Which sequence lists the categories in the correct order for zoning and product layouts?

• A. Gender, Item, Material, Design
• B. Gender, Item, Material, Design
• C. Item, Gender, Material, Design
• D. Item, Material, Gender, Design

Answer: (B)

Zoning and product layouts work best when you move from broad to specific, shaping the space around how shoppers behave. Starting with gender defines clear zones that reflect shopper groups, guiding where to place core categories, signage, and traffic flow. Within those gender zones, organizing by item groups products into logical sections, making it easy for customers to navigate and find related goods. Once the spaces and categories are defined, you select materials for fixtures and surfaces that meet durability, maintenance, and cost needs for those products. Finally, you apply design elements to unify the space with the brand while respecting the chosen zones, items, and materials. This order minimizes back-and-forth and supports efficient merchandising. Starting with item or design first can disrupt space planning or aesthetics, while skipping gender zoning early on can lead to less intuitive layouts.