Certified Professional Category Analyst (CPCA) Practice Questions 2026 – All-In-One Guide to Exam Success

The factor least likely to affect assortment decisions in a retail environment is the color of the product packaging. Assortment decisions primarily focus on the variety of products offered to meet customer needs and preferences, which are more significantly influenced by broader market trends, customer demographics, supply chain capabilities, and overall economic conditions.

While the aesthetics of packaging can play a role in marketing and influencing consumer purchases at the point of sale, it does not fundamentally drive the strategic decisions about the types and range of products that a retailer chooses to stock. Retailers tend to prioritize factors that have a direct impact on customer demand, purchasing behavior, and logistical considerations over the visual aspects of product packaging. Assortment decisions are made with the intent of aligning closely with consumer needs and market dynamics, rather than focusing on individual product attributes such as packaging color.