In this Retail Maverick Shorts episode, the focus is on the Space Contribution Index, a critical metric in the field of assortment planning and optimization. The index measures the proportion of linear shelf space a product occupies relative to its sales performance, and achieving the perfect index value for each category at each store is no easy task. However, AI and advanced data analytics techniques can streamline the process by providing a more granular and accurate picture of product assortment optimization, leading to better decision-making and more effective shelf space allocation. This podcast discusses how AI algorithms can help retailers and suppliers build stronger relationships and gain a competitive edge by providing actionable insights at the store level.