SACSC research conference opens this week

SACSC CEO, Amanda Stops

Sponsored by Broll, its theme is 'Experience', which is what the researchers, retailers and retail property specialists will do as they dissect the sector's most recent lessons. Retail, perhaps more than any other sector of the property market, depends on exceptional research.

"That dependence on good research provided the original motivation for a dedicated annual retail research conference," says SACSC CEO Amanda Stops. "Understanding consumers, unpacking diverse spending patterns and gaining insight into trade areas are the foundation of a successful retail venture."

Demographics, as a core input into retail decision-making, is a key topic on the programme. ReTeam CEP and partner Kathrine Heiberg will be offering a new perspective on consumer demographics, while McKinsey & Co's Marnus Sonnekus will highlight the African youth market - with a focus on South Arica in particular.

Since retail research is most meaningful in its application, the conference highlights best practice and case studies throughout the day. Examples include Urban Studies' Dirk Prinsloo, who will be sharing the success story of Eastgate Mall's customer analysis and Fernridge Consulting's Sybrand Strauss will table a case study from Lagos looking at retail gap analysis.

"We've included in the programme key questions that retailers are asking right now - such as, is SA over-shopped? And how are SA retailers evolving." Other sessions will look at demand modelling trends in retail and how best to leverage technology for new insights into consumer behavior, as well as the discrepancy between what mall shoppers say as opposed to what they do.

For more information, go to www.sacsc.co.za.