We help
our clients win
at the point of purchase.
Virtual shopper research
Since 2003 NORM has developed its advanced software for virtual shopper research: SIMSTORE®. Traditional research methods often focus on capturing conscious attitudes and stated behaviour. But most decisions are emotional and not rational. That is why we focus on measuring behaviour.
More about SIMSTORE
SIMSTORE becomes NORM
NORM and SIMSTORE® International will operate under the name NORM Research & Consulting. In short, NORM. As of March, the name SIMSTORE® will only refer to our virtual store environment for shopper research studies.
NORM Research & Consulting likes to find out why people make one decision rather than the other. More specifically, our passion is consumer behaviour in a purchase situation. Where every decision matters. Read more
Keep me informed" NORM is expert in understanding and predicting
shopping behavior. "
Simstore
In 2003 NORM started the development of SIMSTORE®, its software for conducting virtual shopper research. We identified an increasing need for understanding the dynamics at the point of purchase in the FMCG industry.
Traditional research methods often focus on capturing conscious attitudes and stated behaviour. However, most decisions are made emotionally – not rationally. That is why NORM prefers to focus on measuring behaviour and changes in behaviour.
NORM considers its software to be unique since it is a result of its cross competencies within research methodology, gaming technology and category management.
SIMSTORE® enables NORM’s clients to understand and predict shopping behaviour. In short, why consumers buy what they buy. This way we offer our clients an effective way to win at the point of purchase: fast, valid and affordable.
Business issues
Product launch
We believe that a SIMSTORE® product launch test should always be a part of a new product’s development process. Why? Quite often it appears that consumers are in favour of a new product concept. Their purchase intent may even be high, which indicates serious sales potential.
However, based on this traditional research method, consumers are not forced to make a trade off between competitive products. When made available in store, very often the sales of a new product do not actually take off. NORM strives to help our clients improve the success rate of new product launches.
The results of a product launch test will indicate whether or not the product holds potential to meet marketing objectives such as win market share, attract new buyers or trade up loyal brand buyers.What are the deliverables?
What is the potential of a new product concept in terms of market shares?
Which competitive brands will be the source of volume?
How will the new product concept cannibalise on one's own product?
" NORM solves complex business issues and guides
its clients towards future growth opportunities. "
How we work
For NORM, a research project always starts with understanding the client’s business and scoping out the challenges and opportunities. NORM masters all kinds of research methodologies, both quantitative and qualitative. However, we prefer customized solutions. The choice of research solution always depends on the client’s specific business challenges and opportunities.
NORM constantly strives to deliver value through fact-based insights and actionable recommendations. That’s what gives us energy and satisfaction: finding new insights that help to reach marketing and sales objectives. It’s our commitment that all research projects will end with concise reports that are matched with a strong sense of business urgency.
" NORM is employee owned which guarantees
passion and committment. "
Client stories
Package design
NORM’s loyal client deOleo in the Netherlands is one of the world’s leading producers of olive oil. Their brand portfolio consists of well-known brands such as Carbonell and Bertolli.
NORM is easy to work with. Their research approach is very much business orientated. They are dedicated and deliver actionable reports. 
Background
Based on previous research studies, deOleo had an urgent need to improve the package design for Carbonell. Among consumers, the benefits of the Carbonell product range were not always understood. The new package design should clearly communicate the purpose of usage, both in hot (cooking, roasting) and cold (salads, dressings) usage. Furthermore, the new design should ensure visibility and stand out on the shelf.Research
NORM recommended a monadic virtual store survey to evaluate the performance of the current package design against two alternative designs in SIMSTORE®. Evaluation of the package designs was based on actual purchase (share of choice), stand-out (ability to find) on the shelf and questions about the brand fit of the new package designs (brand promise, values, positioning and essence). The study proved that there was no risk in terms of launching the new designs. The SIMSTORE® results predicted that both new designs should reach at least the same market share as the current. NORM also found that communication of the application as well as visibility could be improved.
Result
Based on the research, deOleo were able to optimize the labels of the preferred new design before launching. The introduction of the new Carbonell package design has been positively received by both retail partners and consumers. There has been an increase in sales and brand visibility has improved, as well as recognition in terms of purpose of usage (application).
" NORM strives to make the research process as
hassle-free as possible. "
About Norm
NORM is an independent research and consultancy firm specialized in understanding and predicting consumer and shopper behaviour. We are employee owned, which guarantees passion and commitment from our team.
The international team consists of 60 professionals with expertise within the areas of psychology, brand management, statistics and research methodology, shopper marketing, graphical visualization and category management.
Our heritage is within the FMCG industry, serving the largest FMCG companies worldwide. Furthermore, NORM has adapted its innovative research services and methods for industries such as pharmaceuticals, consumer electronics and fast food.
We never settle for today’s insights and available methods. Instead, we dare to challenge the traditional market research industry to find out more about the underlying factors of everyday decisions. NORM brings adventure to the market research industry, is committed to getting a better understanding of the complexity of decision-making.
“Join us for a cup of coffee”
Contact
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“We are interested and eager to listen and discuss your business opportunities and challenges. Our research directors will recommend a research set- and methodology which focus on solving the business question, not only the research question. Feel free to get in touch to schedule a meeting at your office.”
Headquarter NORM
Hälsingegatan 49
SE-113 31 Stockholm
Phone: +46 (0) 8 522 483 00
E-mail: info@norm.se
Office The Netherlands
Verrijn Stuartweg 22N
1112AX Diemen
Phone: +31 (0) 20 416 2722
E-mail: info@norm.se
Office Germany
Rheinstraße 66
D - 65185 Wiesbaden
Phone +49 (0) 611 360 93 98 10
E-mail: info@norm.se
Office France
30 BD Pasteur
750 15 Paris
Phone: +33 (0)1 42 44 15 19
E-mail:info@norm.eu