, the number of e-prescriptions that have been released, which are registered in the e-healthcare system. However, during the period of martial law, data on antibacterial drugs dispensed according to paper prescriptions or information certificates, equivalent to them, are not recorded. Thus, the e-data reflect the actual consumption of only those antibiotics that are recorded through the redemption of e-prescriptions, i.e. cover only one prescription segment.
 It is shown that although e-prescribing increases the control over the prescription of antibiotics, however, in force majeure circumstances of wartime, e-dispensing does not reflect the real picture of antibiotic consumption in general, but only one segment that is recorded in the e-system of health care. However, it is impractical to introduce an exclusively electronic prescription for antibiotics under martial law, as this carries the risk of limiting access to medical care. The use of the e-system allows to establish control over the quantitative indicators and assortment composition of antibiotics prescribed by doctors, which is definitely a necessary stage for improving the rational use of antibacterial drugs and combating antibiotic resistance.

Differences in retailer interfaces in assortment planning and communication strategies for homogenized baby food products

<abstract> <p>This research analyzed the assortment size and depth, marketing characteristics, price policies and communication strategies in large-retail chains and online distributions for homogenized baby food. Comparisons of the assortment composition were made considering defined product categories based on the composition formula, specialty product, claims, product origin and packaging material. Prices differences were also assessed comparing the different retailer formats (supermarket, hypermarket, convenience store and discount). The main findings highlighted significant differences in the assortment planning decisions. In particular, direct sales seem to be more oriented towards providing a wide range of products together with more information on products healthiness and origin; online sales, on the other hand, focus its assortment planning decision on supplying products with high added value in composition and price: in fact, the extra communication of additional information regarding the product nutritional characteristics and certifications, as well as expert advice, characterized the majority of the explored websites. About the promotion, in the physical stores, more convenience packs have been used, while more discounts were applied directly to the online sale price. This research provides concrete tools to marketing managers to improve the planning and communication strategies of infant formula of homogenized products for a differentiated and successful sales policy. At the same time, producers can make a more informed and dynamic choice on the distribution chain that can best match the company's offer.</p> </abstract>

Differences between Italian specialty milk in large-scale retailing distribution

The specialty milk market in Italy has shown positive trends in recent years. Companies, from small producers to market leaders, continue to invest in differentiating their product lines, increasingly orienting their production choices towards specialties linked to sustainability and health benefits. This trend not only meets the needs of consumers, who are increasingly attentive to sustainable and healthy foods, but it also has a significant impact on the production and profitability of milk companies. Thus, this research aims to analyse the composition of specialty cow milk assortments in different large-scale retail (LSR) stores in North-West Italy. The objectives were to define the assortment depth of sustainable and health-focused milk categories, as well as the marketing policies currently applied in the LSR market for such products. Differences in the assortment of seven specialty product categories were evaluated with regard to brands, milk origin and packaging material, using the Correspondence Analysis. Price differences between product categories were analysed using ANOVA and comparing the product brands and the different formats of large-scale retailers. The main results highlight the key characteristics and differences of the specialty milk supply, taking into consideration the main sales channel of this type of product.

Пигментация листовых пластин представителей рода береза (Betula L.)

A comparative assessment of various species included in the taxonomic system of the genus birch (Betula L.) by the content of pigments in the leaf apparatus was carried out. The content of pigments involved in photosynthesis was determined by spectrophotometric analysis. The concentration of pigments was estimated by the optical density of the extract from the crushed sheet plate in 96 % ethanol. It is established that the pigment composition of the leaf apparatus of various types and forms of birch is determined by genotypic and phenotypic features. The studied samples within the species showed a more restrained character in terms of the difference in pigment composition in relation to the interspecific ratio in June. However, when taking into account the same studied signs in July and August, their restraint was also observed between species and forms. The hereditary and adaptive nature of the content of photosynthetic pigments of the leaf apparatus allows us to consider this indicator as one of the identification features during the selection inventory and revision of the assortment composition of breeding and seed-growing objects. Taking into account the success of the growth of European birch on the territory of the Nizhny Novgorod region, it follows that Karelian birch is suitable for introduction into the newly created plantings, as experiments emphasize its pronounced similarity with the native species.

ПРИМЕНЕНИЕ ТАХОГЕНЕРАТОРА И РЕГУЛИРУЕМОГО ЭЛЕКТРОПРИВОДА ДЛЯ ЗАМЕНЫ МЕХАНИЧЕСКОГО УПРАВЛЯЮЩЕГО КАНАЛА ДЛЯ СИНХРОННО-СЛЕДЯЩИХ СОРТИРОВОЧНЫХ УСТРОЙСТВ КРУГЛОГО ЛЕСА

Relevance Automated sorting of timber is one of the main types of work in modern timber warehouses, timber processing and woodworking enterprises. The choice of a sorting device is determined by the cargo turnover of the warehouse, the assortment composition, the sorting fraction and the conditions for the shipment of timber to consumers, as a rule, when sorting round timber, chain timber transporters (log haulers) are mainly used. The main elements of longitudinal sorting timber transporters are: drive, traction and tension devices, overpass with timber storage. With automated sorting, longitudinal conveyors are equipped with log ejectors and command devices (sorting devices) that provide automatic control of their work. Command devices are divided into two groups: local and synchronous-tracking sorting devices. The group of synchronously-tracking sorting devices contains an analog or discrete carrier, the information on which must move synchronously with the movement of the chain conveyor of the log haul. However, to fix the movement of the conveyor, one element of the kinematic scheme of the conveyor is available – this is the shaft of the driven or driving hexagonal wheel of the chain conveyor. For a group of synchronously tracking sorting devices, the synchronization of the sorting device with the movement of logs to storage bins and dumpers is of great importance. The average rotational speed of the driving and driven wheels of the chain conveyor and, consequently, the linear speed of movement of round wood on the chain conveyor is constant. Thus, the following positions can be attributed to the positive properties of synchronous- tracking sorting devices: automatic maintenance of all forest storages by one sorting device without additional elements that correct the process of turning on log throwers. The negative points include a significant inaccuracy in the control of log throwers, which predetermined the small introduction of a mechanical ball drum of orders. Therefore, further research into the technology of transporting logs on timber conveyors, taking into account the synchronization of the operation of the log sorting device, is an urgent scientific and technical task. Aim of research To identify new solutions and trends in their development in the field of development and research of ways to control the sorting device on sorting timber conveyors. Research methods Bibliographic analysis, statistical processing methods, simulation modeling. Results To control discrete and continuous synchronously-tracking sorting devices, a method for implementing a control channel based on a tachogenerator and an adjustable electric drive is proposed, the possibility of controlling the speed of the control channel and controlling continuous sorting devices without the use of additional means is considered and proved. In the study, a simulation method was used in MatLab 2021a, which makes it possible to verify the operability of the developed implementation of the control channel, and to evaluate the errors in the performance of the control channel. The simulation results confirmed the possibility of practical application of the proposed method for implementing the control channel. Based on the results obtained, it can be concluded that this method of implementing the control channel can be used to control discrete sorting devices. The study used the simulation method in MatLab 2021a, which allows you to verify the operability of the developed implementation of the control channel, and evaluate the errors in the performance of the control channel.

The effect of mergers on variety in grocery retailing

We study a merger between two Dutch supermarket chains to assess its effect on the depth as well as composition of assortment. We adopt a difference-in-differences strategy that exploits local variation in pre-merger competitive conditions and thus in the merger outcomes. To define our control group, we account for selection on observables through a matching procedure. We observe that, after the merger, the assortment of the merging parties converges in markets where they are not directly competing one with the other. Instead, the merging parties reposition their assortment to avoid cannibalization in the areas where they directly competed before the merger. While the target’s stores reduce the depth of their assortment when in direct competition with the acquirer’s, the latter increase their assortment. This suggests that variety is a strategic variable in retail chains’ response to changes in local competition.

Distribution and natural regeneration of Tilia cordata Mill. in Ukrainian plain forests in a changing climate

Abstract The aim of this study was to assess the current state of small-leaved lime stands under climate change, as well as to identify optimal conditions for the occurrence and further growth of natural lime regeneration under the stand canopy to grow productive and sustainable mixed stands. The areas of small-leaved lime (Tilia cordata Mill.) stands in plain Ukrainian forests and mixed stands with English oak (Quercus robur L.) were defined according to reference materials (as of 2016). Growth and liveability peculiarities of natural regeneration of lime under the canopy of oak-lime stands in climate change were identified. The main stand characteristics contributing to maximal appearance and further development of advance growth of lime, such as composition, age and relative density of stocking, were determined. It was found that the lime stands of vegetative origin occupy the largest part of the lime forests’ area, being less resilient and productive than those originated from seeds. Small-leaved lime is the best associated species in mixed oak stands. The presence of lime improves health, assortment composition, and productivity of oak stands and increases their resistance against pests and diseases. In the future, lime can play an important role in the adaptation of forests to climate change due to its biological and forest properties and adaptability to a sustainable existence in a relatively wide range of environmental conditions. A summary of the studies complements a system of knowledge about the current state of lime stands as well as peculiarities of their regeneration and growth. The data obtained can be used as a theoretical base for forest management to promote natural regeneration and maintain the sustainability of these forests.

The state of vegetation in the landscaping system of Ulan-Ude

This paper presents the results of the study of squares vegetation ecological state in Ulan-Ude based on the results of green spaces inventory (20162018). The data were obtained on the species diversity and structure of urban green spaces. The families of Rosaceae (12) and Pinaceae (5) are represented to the greatest extent in the studied squares. In quantitative terms plantations of squat elm (Ulmus pumila L.), balsam poplar (Populus balsamifera L.), ash maple (Acer negundo L.) and berry apple (Malus baccata (L.) Borkh.) predominated in the squares of Ulan-Ude. The analysis of the assortment composition of Ulan-Ude squares showed that it was quite poor. The age structure of existing plantations on the territory of the studied squares varies widely; a significant part of the plantations is approaching the age of its physiological old age. During the research period the quality of flower beds and lawns was assessed at landscaping facilities. At the present moment their condition is improving due to the improvement in the quality of nursing work. An indicator of the total projective cover was determined at the grassy layer. The obtained data on the vegetation state indicate that the state of plantings is weakening in most of the studied squares. The study results can serve as the basis for further monitoring of Ulan-Ude green areas.

ADVANTAGES OF RETAIL STRATEGIES FOR ASSORTMENT LINE DIFFERENTIATION

Modern retailers differentiate the offered assortment composition horizontally or vertically in order to meet the different, specific and heterogeneous customer requirements. The main purpose of this paper is to interpret basic theoretical and methodological assumptions regarding the nature of strategies for assortment line differentiation and, on this basis, to provide successful retail practice examples taking into account the preferences of the target customer segments. The research issues thus outlined require that a study into the specialized literature be carried out. Conceptual ideas and opinions on the process of assortment line differentiation are presented. The scientific methods of theoretical and empirical research that are used are: factor analysis and synthesis, comparison, generalization, induction and deduction, figures and tables for data visualization. The outcomes of the study are synthesized in the conclusions formulated and are linked to outlining the benefits of an appropriately chosen strategy for assortment line differentiation for retailers.

Research in the mechanization of black locust renewal and planting

Nowadays, the black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) is the most current and the most widely used tree species in Hungary. Due to its penetration and the wide variety of application it’s worth to examine the different mechanization options of the reforestation technologies and their costs.
 We provided our research in the area of Nyírerdő Nyírségi Erdészeti Zrt.
 According to the tests it can be said, that the cost of the reforestations with root ripping is the most favourable and the reforestation or regeneration with planting costs the most. The disadvantage of the regeneration with root ripping is, that after its multiple application it can be observed the significantly degradation of the assortment composition and of the tree utilization income.

Sustainable forest management is one of Russia’s economic problems

The world community is increasingly expressing its concern about the rational and cost-effective use of available natural resources. There is a threat of degradation of a large area of the world’s forests, the loss of unique biological systems and biological diversity, and environmental degradation. This is mainly due to insufficient funding. Therefore, new approaches to financing of reforestation are required. This, in turn, requires a different approach to determining the cost of standing timber. When determining the cost of standing timber, one should take into account not only the species composition, but also the quality of tree stands (i.e. assortment composition), road infrastructure (remoteness from public roads and the availability of forest roads for hauling timber and by-products), soils and other factors affecting the cost of transport of forest products. Funds received from the sale of wood resources should be directed to reforestation, the creation of forest infrastructure and the solution of other social and environmental problems.

The examination of coppice black locust assortment composition

Nowadays, the black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) is the most current and the most widely used tree species in Hungary. Due to its penetration and the wide variety of application it’s worth to examine, what kind of assortment their with different origins, and in different environmental conditions growing stands offer. In our current article we compare the coppice black locust stands’ assortment composition in different production areas (on humus sand and “kovárvány” brown forest soil). In addition, we present the assortment composition of the curiosity, the also coppice „szacsvay” black locust stand, which we compare to the everyday-produced seedling black locust and the coppice black locust. We provided our research in the area of Nyírerdő Forestry Co. Ltd. During the research we used the final harvest data for the 2010-2016 period. According to the tests it can be said, that the coppice black locust stands, that can be found on the humic sand and on the “kovárvány” brown forest soil, show a significant difference in the choice of distribution.

ТЕХНОЛОГИЧЕСКАЯ ОЦЕНКА СОВРЕМЕННЫХ СОРТОВ ТЫКВЫ КАК СЫРЬЯ ДЛЯ ПРОИЗВОДСТВА ВАРЕНЬЯ

For the products, that are canned sugar, and, in particular, jam with improved taste, pumpkin fruits are of great interest. Despite the proven value of pumpkin as a raw material for food production, there is not enough information on the influence of species characteristics of varieties on the quality of finished products. The studies included an assessment of the new varieties of nutmeg pumpkin in comparison with the varieties of a hard-bodied and large pumpkin as a raw material for the production of jam in terms of expanding the assortment composition of this type of product. Two synthetic cultivars of the nutmeg pumpkin (Candied pumpkin and Moscow aromatic), a synthetic variety of hard-bodied pumpkin (Prostastop) and a large-fruited squash variety (Kustovaya orange), differing in a number of technological parameters, including the density and thickness of the bark, texture, color, aroma and mass fraction of fruit pulp. It is established that the species differences of culture influence the choice of manufacturing technology and indicators of the quality of the finished product. Products of consistently high quality from hard-bodied pumpkin ( C. pepo ) can be obtained using standard technology, from pumpkin with large fruit ( C. maxima ) - by replacing 25 % of the water in sugar syrup with apple juice, from pumpkin-nut fruits ( C. moschata ) - by replacing 25 % (preferably) or 50 % of water in sugar syrup on apple juice. When pumpkin is grown, the weather conditions of the growing season have a great influence on the technological characteristics of fruits as a raw material for the production of jam and, accordingly, on the quality of the finished product. Weather conditions characterized by higher air temperature, especially during the formation and ripening of fruits, and sufficient amount of precipitation contribute to obtaining raw materials suitable for the manufacture of higher quality jam.

Price or Variety? An Evaluation of Mergers Effects in Grocery Retailing

Assortment decisions are key strategic instruments for firms responding to local market conditions. We assess this claim by studying the effect of a national merger between two large Dutch supermarket chains on prices and on the depth as well as composition of assortment. We adopt a difference-in-differences strategy that exploits local variation in the merger’s effects, controlling for selection on observables when defining our control group through a matching procedure. We show that the local change in competitive conditions due to the merger did not affect individual products’ prices but it led the merging parties to reposition their assortment and increase average category prices. While the low-variety and low-price target’s stores reduced the depth of their assortment when in direct competition with the acquirer’s stores, the latter increased their product variety. By analyzing the effect of the merger on category prices, we find that the target most likely dropped high priced products, while the acquirer added more of them. Thus, the merging firms reposition their product offerings in order to avoid cannibalization and lessen local competition. Further, we show that other dimensions of heterogeneity, such as market concentration, whether a divestiture was imposed by the Dutch competition authority, and the re-branding strategy of the target stores, are important for explaining the post-merger dynamics. A simple theoretical model of local-market variety competition explains most of our findings.

Price or Variety? An Evaluation of Mergers Effects in Grocery Retailing

Assortment decisions are key strategic instruments for firms responding to local market conditions. We assess this claim by studying the effect of a national merger between two large Dutch supermarket chains on prices and on the depth as well as composition of assortment. We adopt a difference-in-differences strategy that exploits local variation in the merger’s effects, controlling for selection on observables when defining our control group through a matching procedure. We show that the local change in competitive conditions due to the merger did not affect individual products’ prices but it led the merging parties to reposition their assortment and increase average category prices. While the low-variety and low-price target’s stores reduced the depth of their assortment when in direct competition with the acquirer’s stores, the latter increased their product variety. By analyzing the effect of the merger on category prices, we find that the target most likely dropped high priced products, while the acquirer added more of them. Thus, the merging firms reposition their product offerings in order to avoid cannibalization and lessen local competition. Further, we show that other dimensions of heterogeneity, such as market concentration, whether a divestiture was imposed by the Dutch competition authority, and the re-branding strategy of the target stores, are important for explaining the post-merger dynamics. A simple theoretical model of local-market variety competition explains most of our findings.

The role of consumers’ attitudes in estimating consumer response to assortment composition

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyze consumers’ reaction to assortment composition.Design/methodology/approachThis study examines several scenarios: private label (PL)-only assortments; mixed assortments (PL and national brands (NBs)), and in the latter case both small and large assortments. Consumers’ reaction is measured through three dependent variables: store image, PL purchase intention and store-switching intentions. The authors ran a structural equation model (SEM) to analyze the influence of different explanatory aspects (product category involvement, attitude toward PL, value consciousness and assortment variety perception) on consumers’ reactions for each scenario. For this research, the authors carried out an online experiment with a sample of 1,400 individuals from a large panel of consumers.FindingsConsumers react differently to different assortment compositions, giving importance to the differences between the three assortment models analyzed. The results show that the composition of the assortment, either according to its size or its structure, influences consumers’ response in a significant way. The results demonstrate that store image exclusively affects PL purchase intention in PL-only assortments. Only in mixed assortments is there a relationship between the assortment variety perception and store image, product category involvement and PL purchase intention, and both store image and value consciousness are related to store-switching intentions. Store-switching intentions decrease when consumers intend to purchase PL, but strictly in PL-only and large mixed assortments. Finally, value consciousness and variety perception are positively related to PL purchase intentions only in large mixed assortments.Research limitations/implicationsOne limitation of this research is that it is restricted to the Spanish context. Second, the methodology is based on an online experiment, with the advantages and disadvantages that this entails. Third, the authors did not differentiate between high- and low-value PL which, if undertaken, could be of interest for observing how brand value affects the management of retail assortments. Finally, the authors did not differentiate regular buyers at these retail chains from those who are not.Practical implicationsThe comparison between different assortment compositions helps the authors to draw some very interesting conclusions. The estimation of different consumers’ responses is ideal for providing retailers with recommendations on how to frame their assortment strategies. Thus, the main recommendation of this study for retailers is to look for a “balance” between PL and NBs, i.e., to offer mixed assortments.Originality/valueAside from mixed assortments, this study estimates the consequences of assortments that are exclusively PL. The authors proposed and deployed a SEM, so this paper contributes to the retailing field by including multiple dependent variables – store image, PL purchase intention and store-switching intentions. The authors conducted an online experiment containing “real” brands, which is another contribution as it enables consumers’ response to be estimated in a “real” environment.