Optimizing Existing Ross Business and Expanding into New Off-Price Retailers
$100K
Average additional monthly revenue generated through new partnerships
Cognescenti approached Common Shelf to scale what was already a strong off-price business. Our goal was to build a smarter, more strategic foundation for long-term off-price growth. We started by expanding the company into regional retailers like Bealls, DDs and Citi Trends, followed by optimizing their Ross program (which will soon become their biggest customer).
Understanding the challenge
Cognescenti had found early success in off-price with strong sell-through, but the company needed tighter guardrails, better retailer segmentation, and a more proactive strategy. Without the right framework, off-price growth risked creating operational drag or undermining product positioning. We stepped in to help sharpen the playbook and scale with control.
The complexity wasn’t in moving the units, it was in doing it invisibly, strategically, and with zero brand damage.
Our approach
We took a two-pronged approach: First, we expanded Cognescenti’s retail footprint by introducing and scaling into new regional off-price partners like Bealls, DD’s, and Citi Trends. Then, we optimized their Ross program by tightening SKU strategy, improving buyer communication, and unlocking additional volume. Key results:
Expanded into new regional territories and got products in front of new customers
Ross is quickly growing and is expected to become Cognoscenti’s #1 account soon
Improved inventory planning to better align with off-price demand
Reduced operational friction across logistics and compliance
Feedback
We already had traction in off-price, but Common Shelf helped us level up. Matt and his team helped us reach new customers and optimize what we already had. Our Ross program is now more strategic and scalable, and we’ve built a footprint across regional retailers we weren’t even considering before.
Sarah Jackson
CEO, Cognescenti
