Case Study: Location Optimization Software Increases Store Site Success

By Sarah Howland, Integrated Solutions for Retailers magazine There are three keys to retail success — location, location, and location. As retailers, I'm sure you've all heard this adage and realize how true it really is. One way to find the right spot to open a new store is to use location optimization software. In addition to site selection, location optimization software can help retailers determine what products will drive sales volume at a specific location.

Pet Supermarket offers 8,000 pet products at its 112 stores. Until 2006, the retailer chose new store locations by viewing demographic information it had collected. The retailer decided to investigate technology options to help identify better store locations. "In the retail industry, you have to be where people want you to be," says Diane Holtz, president and COO of Pet Supermarket. "If you aren't, you can be a great retailer, but no one will come to your store." After viewing three software demos, Holtz decided on geoVue, a location optimization software consisting of three components — iPLAN, iSITE, and iPREDICT.

Used with permission from Integrated Solutions for Retailers magazine.