The Business Research Unit

Retail Sector

The Business Research Unit has worked in the retail sector continuously since 1985. In those years we have undertaken a wide variety of projects on almost every aspect of customer facing activity including:

Stores

  • Location and local planning issues
  • Store design and layout
  • Information technology systems for retail
  • Improving profit per square metre


Product offer

  • Merchandise/product mix policy
  • New Product Development
  • Maximising profitability by product display


Customers

  • Profitability by market segment
  • Shopping patterns - evolution
  • Expectations versus experience
  • Customer care / satisfaction
  • Mystery shopping


Additional customer services

  • Service in relation to propensity to purchase
  • Database marketing loyalty programmes
  • Product availability and delivery
  • Store credit cards, financial services
  • Extended warranty
  • Direct mail
  • Product installation services


Staff

  • Staff attitude surveys
  • Total Quality Management
  • Senior management workshops
  • Staff workshops
Corporate Marketing

  • New retail concepts
  • Overall business development strategy
  • Retail market strategy
  • Retail advertising, development and testing
  • Promotions, development and testing
  • Overseas retail opportunities


Markets

  • Automotive
  • Banking
  • Bathroom fittings
  • Confectionery
  • Convenience shopping
  • Childrens
  • Fashion
  • Fast food
  • Furniture
  • Jewellery
  • Low price/discount
  • Mail order
  • Petrol
  • Pharmacists
  • Stationary
  • Telecommunications
  • Video rental
  • Textiles
  • White and brown goods