Choose a Data set
At this stage of the project, you select the data sources you want to test.
Depending on your project type, you can work with:
- Your own data set
- A predefined inspiration set of suggested locations (only for Hotspot exercices)
- Competitor locations as part of a brand take-over strategy (only for Hotspot exercises)
You can also refine your selection with optional parameters, such as excluding locations that are too close to your existing network or applying relocation logic when working with simulations that include closed locations.
Start with your own data set
You can upload your own data set when you want to test a custom list of locations.
This option can be used for:
- Hotspots exercises: to test a batch of potential locations. (Read the full workflow here)
- Optimal Characteristics projects: to test in batch the expected impact of changing the characteristics of existing locations. ( Read the full workflow here)
To get started, download the Excel template and fill it in with the locations you want to test. Follow the instructions from the next step to make sure the template is completed correctly.
Start with a predefined inspiration set
This option is only available for Hotspots exercises.
A predefined inspiration set gives you direct access to a ready-made list of relevant locations to test. Read more about our available ready-to-use inspiration sets here.
You can choose between two options.
Use a data set curated by RetailSonar
You can select one of the data sets curated by RetailSonar, if available for your country or platform.
This option is not enabled by default. The definition of each inspiration set can be found through the link above. The calculation time of each set is displayed next to it.
Choose an existing brand from the datastore
You can also select the other option; Choose a brand.
This allows you to select all store locations from one specific brand in the datastore. The estimated runtime will be displayed after selecting the brand.
You can only select one brand at a time.
When you use Choose a brand, the selected brand locations are used as inspiration points. The project places and calculates a new own location near each selected brand location. The original brand location remains present in the calculation! (this is different from the competitor brand takeover option below)
After selecting a predefined inspiration set, you can either add optional parameters or move directly to the next step: Calculate the project.
Start with a competitor brand take-over
This option is only available for Hotspots exercises.
A brand take-over allows you to evaluate competitor locations as potential opportunities.
You can select competitor locations in two ways:
- Search for a specific brand using the search bar.
- Select a brand from one of the competitor categories: Direct Competitors, Minor Competitors, or Indirect Competitors.
Each competitor data set contains the locations of the selected brand.
When you use Brand take-over, the selected competitor locations are treated as locations to be taken over. In this case, the competitor location is closed and replaced by your own new location in the calculation.
Add parameters
Adding parameters is optional. These filters help refine the locations that will be tested.
General filters
Minimum distance to own locations
You can define a buffer zone around your existing locations by selecting Minimum distance to own locations (m).
This excludes potential locations that are too close to your current network. It helps make the analysis more targeted and reduces the risk of cannibalisation.
Copy characteristics for a brand take-over
For a brand take-over, you can choose to copy the characteristics of the selected competitor locations.
When this option is enabled, a list of available characteristics appears. You can then select which characteristics should be applied to the locations being tested.
Simulation-based filters
Additional filters are available when your project is based on a simulation that includes closed locations.
These options help you take closures into account and explore possible relocation opportunities.
Test only near closed baseline locations
This option supports a relocation strategy by testing only new locations that are close to the closed locations in your simulation.
It helps identify strategic alternatives to the abandoned locations and supports optimal network coverage.
Copy characteristics from closed locations
This option allows you to copy key characteristics from closed locations and apply them to nearby test locations.
This helps ensure that the new locations being evaluated take into account the commercial and structural characteristics of the closed locations. It also supports more consistent performance analysis and decision-making.