THEORETICAL AND METHODOLOGICAL BASES OF CATEGORY MANAGEMENT IN RETAIL NETWORKS

The article presents a comprehensive study of the theoretical and methodological foundations of category management in the context of its implementation in retail chains. Based on a systematic analysis of scientific sources and practical experience, the essence of category management has been defined, its role in improving the efficiency of retail chains has been investigated, and the specifics of implementation in various retail formats have been analyzed. Special attention is paid to studying the relationship between category management and other business processes of retail enterprises and analyzing modern technological solutions for its implementation. The evolution of the category management concept has been analyzed, and the main stages of its development have been identified, from the initial idea of assortment optimization to a comprehensive management system. The impact of category management implementation on financial and operational performance indicators of retail chains has been studied, including inventory optimization, improving the efficiency of retail space utilization, and enhancing customer service quality. The research examines how the integration of category management with logistics, marketing, and procurement processes creates synergistic effects that significantly improve overall business performance. The study analyzes the adaptation specifics of category management principles to different retail formats, including hypermarkets, supermarkets, and specialized stores, highlighting the unique requirements and implementation challenges for each format. The article explores the increasing role of digital technologies in category management, including the use of artificial intelligence, predictive analytics, and big data for decision-making optimization. The importance of sustainable development principles in modern category management is emphasized, including environmental responsibility and social aspects of retail operations. The research outlines the prospects for category management development in the context of digital transformation of the retail industry and the growing role of omnichannel commerce, addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by changing consumer behavior and technological advancement.