Recent Posts by Dr. Mark Howland

Store Clustering for Smarter Decision-Making

There are two extreme ends of the retail business model, each with its pros and cons. At one end all stores are virtually identical (think chains like Starbucks, Gap, Subway, etc.), which makes for simpler operations and a consistent, predictable customer experience. On the flip side are chains where the owner operator has a great deal of discretion on assortment, pricing and promotions. For example, retailers like Aeon Group in Japan, ICA in Sweden and Metro in Canada give significant control to store operators.

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