Rising import, transport and warehousing costs are prompting US retailers to cut product assortments to lower costs and simplify supply chains, accelerating a trend that followed earlier SKU expansion to meet consumer demand. Over the past 18 months new tariffs, surging fuel costs and demand uncertainty have intensified margin pressure. A recent UK professional-services survey of US companies found roughly one-quarter plan to reduce the range of products sold in the next six months. Helen of Tro

Rising import, transport and warehousing costs are prompting US retailers to cut product assortments to lower costs and simplify supply chains, accelerating a trend that followed earlier SKU expansion to meet consumer demand. Over the past 18 months new tariffs, surging fuel costs and demand uncertainty have intensified margin pressure. A recent UK professional-services survey of US companies found roughly one-quarter plan to reduce the range of products sold in the next six months. Helen of Troy told shareholders it has implemented measures including assortment rationalization. Under Armour has cut more than 25% of its SKUs over the past two years and reallocated resources toward best sellers.