|
The
Retail Audit/Gap Analysis identifies opportunities and
maximizes retail sales.
The first
component
of the
analyses focuses on the store’s exterior presentation, such as
visibility, cleanliness and maintenance. Much of the customer
traffic will depend on exterior presentation and how well pylon
signs, banners and mobile signs, for example, are utilized to draw
customers into the store. The findings are summarized in a detailed
illustrated report from which the client can develop a corrective
action plan to address the various issues.
The second
component
of the
assessments deals with the overall store appeal such as
merchandising techniques, positioning and signage, for example.
1. Merchandising:
Without great effort an improvement in merchandising techniques can
have great impact on sales and average purchase:
|
·
Product
positioning
·
Packaging
·
Signage |
·
Impulse
merchandising
·
Branding
·
Variety,
quantity, and quality
|
2. People
Qualities and Training:
Training of sales staff is crucial in a retail environment. For
example, the assessment may deal with staff issues and qualities
such as:
|
·
Merchandising skills
·
Suggestive selling techniques |
·
Customer
recognition
·
Product
knowledge
|
3. Overall
Store Condition and Food Safety:
The overall store condition has an impact on customer perception of
the store and the quality of the products. The analysis also has a
look at food safety:
|
Maintenance
Sanitation |
Food
Safety
|
For
retail environments that produce products onsite (Example: a bakery
bake-off operation), we will use a GMP (Good Manufacturing
Practices) approach to the audit.
The
program consists of an onsite visit, written report, illustrations,
and a summary meeting with management.
|
