Data Collection
The Location Group has been systematically collecting retail data on the most important shopping streets in Europe for over 20 years. Our collection process combines physical on-site visits with digital data verification to ensure the highest data quality.
Each shopping street is systematically surveyed at least twice a year. Trained analysts record store openings, closures, tenant changes and vacancy rates at parcel level. These field data are supplemented by public commercial register extracts, lease announcements and retailer press releases.
Data Sources
| Source | Type | Update | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| On-site surveys | Primary data | Semi-annual | High |
| Commercial register CH/DE | Public data | Ongoing | Medium |
| Retailer press releases | Secondary data | Ongoing | Medium |
| Real estate agent network | Expert knowledge | Quarterly | High |
| Satellite images / Street View | Digital verification | Monthly | Low |
| Tenant directories (shopping centres) | Partner data | Quarterly | Medium |
Quality Assurance
Every data point goes through a multi-stage verification process before being included in our database. Discrepancies between different sources are resolved through manual research.
Collection
Field analysts collect data on-site and from digital sources according to a standardised protocol.
Verification
A second analyst checks all entries against at least one other independent source.
Publication
Approved by senior analyst. Changes are versioned with date and source.
Geographic Coverage
Our data network currently covers the most important retail locations in Switzerland and Germany. Expansion to other European markets is proceeding gradually.
Definitions & Metrics
Publication Schedule
The Retail Report is published quarterly. Between main publications, critical changes (major store openings, anchor tenant closures) are published as flash updates.
Questions about our methodology?
Our research team is happy to answer specific questions about data collection or tailored analyses for your project.