New Product Launch Checklist

Cross-functional workflow a retail buyer or merchandise planner runs to launch a new SKU across stores and e-commerce — from buy decision through floor-set, training, and post-launch sell-through review.

Use this workflow
1

Assortment Planning and Buy

  1. Confirm the line review decision
  2. Build the size and color assortment plan
  3. Lock the buy quantity and OTB
  4. Issue the purchase order to the vendor
2

Item Setup and System Readiness

  1. Create SKUs and assign UPCs
  2. Set retail price and cost in the POS
  3. Map the SKU to tax and category codes
  4. Confirm age-restriction flags where required
  5. Publish the product to the e-commerce catalog
3

Compliance and Legal Review

  1. Verify required product labeling and country-of-origin
  2. Confirm CPSC or category-specific compliance
  3. Approve return and warranty terms
4

Marketing and Promotion

  1. Brief the creative team on launch messaging
  2. Schedule the email and SMS campaign in Klaviyo
  3. Approve in-store signage and window graphics
  4. Decide on a launch event
  5. Book venue, staffing, and demo inventory
5

Allocation and Store Readiness

  1. Allocate units to stores by tier
  2. Receive the PO at the DC
  3. Source-tag merchandise for EAS
  4. Distribute the planogram and floor-set guide
  5. Train associates on features and FAQ
6

Launch Day and Post-Launch Review

  1. Confirm floor set matches the planogram
  2. Verify the SKU rings correctly at the register
  3. Walk the launch with district manager
  4. Review week-one sell-through and reorder
  5. Sign off on the 30-day launch scorecard
  6. Document the post-launch review