Convenience stores are turning to artificial-intelligence-powered tools to optimize their product assortments and make SKU decisions more data-driven and ongoing rather than periodic and backward-looking (Supply Chain Dive - Technology). The technology can sort through sales patterns, identify underperformers, and flag gaps in assortment, particularly important for retailers operating on razor-thin margins where every inch of shelf space must earn its place (Supply Chain Dive - Technology).
Moving to data-backed assortment planning typically delivers a 2–5% margin improvement, with most gains coming from reducing out-of-stocks, balancing space against product velocity, and cutting waste (Supply Chain Dive - Technology). A focused assortment redesign effort, including new technologies, typically drives a 1–3% sales increase—significant for retailers facing slowing unit growth (Supply Chain Dive - Technology). Costs for electronic shelf labels dropped 67% between 2015 and 2025, narrowing the gap between large and small operators (Supply Chain Dive - Technology).
Experts emphasize that the best retailers will have merchants make final decisions with AI-driven insights and recommendations rather than relying on technology alone (Supply Chain Dive - Technology). Independent operators may see stronger returns from targeted, flexible tools addressing immediate pain points rather than full enterprise suites, and will likely need supplier or franchisor support to make software integration and ongoing support affordable (Supply Chain Dive - Technology).