CRA Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CRA facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. How can real-time data improve retail decision-making? → Real-time data enables quick, informed decisions that improve operational efficiency
2. When a retailer uses decoy pricing, they typically introduce a third option primarily to: → Make one of the other options appear more attractive by comparison
3. What does 'trip mission' segmentation help retailers understand? → Why a shopper visits the store and what they intend to buy
4. What is the primary purpose of an advance ship notice (ASN) in retail logistics? → To provide the DC with pre-shipment details enabling faster receiving
5. In retail analytics, 'dead stock' refers to inventory that: → Has not sold within a defined period and is unlikely to sell
6. In SWOT analysis, a major competitor closing stores in your trade area would be classified as: → Opportunity
7. How can supply chain disruptions affect retail businesses? → Supply chain disruptions can lead to stockouts and increased costs
8. When a retailer introduces a new private label product, what standard analytical procedure should precede the launch? → Competitive benchmarking, price elasticity analysis, and cannibalization assessment
9. In retailing, the term 'shrinkage' refers to: → Inventory loss from theft, damage, or administrative error
10. In Retail Link, what does the metric 'On Hand Units' represent at the store level? → Units physically present in the store including backroom and sales floor
11. Which of the following is a leading indicator of future retail sales performance? → Consumer confidence index
12. Retail Link's CPFAR (Collaborative Planning, Forecasting, and Replenishment) module primarily facilitates: → Joint demand forecasting and replenishment planning between Walmart and suppliers
13. Which of the following best describes 'omnichannel retailing'? → Integrating multiple sales channels to deliver a seamless customer experience
14. Which communication channel is MOST appropriate for sharing a time-sensitive alert about a sudden sales drop at a top store? → Instant message or phone call to the relevant manager
15. Which of the following describes 'just-in-time' (JIT) inventory management in a retail context? → Receiving merchandise as close as possible to the time it is needed on the selling floor
16. Which of the following is a characteristic of 'everyday low pricing' (EDLP)? → Consistently low prices with minimal reliance on temporary promotions
17. A retailer's loyalty program data shows 20% of customers generate 80% of revenue. This reflects which principle? → Pareto principle
18. When documenting data assumptions in a retail forecast model, why is this step important? → It helps future users understand limitations and conditions under which the model is valid
19. Which type of retail security technology primarily uses behavioral analytics to detect shoplifting before an item leaves the store? → Video analytics software with AI-powered anomaly detection
20. What does the term 'API integration' mean in a retail technology context? → Seamless data exchange between different software platforms
21. Which standard procedure should be followed when a significant variance is found between a planogram and actual shelf placement? → Document the variance, identify the root cause, and reset the shelf to planogram standards
22. In Retail Link, 'Shrink' as a data metric refers to: → Inventory loss due to theft, damage, or administrative errors
23. In retail real estate strategy, 'co-tenancy clauses' primarily protect a retailer by: → Allowing lease termination or rent reduction if anchor tenants leave
24. Which chart type is best suited for showing the percentage contribution of each product category to total annual sales? → Pie or donut chart
25. A retail store's business continuity plan (BCP) should be tested at a minimum of which frequency according to best practices? → Annually, with updates after any significant operational change
26. Value-based pricing sets retail prices primarily based on: → The perceived value that customers place on the product or experience
27. The Retail Link 'Open Purchase Order' report helps suppliers identify: → Orders placed by Walmart that have not yet been received at the DC or store
28. What role does supply chain management play in data management? → Supply chain management relies on data for inventory optimization and delivery efficiency
29. A retailer with a high 'days inventory outstanding' (DIO) relative to peers likely faces: → Excess inventory levels and potential markdowns risk
30. What is the primary role of a Certified Retail Analyst (CRA)? → To analyze retail industry data and trends for strategic decision-making