Category: Retail Trade

Impact of the Ban of Turkish Wafers

A study for the Association of Food Importers to determine whether certain Turkish products were being sold at dumping prices in the local market. The government had banned the import of wafer and biscuits and detergents from Turkey. This was done in a bid to protect Lebanese industries from the devaluation of the Turkish lira which has caused these products in specific to become very cheap. Methodology: Desk research, in-depth interviews with manufacturers and importers, interviews with large supermarkets, and field visits to retail shops in Lebanon and in Turkey.
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Market Overview of a food brand

Study reasons for underperformance of a well-established food brand. Investigating the detected problem, by acquiring market information regarding the assessment of the product likeability and positioning. A brand positioning assessment was conducted to gain consumer feedback. Methodology: Survey with 300 consumers.
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Package Re-Design Study

Assist a paper tissue manufacturer to select the most preferred package design. Assess the usage and attitude of consumers of sanitary napkins. Methodology: Several focus groups.
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Market Overview and Taste Test

Pre- and Post-launch of a new Halloumi cheese brand into the local market. Methodology: Taste test with consumers and identification of usage and attitude of consumers, Brand Image, Advertising recall.

Market Study on the Soap and Detergents Market

Assessing the size and trends of various types of soap and detergents in the market in addition to gauging consumers’ general awareness and usage of the various brands. Methodology: A consumer behavior survey with a nationwide household survey and a market overview entailing a supply/demand assessment by interviewing distributors, local manufacturers and purchase managers of major supermarket chains.

Market Share and Perception Analysis of a Lighting Solutions Company

Market share study for a large lighting solutions company. Issues addressed: Positioning versus the competition, Brand perception, Selection process utilized in deciding on suppliers of lighting systems, Message to be communicated, SWOT, identification of unmet needs. Methodology: In-depth interviews with contractors / developers, architects, and electrical engineers and consultants.
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Usage and Attitude Survey of Petrol Stations

Brand image and positioning study for a network of gas stations. Understand current market position and the consumer behavior. Methodology: large sample household survey. The survey helped identify awareness level and perception of petrol stations in general and the client in specific. It estimated the market share of the various petrol stations, the process utilized by consumers in selecting a gas station to deal with, and other pertinent issues.
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Retail Real Estate Market Study

A study for an international client planning to develop a large mall in a suburb of Beirut. The client wished to gain in-depth information on the market supply and demand of retail real estate in Administrative Beirut and Mount Lebanon. In order to reach the client’s objectives, Methodology: Desk research, face-to-face interviews with consumers residing in the catchment area under study, and conducting in-depth interviews with retailers, retail real estate developers, and real estate brokers. Identified the population distribution and growth in the catchment area under study. Identified the shopping patterns of consumers and also their retail expenditure which in combination with the desk research. Forecast the retail expenditure of the entire catchment area. Insights such as preferences of amenities and services to be provided by malls, the optimal outlet size for their retail category, preferred neighboring outlets which allowed the client to decide on the optimal retail mix. Identify the price paid per square meter in malls and in street front outlets which allow the client to devise their price strategy.
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Italian Trade Commission: Market Assessment of the Agri-Food Sector in Lebanon and Cyprus

A study for the Italian Trade Commission to formulate a general overview of the agri-food (food and beverage) sector including major players and their distribution system. Identify opportunities for further growth and highlight the position of Italian food products in the Lebanese and Cypriot markets. Methodology: Desk research and in-depth interviews with experts and local companies in both countries. A total 50 in-depth interviews with stakeholders in the agri-food sector, importers of foodstuff, and supermarkets in both Lebanon and Cyprus. The interviews helped identify the main Italian products on the market, their strengths and weaknesses, and suggestions to improve their positioning. The interviews with large supermarket chains also captured consumers’ eating habits and trends in the agri-food sector.
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Market Study for a Consumer Electronics Retailer

A study for a large retailer of consumer electronics to assess the feasibility of an international brand of electronics store opening in a large retail center, and to gain in-depth information on the consumer media and electronics market across six product categories. Methodology: quantitative survey across the potential catchment area of 2,400 household interviews. Assessed individuals shopping behavior and patterns, consumer spending habits across the various product categories, as well as household income and its disposable income component.
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Outlet Relocation Assessment

Study an underperforming location of a retail specialty network. Market demand conditions in the sector in the outlets’ catchment area. Methodology: Consumer demand survey with affluent individuals residing in the outlets’ catchment area. Measure the key image variables for loyalty and regular visitation. Identify the perception of the outlet in comparison to its competitive universe and pinpoint brand strengths and weaknesses.
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Mystery Shopper for Electronics Retailer

A study commissioned by a network of household electronics to assess outlets and personnel performance at all branches. The elements included: External and internal premises, Employee appearance and hygiene, Customer care, Behavior and attitude, and Technical knowledge. Methodology: two waves per year.
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Mystery Shopping for fashion retailer

Mystery shopping research for a group operating varied clothing retail stores. Evaluate the customer service personnel and outlet appearance at more than 20 outlets. Outlets were checked for cleanliness and tidiness, and employees for dress code, hygiene, attitude and behavior, sales approach, ability to evaluate clients’ needs, knowledge, and cross-selling techniques.
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