AEP Product variables - need to store both name AND SKU

Hi everyone,

I noticed something odd in AEP Datastream Data Prep and wanted to check if this is expected.

Issue

When I map xdm.productListItems[*].name → eVar35, the automatic mapping of productListItems[*].SKU → the Analytics products variable stops working.

What I expected

• SKU should still flow into the products string (default behavior)

• Name should flow into eVar35 (custom mapping)

What actually happens

• ✅ eVar35 gets the product name

• ❌ SKU disappears from the products variable

Sample payload

{
"event": {
"xdm": {
"eventType": "application.screen_view",
"timestamp": "2025-11-19T10:10:21.684Z",
"productListItems": [
{
"SKU": "200581",
"name": "TEST",
"priceTotal": 249.0,
"quantity": 1
}
]
}
}
}

Questions

1. Is this expected behavior or a bug?

2. How can I capture both SKU (products variable) and name (eVar35)? What is the recommended approach?

Thanks for any guidance!