
From Data-Rich to Insight-Smart; Category Partners' Tom Barnes Comments
IDAHO FALLS, ID - In today’s dynamic retail environment, a one-time data deep dive may help prepare for an upcoming line review, but it will not deliver the full picture. Category Partners, a trusted strategic ally in fresh foods, is encouraging companies to move beyond ad-hoc analysis and commit to ongoing insight-driven strategies that drive long-term growth.

“Data is like a compass in the wilderness,” said Tom Barnes, President and CEO of Category Partners, in a recent press release. “It can point you in the right direction, but if you only check it once, you're likely to lose your way. The companies that succeed are the ones who keep checking their position, learning from the terrain, and adjusting as they go.”
Retailers expect more from their supplier partners. The pressure to justify space, optimize pricing, and demonstrate performance year-round means one report is no longer enough. Category Partners works alongside clients to turn data into a regular practice, building habits that lead to better decisions and stronger retail relationships.
Their Promotion Effectiveness Analysis tool, for instance, pinpoints what truly drives sales by continuously evaluating promotional performance. A recent analysis uncovered a single product segment delivering maximum unit lift and ROI at a key retail partner. This critical insight, invisible in a one-time report, became the cornerstone of a successful broader promotional strategy.

Their Price Elasticity modeling adds another layer of strategic clarity. Understanding price sensitivity by category, season, and competitive items, clients can plan how price changes will impact volume and revenue. Whether adjusting pricing during a tight supply window or anticipating a competitor’s move, ongoing data use leads to better outcomes.
For their partners drowning in a sea of disconnected data, they provide a direct path to clarity. Through their proprietary analytics platform, they handle the heavy lifting of ingesting, cleaning, and homogenizing complex information from all data sources. The result is a constant stream of sharp insights and clear visuals, equipping their partners to consistently provide the trusted, unbiased guidance that forges more strategic and successful retail partnerships.

Category Partners combines industry knowledge with a hands-on partnership model. Like an experienced guide in unfamiliar terrain, they help clients navigate challenges, uncover new opportunities, and grow stronger with every step.
Because the best category strategies are not about reaching a destination. They are about building successful, long-lasting programs through category management and ongoing relationships where data guides both supplier and retailer along their journey together. Set up a call with the Category Partners team today to explore how ongoing insights can help your business lead the way. To learn more about Category Partners, visit their website at www.categorypartners.com.