Market research case study:
Conducting mystery shops for one of the UK's leading jewellery retailers

Retail client

The challenge

The client was one of the UK's leading jewellers, operating 25 shops nationwide. To maintain its competitive edge, the client sought to understand the aftersales services offered by competitors, evaluate how these compared with its own offerings, and determine best practice within the marketplace.

The approach

DJS Research conducted a multi-stage mystery shopping exercise, including desk research using retailer websites, telephone enquiries, and store visits, to capture the required level of detail. Mystery shops were carried out in competitor stores as well as the client's own stores, using scenarios tailored to key sales situations: engagement ring purchase, watch purchase, and cleaning or repair services. Due to the complexity of these purchases and service requirements, the mystery shops were conducted by experienced qualitative researchers, who, upon completion, recorded all aspects of the sales and aftersales process using an online data capture survey.

The results

DJS Research developed a database detailing the sales and aftersales elements offered by each retailer (e.g. type of receipt, whether insurance was offered, any complimentary services) and highlighted the client’s relative strengths and weaknesses, identified opportunities for improvement, and illustrated sector best practice.

Conducting mystery shops for one of the UK's leading jewellery retailers case study image 1 Conducting mystery shops for one of the UK's leading jewellery retailers case study image 2
Conducting mystery shops for one of the UK's leading jewellery retailers case study image 2
Conducting mystery shops for one of the UK's leading jewellery retailers case study image 1

Case study:
Conducting mystery shops for one of the UK's leading jewellery retailers

Retail client

The challenge

The client was one of the UK's leading jewellers, operating 25 shops nationwide. To maintain its competitive edge, the client sought to understand the aftersales services offered by competitors, evaluate how these compared with its own offerings, and determine best practice within the marketplace.

The approach

Qualitative research can take many forms, but at its heart it is about understanding how and why. For example, how do people feel about a certain product, brand or a new idea? Why are sales down? Why is a marketing message not cutting through? Why are people behaving in a certain way and how can we change that? Qualitative research is about detail, depth and understanding, and can be used to explain data trends or patterns of human behaviour.

At DJS Research, our researchers have a wealth of experience moderating qualitative research, putting research participants at ease and exploring experiences, attitudes and behaviours to unlock those ‘golden nuggets’ of insight.

Methods in our qualitative toolkit

We develop a bespoke approach to meet each client’s objectives, but some commonly used methods in our qualitative toolkit include:

We draw on behavioural science to understand why people do what they do, not just what they say they do. We go beyond a basic question and answer format to examine the all-important context for decision-making, for example spending time with participants at home, observing their day-to-day life or asking them to complete a diary. We consider the behavioural biases at play and apply relevant frameworks or models to guide our analysis and recommendations. 

Ultimately, by uncovering and sharing real life stories and applying our knowledge of human behaviour, we deliver deeper insights that impact our clients’ decision-making.

To find out more about our qualitative research capabilities, and discuss how we could craft a tailored solution to meet the specific needs of your organisation, contact us today. 

 

The results

DJS Research developed a database detailing the sales and aftersales elements offered by each retailer (e.g. type of receipt, whether insurance was offered, any complimentary services) and highlighted the client’s relative strengths and weaknesses, identified opportunities for improvement, and illustrated sector best practice.

Conducting mystery shops for one of the UK's leading jewellery retailers case study image 2
Conducting mystery shops for one of the UK's leading jewellery retailers case study image 2