Beaufort has a long-standing tradition of conducting research in, for and about the retail sector. Clients have included retailers themselves, product manufacturers and suppliers, retail consultancies and suppliers of other retail services.

We have carried out a wide variety of projects, covering a broad spectrum. The following indicative list illustrates some of the tasks and issues that we have tackled:

• measuring the profile, characteristics and purchasing behaviour of customers
• assessing customer satisfaction with the range and quality of services offered
• evaluating the performance of new products
• assessing the impact in changes to a product’s marketing mix i.e. pack, price etc
• monitoring awareness and image of retail stores
• obtaining data to assist in the process of new site evaluation
• assessing the impact of store design and layout changes
• assisting in licence applications
• measuring the likely reaction to potential developments

As a full service agency, Beaufort draws upon a range of relevant research techniques. Each job is different and we tailor our approach to the needs of the client:

• we carry out qualitative research in the form of focus groups, in-depth interviews and accompanied shopping interviews.
• we have a large and experienced field force, enabling us to carry out quantitative surveys - usually in the form of location interviews, in-home interviews, telephone interviews and hall tests
• we are able to offer mystery shopping services
• we also have associate relationships with other organisations in specialist research areas such as customer footfall and electronic tracking of customer behaviour.

Beaufort’s Managing Director has extensive retail research expertise. Peter Stolle, was, prior to the formation of Beaufort, Client Service Director of one of the UK’s leading retail research agencies.  He has spent much of his time at Beaufort directing research within the retail sector. 

Another of Beaufort’s executive team Guto Malgwyn has considerable experience conducting shopping surveys using Computer Aided Telephone Interviewing which has proven to be an efficient, quick and cost effective way of collecting relevant retail information.