In-store customer behaviour in the fashion sector: some emerging methodological and theoretical directions

Store layouts are important determinants of behaviour. A review of the academic and commercial literature suggests that the methodological and theoretical approaches have provided methods and approaches that are difŽcult for practitioners to adopt. This paper offers a robust theoretical approach (the behavioural perspective model) and new innovative methodology that signiŽcantly advances the way retailers can plan and measure store layouts, with a view to optimising store performance. Using computer-aided observation, customers may be tracked and their behaviour analysed in the context of consumer situations and contingencies. Implications for retail management, theory and practice are discussed within the context of fashion shopper situations.