VIDEO: Store Visits and How They Can Support Your Interviews

This video explains why store visits are absolutely essential prep for FMCG first and second stage interviews — and gives five practical tips to get them right.

1. Visit a proper mix of retailers

Don’t just pop into one shop. Hit multiples (Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s), convenience (Co-op, Nisa), and discounters (Aldi, Lidl) so you get a full view of how the category shows up across the whole market.

2. Understand shopper × consumer × retailer dynamics

Each retailer has a different strategy and different types of shoppers/consumers. What Co-op shoppers want isn’t what Asda shoppers want. Show you understand how these three forces interact.

3. Assess the fixture properly

Look at:

• Competitor brands

• Private label

• Wider market conditions affecting shopper behaviour. You’re trying to understand what’s driving performance at fixture.

4. Take good photos

These visuals are gold. Use them to power your first-stage insights and drop them into your second-stage presentation if you need to.

5. Observe the shopper (and talk to them if you’re brave!)

Watch what people do at fixture, how they navigate it, and if you’re confident, do a quick vox pop. This gives valuable qualitative insight beyond what you see on shelf.

In summary

Store visits are a must. Seeing products in their natural habitat helps you understand the category, the shopper, and the retailer — and massively strengthens your interview prep.