The impact of location factors on the attractiveness and optimal space shares of product categories

Abstract

In this paper, we investigate the impact of location characteristics on the relative attractiveness of product categories within a store, and formulate micromarketing implications for the allocation of store space to categories. We present a framework for the impact of store and trading area characteristics on category and store performance, which integrates and extends previous geomarketing research. Building upon this framework, we propose a tractable and flexible procedure for assessing location influences, and derive optimal space allocation rules for different location profiles. Empirical application to national stores of a European retail chain confirms the differential impact of location characteristics on categories' attractiveness. Tailoring the allocation of store space to these location-based differences in category appeal leads to a significant increase in overall chain profitability.