Clarity Breeds Growth: Fewer products mean a clearer brand story and energized customers. Strategy experts note that typically only a tiny fraction of offerings drive the bulk of results – about the top 25% of SKUs generate ~90% of revenue . By shedding the long tail, firms can pour all their weight into superstar products. This sharp focus signals to customers exactly what the brand stands for and avoids choice overload. Decades of consumer research confirm the power of less: in the famous “jam study,” shoppers were ten times more likely to buy when offered 6 varieties instead of 24 . In other words, an uncluttered lineup can dramatically boost purchase rates and satisfaction . On the operational side, lean portfolios drive huge efficiency gains. McKinsey reports one machinery maker that cut variants from 800 down to 25 – and improved customer experience and lead times – and sales jumped 5% as a result . Even Volvo’s engine division replaced eight different engine models with a unified modular design, slashing complexity across platforms . In customer-facing chains, simpler menus speed service and deepen loyalty. Carl’s Jr. notes that a “simpler menu” lets them prepare orders faster and focus on core crowd-pleasers . The logic is unmistakable: in an era of focus, fewer winning products lead to bigger margins, stronger brand identity, and more satisfied customers.
Expert Endorsement: Business leaders and analysts are championing this lean shift. McKinsey’s research urges “actively shaping a simpler, more effective product portfolio” to reduce risk and better serve customers . Marketing strategists invoke the Pareto principle: pinpoint the 20% of products that matter, and ruthlessly cut the rest . Nirmalya Kumar of INSEAD argues that firms must “eliminate underperforming brands” to free up resources for core profit-drivers . Unilever’s CEO epitomizes the mindset: the company’s growth plan is built on “doing fewer things, better, and with greater impact” . Consultants report that when simplification is executed wisely, the financial upside can be explosive. Strategex cites cases where profits double or triple and top-line grows 20–30% once the product line is properly pruned . In short, every piece of evidence – from academic studies to boardroom success stories – confirms that minimalism in products is a high-octane growth engine.
Beware the Pitfalls: Of course, product line cuts must be done smartly to avoid backfire. Experts warn never to butcher SKUs in a vacuum. First, know your customers: Analyze who really buys each item before pulling the plug. Cutting a low-volume SKU that only a key account needs could lose business . Second, align costs: If you take products off the menu, you must cut the related costs (production, inventory, etc.) or profits won’t budge . Third, form cross-functional teams so that sales, ops and R&D balance each other – otherwise you risk overshooting the goal . Fourth, communicate clearly: Treat rationalization as an opportunity, not chaos. Explain internally and to customers why the change is happening and offer alternatives . Finally, stay resolute: hundreds of low-volume customers may complain when their niche item vanishes, but leaders must ask whether those objections truly outweigh the giant gains. If done with data and discipline, the outcome justifies the effort .
The Clear Winner: Trimming the herd is not a retreat; it’s a strategic sprint forward. By cutting off distractions and honing in on superstar products, companies create a powerful, coherent brand and streamline every part of the business. As Unilever’s plan reminds us, laser focus wins: concentrating on fewer, stronger products translates into faster growth and healthier margins . Now is the time to act! Shed the excess, champion your core offerings, and watch your brand take off like never before.
Sources: Industry reports and expert analyses document these trends and results .