Subcategories
Subcategories further refine the classification of products within their respective category. They offer a more detailed segmentation of items, allowing for better organization and presentation to customers.
While the exact subcategories vary depending on the department, they typically serve to group similar products based on specific attributes or features. For example, women's running shoes may fall into the department Shoes, the category Athletic Shoes Women, and then the subcategory Running Shoes Women.
Subcategories not only enhance the shopping experience for customers but also provide valuable insights for suppliers and Walmart's merchandising teams. By understanding the breakdown of products into subcategories, suppliers can tailor their offerings more precisely to meet consumer demand. Similarly, Walmart's merchandising teams can use subcategory data to optimize product placement, identify trends, and make informed decisions about purchasing.
Finelines
A fineline is yet a narrower categorization of products. The fineline classification of products can go any number of ways, from pricing and color to seasonality. Finelining is typically done according to similar sales patterns.
At Walmart, each fineline is assigned a unique four-digit "fineline number" by Walmart, ranging from 0000 to 9999. The way most buyers categorize products is:
Department > Category > Subcategory > Fineline > Item
So, for example, a particular tent would be:
Sporting Goods > Camping Accessories > Tents > Large Tents > Brand 6-Person Tent
Finelines are important because they help maximize sales. Assigning the correct fineline will help with visibility, store placement, and, in general, make the product easier to find by the consumer. Suppliers should connect with their Walmart merchant team to determine how to categorize their products and which fineline to use.