Sectors:
Merchants
We are your experts in merchant market research
Helping merchants stay ahead of change
After decades of remaining relatively unchanged, the traditional trade counter environment is under unprecedented pressure. Merchants are having to adapt due to the growth of digital channels, the seemingly unstoppable rise of the Omnichannel formats such as Screwfix and Toolstation, and the blurring line between the trade and retail customer.
We work with traditional merchants such as Wolseley on both quantitative and qualitative projects. We have also undertaken projects for businesses who have experimented with new propositions in the UK trade market (for example the Travis Perkins drive-thru BUILT concept) and a virtual ‘broker’ type service in this category for Building Materials Nationwide.
So, whether you are an independent or national merchant chain, building or plumbing & heating focused, now is the time to get in touch. We can help you measure how your trade or retail audience is changing, evaluate your marketing, counter or product offer or independently gauge supplier or staff perceptions of your business.
Who we work with
We’ve worked with suppliers and stakeholders in the UK merchant market for many years. We struggle to believe there are others with more rounded experience in this sector. Lightside or heavyside – we have helped brands shed a light across both categories. We have measured brand awareness, market share, channel shift, undertaken mystery shopping and asked installers and retail customers what they think of showrooms and display areas. On behalf of supplier manufacturer brands we have explored key customer relationships and loyalty schemes.
Listening to the trade
We’ve built a robust community of sole traders, contractors, and small businesses on Voice of the Trade (VOTT)—our proprietary community of trade professionals. It gives our clients quick access to a diverse range of dedicated trade business professionals across the UK. Engaged, focused, and consistently responsive, we gather insights from bathroom fitters, electricians, installers, multi traders, and even specialist renewables experts.
Let’s start a conversation
Share a few details about what you’re looking to achieve and we’ll come back with practical, tailored advice within 24 hours.