Convenience store location planning and forecasting – a practical research agenda

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to compare the accepted techniques of location analysis in the food sector with the realities of “real world” forecasting in convenience store (c‐store) retailing. To offer a conceptual framework for c‐store operators intending to become more strategic in their small store location planning but currently lacking established expertise or extensive research budgets.

Design/methodology/approach

Outlines potential best practice based on industry experience, and contact and discussion with location analysts and retail consultants, as well as a wide ranging examination of the academic literature in this area.

Findings

Finds that the traditional techniques of market analysis for large‐scale food stores will become largely redundant; that neighbourhood retailers are likely to manage their location decision‐making by incremental steps; that the requirements of convenience store forecasting inevitably read to a “back to basics” approach to market analysis; that the use of site visits in combination with more quantitative techniques will provide the most effective solutions; and that reconciling human institutions and their environment is key to effective site research decision‐making.

Originality/value

Academic conceptualisations of location planning in the convenience store sector are largely absent from the literature. This paper adopts a practical perspective.

Citation

Wood, S. and Browne, S. (2007), "Convenience store location planning and forecasting – a practical research agenda", International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management, Vol. 35 No. 4, pp. 233-255. https://doi.org/10.1108/09590550710736184