Category Management

Category Management2026-04-13T16:01:25+01:00

Category Management has been a cornerstone of ECR Community since the launch of the 8 Step Approach to Category Management in 1996.

Today, it continues to evolve as companies harness data and insights, adopt new technologies and integrate with shopper marketing, retail media and advertising campaigns. With the rapid growth of online retailing, new techniques and processes are emerging to address the digital shopper journey.

Our work is guided by global experts such as Dr. Brian Harris, who coined the term "Category Management" in 1996 and many senior practitioners & experts. We releasee the influential ECR Category Management Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow (2020) which along with the ECR Consumer & Shopper Journey Framework and our latest insights are available in the Resources section.

ECR CatMan Network

In 2022, ECR Community established the ECR Category Management Network (ECRCatManNetwork) a global community of retailers, suppliers, experts and service providers.

The network provides a forum to:

  • Develop and share category management knowledge & experience
  • Track the latest industry hot topics, trends & technologies
  • Facilitate collaboration across retailers, suppliers and solution providers
  • Showcase case studies, host debates and deliver expert insights

The Network is supported by a global Expert Group, composed of senior leaders from retail, manufacturing, research and technology. Its subgroups focus on key Hot Topics for category managers across the world today:

  • Tools & Technologies
  • Insights & Research
  • Category Management 8 Step Process
  • The Category Management Department
  • The Role of AI in Category Management
  • Retail Media

#CatManNetwork Webinars 2025

#CatManNetwork Webinars 2024

#CatManNetwork Webinars 2023