Abstract: A method for automatically allocating floor space includes obtaining: (i) fixture data, (ii) business rule data, and (iii) benefit data. The method further includes searching a plurality of arrangements of the plurality of categories of products on the plurality of merchandizing fixtures according to the obtained data and determining an allocation solution. The allocation solution specifies a combination of the plurality of categories of products, an identification of ones of the plurality of merchandizing fixtures allocated to each of the combination of the plurality of categories of products, and an amount of the ones of the plurality of merchandizing fixtures allocated to each of the combination of the plurality of categories of products.

Abstract: A method in a computer system for selecting an efficient combination of items for placement on a merchandizing fixture, wherein each item has a respective size, and wherein each combination of items has a respective profitability metric; including electronically receiving an indication of a size of the merchandizing fixture; electronically receiving a business rule indicative of whether gaps on the merchandizing fixture are allowed; when gaps on the merchandizing fixture are allowed, automatically selecting via a computer processor a combination of items that has a highest profitability metric and that fits on the merchandizing fixture without occupying the entire merchandizing fixture; and when gaps on the merchandizing fixture are not allowed, automatically selecting via a computer processor a combination of items that has a highest profitability and occupies the entire merchandizing fixture without exceeding the size of the merchandizing fixture.

Abstract: A method in a computer system for generating an efficient item assortment associated with a plurality of items includes obtaining choice set data specifying a multiplicity of choice sets associated with the plurality of items, where each of the multiplicity of choice sets includes several of the plurality of items, at least some of which are mutually substitutable, obtaining item interaction data descriptive of substitutions between pairs of items in each of the multiplicity of choice sets, obtaining a set of benefit metrics associated with the plurality of items, obtaining a constraint parameter associated with the item assortment, and generating an item selection based at least on the item interaction data, the set of benefit metrics, and the constraint parameter, where the item selection identifies at least one of the plurality of items selected for inclusion in the item assortment.