Do slotting allowances reduce product variety?

Slotting allowances are lump-sum fees paid by manufacturers in return for retail shelf space. We present a novel mechanism by which such upfront payments facilitate vertical foreclosure and thereby reduce product variety. When bidding for the patronage of two retailers, one manufacturer may foreclose a symmetric rival by offering slotting allowances paired with per-unit input prices that offset downstream competition ex post. Contrary to the conventional wisdom, slotting allowances can exclude first-rate brands of powerful manufacturers. Our results are in line with recent empirical evidence on slotting allowances but cast doubt on the current policy approach to these payments.