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arXiv · 1501.02311

Building Mini-Categories in Product Networks

Dmitry Zinoviev·Zhen Zhu·Kate Li
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Abstract

We constructed a product network based on the sales data collected and provided by a Fortune 500 speciality retailer. The structure of the network is dominated by small isolated components, dense clique-based communities, and sparse stars and linear chains and pendants. We used the identified structural elements (tiles) to organize products into mini-categories -- compact collections of potentially complementary and substitute items. The mini-categories extend the traditional hierarchy of retail products (group - class - subcategory) and may serve as building blocks towards exploration of consumer projects and long-term customer behavior.

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Dmitry Zinoviev, Zhen Zhu, Kate Li. 2015-01-28. Building Mini-Categories in Product Networks. https://arxiv.org/abs/1501.02311

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