New product introductions, slotting allowances, and retailer discretion

Abstract Retailers are increasingly demanding slotting allowances for new product introductions. We study two methods of determining the magnitude of such allowances: In the first, the retailer sets the allowance on a “brand-by-brand” basis. In the second, all introductions are asked the same “uniform” allowance. Using a mathematical model, we address the question “which is the preferred method?” This analysis reveals an important tradeoff. While the brand-by-brand method lets the retailer benefit from any successful introduction, the uniform method lets the retailer demand higher allowances. We identify the conditions favoring the use of these methods.