Meta Description: Discover the top 10 category management tools for 2025. Compare features, pros, cons, pricing, and ratings to find the best category management software for your business.

Introduction

In 2025, category management tools have become indispensable for retailers, CPG companies, and procurement professionals aiming to optimize product assortments, streamline supply chains, and boost profitability. These tools help businesses group products into categories, analyze consumer behavior, and make data-driven decisions to enhance sales, margins, and customer satisfaction. With the rise of e-commerce, omnichannel retail, and AI-driven analytics, category management software is evolving rapidly, offering advanced features like predictive analytics, real-time data synchronization, and automated planogramming.

Choosing the right category management tool in 2025 requires evaluating factors like integration capabilities, scalability, ease of use, and AI-driven insights. Whether you’re a small retailer or a global enterprise, the ideal tool should align with your business size, industry, and specific needs, such as assortment planning or supplier collaboration. This blog explores the top 10 category management tools for 2025, detailing their features, pros, cons, and more to help you make an informed decision.

Top 10 Category Management Tools for 2025

1. Quant Retail

Description: Quant Retail is a cloud-based solution designed for retailers to manage product categories, planograms, and in-store communications. Ideal for mid-sized to large retail chains.

Key Features:

• Automated planogram generation based on sales data.
• Cloud-based collaboration for teams across multiple locations.
• Real-time data synchronization with POS and inventory systems.
• Tools for product ranging, shelf labels, and POS printing.
• Analytics for category performance and consumer trends.
• Customizable templates for space planning.
• Integration with ERP and supply chain systems.

Pros:

• Streamlines planogramming with minimal manual effort.
• Cloud-based access enhances team collaboration.
• Quick onboarding (under 12 weeks).

Cons:

• May require training for non-technical users.
• Limited customization for niche retail sectors.
• Higher cost for smaller businesses.

Official Website: Quant Retail

2. SAP Ariba

Description: SAP Ariba is a procurement-focused category management tool for enterprises, offering robust features for strategic sourcing and supplier management.

Key Features:

• Spend analysis and cost breakdown tools.
• Strategic sourcing and contract tracking.
• Supplier risk assessment and performance monitoring.
• AI-driven recommendations for category strategies.
• Integration with SAP and Oracle ERP systems.
• Interactive dashboards for real-time insights.
• Guided category strategy development.

Pros:

• Comprehensive procurement and category management suite.
• Strong integration with enterprise systems.
• Excellent for large organizations with complex supply chains.

Cons:

• Steep learning curve for new users.
• High cost for small to mid-sized businesses.
• Limited focus on retail-specific features.

Official Website: SAP Ariba

3. LEAFIO Assortment Performance

Description: LEAFIO is a retail-focused tool that optimizes assortment planning and category management, tailored for small to mid-sized retailers.

Key Features:

• Assortment optimization based on sales and trends.
• Demand forecasting using historical data.
• Planogram creation and shelf space management.
• Analytics for consumer behavior and category performance.
• Collaboration tools for marketing and supply chain teams.
• Customizable matrix outputs for strategic planning.
• Mobile-friendly interface for on-the-go access.

Pros:

• User-friendly for smaller retail teams.
• Strong focus on assortment optimization.
• Affordable for mid-sized businesses.

Cons:

• Limited integration with some ERP systems.
• Less robust for large-scale enterprises.
• Occasional UI clarity issues reported.

Official Website: LEAFIO

4. HIVERY Curate

Description: HIVERY Curate is an AI-powered tool designed for convenience stores and local retail, focusing on tailored assortment and category strategies.

Key Features:

• AI-driven assortment planning for local markets.
• Real-time analytics for category performance.
• Demand forecasting based on consumer preferences.
• Planogram optimization for small retail spaces.
• Integration with POS and inventory systems.
• Customizable reports for supplier collaboration.
• Focus on sustainability and local customer needs.

Pros:

• Highly tailored for convenience stores.
• Advanced AI for precise demand forecasting.
• Easy-to-use interface for small teams.

Cons:

• Limited scalability for large retail chains.
• Higher cost for niche focus.
• Fewer integrations compared to competitors.

Official Website: HIVERY

5. Increff

Description: Increff offers a comprehensive solution for assortment management, ideal for retailers and e-commerce businesses looking to optimize product mixes.

Key Features:

• Assortment planning based on sales objectives.
• Detailed product attribute management.
• Inventory optimization to reduce stockouts.
• Analytics for demand forecasting and pricing.
• Planogram creation for physical and virtual shelves.
• Supplier collaboration tools.
• Real-time data integration with e-commerce platforms.

Pros:

• Strong product attribute management.
• Effective for omnichannel retail.
• Reduces overstock and stockouts.

Cons:

• User interface could be more intuitive.
• Limited advanced analytics compared to competitors.
• Setup time may be longer for complex systems.

Official Website: Increff

6. Cirtuo

Description: Cirtuo is an AI-driven category management tool that streamlines strategy development for procurement teams across industries.

Key Features:

• AI-powered category strategy recommendations.
• Integration with SAP Ariba, Coupa, and Jaggaer.
• Interactive dashboards for procurement insights.
• Guided strategy development with templates.
• Spend analysis and commodity database access.
• Procurement KPI tracking and maturity assessment.
• Cloud-based for team collaboration.

Pros:

• Simplifies complex strategy development.
• Strong integration with procurement systems.
• AI-driven insights save time.

Cons:

• Not retail-specific, limiting some use cases.
• Requires clean data for optimal performance.
• Higher cost for advanced modules.

Official Website: Cirtuo

7. GEP SMART

Description: GEP SMART is a procurement and category management platform with a focus on enterprise-level strategic planning and supplier management.

Key Features:

• Category workbench for strategy development.
• Real-time market intelligence and supplier insights.
• Spend management and cost driver analysis.
• Supplier risk assessment and contract management.
• Integration with ERP and supply chain systems.
• Analytics for savings tracking.
• Collaboration tools for stakeholder engagement.

Pros:

• Comprehensive for enterprise procurement.
• Intuitive dashboard for complex operations.
• Strong supplier management features.

Cons:

• Expensive for smaller organizations.
• Complex setup for non-enterprise users.
• Limited retail-specific functionality.

Official Website: GEP SMART

8. Surefront

Description: Surefront is a unified platform for product collaboration, combining PIM, CRM, and category management for retailers and suppliers.

Key Features:

• Product assortment optimization tools.
• Planogram and merchandising strategy support.
• Supplier collaboration and contract management.
• Integration with CRM, PIM, and PLM systems.
• Real-time analytics for category performance.
• Omnichannel sales and listing support.
• ROI calculator for performance tracking.

Pros:

• Unified platform reduces data silos.
• Strong omnichannel support.
• High ROI potential for retailers.

Cons:

• May be overkill for small businesses.
• Learning curve for full feature utilization.
• Pricing not publicly disclosed.

Official Website: Surefront

9. SpendHQ

Description: SpendHQ is a spend intelligence platform that enhances category management through AI-driven analytics, ideal for procurement teams.

Key Features:

• 97% spend categorization accuracy.
• AI and algorithm-based spend analytics.
• Supplier diversity and contract compliance tools.
• Integration with procurement systems.
• Real-time insights into spend data.
• Category performance tracking.
• Customizable dashboards for stakeholders.

Pros:

• High accuracy in spend categorization.
• Simplifies complex procurement data.
• Strong for supplier diversity initiatives.

Cons:

• Limited retail-specific features.
• Requires clean data for best results.
• Higher cost for smaller teams.

Official Website: SpendHQ

10. Demo Wizard

Description: Demo Wizard automates in-store demo scheduling and management, supporting category managers in retail and CPG industries.

Key Features:

• Automated demo scheduling for brands and retailers.
• Integration with POS and inventory systems.
• Analytics for demo performance and sales impact.
• Tools for scaling field marketing efforts.
• Collaboration features for demo agencies.
• Real-time updates for in-store promotions.
• Customer engagement tracking.

Pros:

• Streamlines in-store demo processes.
• Boosts customer engagement and sales.
• Easy to scale for emerging brands.

Cons:

• Niche focus on demos, not full category management.
• Limited advanced analytics.
• May not suit non-retail industries.

Official Website: Demo Wizard

Comparison Table

Tool Name	Best For	Platform(s) Supported	Standout Feature	Pricing	G2/Capterra/Trustpilot Rating
Quant Retail	Mid to large retail chains	Cloud, Web, Mobile	Automated planogram generation	Custom	4.5/5 (G2)
SAP Ariba	Enterprise procurement	Cloud, Web	Strategic sourcing integration	Custom	4.3/5 (G2)
LEAFIO	Small to mid-sized retailers	Cloud, Web, Mobile	Assortment optimization	Starts at $500/month	4.6/5 (Capterra)
HIVERY Curate	Convenience stores	Cloud, Web	AI-driven local assortment planning	Custom	4.4/5 (G2)
Increff	Omnichannel retailers	Cloud, Web	Product attribute management	Custom	4.3/5 (Capterra)
Cirtuo	Procurement teams	Cloud, Web	AI-powered strategy recommendations	Custom	4.5/5 (G2)
GEP SMART	Enterprise procurement	Cloud, Web	Comprehensive category workbench	Custom	4.4/5 (G2)
Surefront	Retailers and suppliers	Cloud, Web	Unified PIM/CRM/category management	Custom	4.6/5 (Capterra)
SpendHQ	Procurement spend optimization	Cloud, Web	97% spend categorization accuracy	Custom	4.5/5 (G2)
Demo Wizard	Retail/CPG demo management	Cloud, Web, Mobile	Automated demo scheduling	Starts at $200/month	4.2/5 (Capterra)

Which Category Management Tool is Right for You?

Choosing the best category management software depends on your business size, industry, budget, and specific needs. Here’s a decision-making guide:

• Small Retailers (1-50 employees): LEAFIO or Demo Wizard are ideal due to their affordability, ease of use, and retail-specific features like assortment optimization and demo scheduling. Budget-conscious businesses will appreciate their starting prices ($200-$500/month).
• Mid-Sized Retailers (50-500 employees): Quant Retail and Increff offer robust tools for planogramming and omnichannel retail, with strong analytics and integration capabilities. These are great for scaling operations without breaking the bank.
• Large Enterprises (500+ employees): SAP Ariba, GEP SMART, and Cirtuo are tailored for complex procurement and supply chain needs. Their enterprise-grade features, like spend analysis and supplier management, suit large-scale operations but come with higher costs.
• Convenience Stores: HIVERY Curate is the go-to choice for its AI-driven focus on local markets and compact retail spaces.
• Omnichannel Retailers: Surefront excels with its unified PIM/CRM/category management approach, reducing data silos and supporting e-commerce and brick-and-mortar strategies.
• Procurement Teams: SpendHQ and Cirtuo provide AI-driven spend analytics and strategy development, perfect for organizations prioritizing cost savings and supplier diversity.
• CPG Brands: Demo Wizard is niche but effective for managing in-store demos, boosting customer engagement and sales.

Consider your integration needs (e.g., ERP, POS, or CRM compatibility), team expertise, and whether you prioritize retail-specific features or broader procurement capabilities. Always test tools via demos or free trials to ensure they meet your workflow.

Conclusion

In 2025, category management tools are critical for optimizing product assortments, enhancing supplier relationships, and driving profitability in a competitive retail and procurement landscape. The tools listed above, from Quant Retail’s automated planograms to SpendHQ’s spend analytics, cater to diverse needs, from small retailers to global enterprises. The category management software market is evolving with AI, real-time analytics, and omnichannel integration, making it easier to adapt to consumer trends and market shifts. To find the right tool, evaluate your business goals, test demos, and leverage free trials to ensure a perfect fit. Stay ahead by embracing these solutions to streamline operations and boost customer satisfaction.

FAQs

What are category management tools?
Category management tools help businesses group products into categories, analyze performance, and optimize assortments, pricing, and supplier strategies to improve sales and profitability.

How do category management tools benefit retailers?
They enhance efficiency by automating planogramming, forecasting demand, and integrating with POS/ERP systems, leading to better customer experiences and higher margins (2-5% sales increase).

What should I look for in a category management tool?
Prioritize AI-driven analytics, integration with existing systems, ease of use, scalability, and features like planogramming, demand forecasting, or supplier management based on your needs.

Are there affordable category management tools for small businesses?
Yes, tools like LEAFIO and Demo Wizard offer affordable plans starting at $200-$500/month, with features tailored for small to mid-sized retailers.

How do I choose between cloud-based and on-premises tools?
Cloud-based tools (e.g., Quant Retail, Cirtuo) offer scalability and lower upfront costs, while on-premises solutions (e.g., SAP Ariba) provide more control for enterprises with strict compliance needs.