Retail Site Selection
Retail Site Selection Software
Retail Site Selection Software
Retail Site Selection Software
Retail site selection software helps businesses choose winning locations using drive-time trade areas, updated population counts, income data and global POIs. With Population Explorer, you can compare candidate sites, measure demand in minutes, and avoid cannibalization risks. Export trade areas and reports to guide expansion decisions and maximize store performance.
Retail site selection software helps businesses choose winning locations using drive-time trade areas, updated population counts, income data and global POIs. With Population Explorer, you can compare candidate sites, measure demand in minutes, and avoid cannibalization risks. Export trade areas and reports to guide expansion decisions and maximize store performance.
Retail site selection software helps businesses choose winning locations using drive-time trade areas, updated population counts, income data and global POIs. With Population Explorer, you can compare candidate sites, measure demand in minutes, and avoid cannibalization risks. Export trade areas and reports to guide expansion decisions and maximize store performance.
Eliminate the guesswork
Real-estate value follows population.
Real-estate value follows population.
Retail site selection mapping identifies high-performing trade areas by combining population density, household income, and POI context like competitors and anchors. Map cannibalization risk, compare candidate sites, and forecast store performance with data-driven trade areas instead of guesswork.
Drive-Time Trade Areas
Model 5/10/15-minute catchments that match how people travel, not just how far a circle reaches. Compare sites on realistic access. Learn more about creating travel-time boundaries, researching global POIs and finding population hotspots.
Drive-Time Trade Areas
Model 5/10/15-minute catchments that match how people travel, not just how far a circle reaches. Compare sites on realistic access. Learn more about creating travel-time boundaries, researching global POIs and finding population hotspots.
Drive-Time Trade Areas
Model 5/10/15-minute catchments that match how people travel, not just how far a circle reaches. Compare sites on realistic access. Learn more about creating travel-time boundaries, researching global POIs and finding population hotspots.
Current & Forecasted Population
Use annually updated high resolution demographics - plus forecasts and income layers - to size demand accurately in every candidate trade area. Learn more about using custom shapes or existing administrative boundaries to narrow down your market research.
Current & Forecasted Population
Use annually updated high resolution demographics - plus forecasts and income layers - to size demand accurately in every candidate trade area. Learn more about using custom shapes or existing administrative boundaries to narrow down your market research.
Current & Forecasted Population
Use annually updated high resolution demographics - plus forecasts and income layers - to size demand accurately in every candidate trade area. Learn more about using custom shapes or existing administrative boundaries to narrow down your market research.
POIs & Competitive Context
Layer Google POIs to see co-tenancy, competitors, and demand drivers that impact sales potential and ramp-up timelines.
POIs & Competitive Context
Layer Google POIs to see co-tenancy, competitors, and demand drivers that impact sales potential and ramp-up timelines.
POIs & Competitive Context
Layer Google POIs to see co-tenancy, competitors, and demand drivers that impact sales potential and ramp-up timelines.
Last updated
Oct 11, 2025
Population Explorer
What Our Users Are Saying
What Our Users Are Saying
What Our Users Are Saying
James Hathaway
PureGym - Group International Strategy and Franchising Director
5.0
Franchise Territory Mapping
Population Explorer let us map population hotspots against competitor locations and retail infrastructure across multiple countries, providing valuable insights into territories with ideal growth prospects.
Matt Ball
Director of Operations - Mini First Aid
5.0
Franchise Territory Mapping
We use Population Explorer to map and price fair territories for our UK franchisees. It helps us maintain a balanced network.
Anna Winters
Akros - CEO
5.0
Health Center Site Mapping
Far more precise than traditional census sources, and an intuitive platform. We can approach markets with more confidence. Highly recommend!
Alan Callaghan
Hypr Logistics - CEO
5.0
Logistics territory mapping
We use Population Explorer's detailed population density and retail concentration data to plan and route our logistics hubs. This has helped us improve coverage and operate more efficiently across the US.
Lauren Mishler
Volaire Aviation
5.0
Drone Flight-Path Mapping
Your program provides accurate and pertinent population data with minimal downtime/search time/hassle. It fits my needs perfectly while also saving time!
Pim Rijkee
MDS Traffic Planners & Consultants
5.0
Transport Corridor Mapping
We used PopEx to extract demographics in a radius around 20+ rail stations in Malaysia...the data is much more accurate than available census data. We saved 2-3 weeks of project time...
Stuart B
Mining and mineral exploration consultant
5.0
Site Selection
Population Explorer gives us quick insights into potential markets that we wold otherwise have to manually calculate over dozens of hours per project!
James Hathaway
PureGym - Group International Strategy and Franchising Director
5.0
Franchise Territory Mapping
Population Explorer let us map population hotspots against competitor locations and retail infrastructure across multiple countries, providing valuable insights into territories with ideal growth prospects.
Matt Ball
Director of Operations - Mini First Aid
5.0
Franchise Territory Mapping
We use Population Explorer to map and price fair territories for our UK franchisees. It helps us maintain a balanced network.
Anna Winters
Akros - CEO
5.0
Health Center Site Mapping
Far more precise than traditional census sources, and an intuitive platform. We can approach markets with more confidence. Highly recommend!
Alan Callaghan
Hypr Logistics - CEO
5.0
Logistics territory mapping
We use Population Explorer's detailed population density and retail concentration data to plan and route our logistics hubs. This has helped us improve coverage and operate more efficiently across the US.
Lauren Mishler
Volaire Aviation
5.0
Drone Flight-Path Mapping
Your program provides accurate and pertinent population data with minimal downtime/search time/hassle. It fits my needs perfectly while also saving time!
Pim Rijkee
MDS Traffic Planners & Consultants
5.0
Transport Corridor Mapping
We used PopEx to extract demographics in a radius around 20+ rail stations in Malaysia...the data is much more accurate than available census data. We saved 2-3 weeks of project time...
Stuart B
Mining and mineral exploration consultant
5.0
Site Selection
Population Explorer gives us quick insights into potential markets that we wold otherwise have to manually calculate over dozens of hours per project!
James Hathaway
PureGym - Group International Strategy and Franchising Director
5.0
Franchise Territory Mapping
Population Explorer let us map population hotspots against competitor locations and retail infrastructure across multiple countries, providing valuable insights into territories with ideal growth prospects.
Matt Ball
Director of Operations - Mini First Aid
5.0
Franchise Territory Mapping
We use Population Explorer to map and price fair territories for our UK franchisees. It helps us maintain a balanced network.
Anna Winters
Akros - CEO
5.0
Health Center Site Mapping
Far more precise than traditional census sources, and an intuitive platform. We can approach markets with more confidence. Highly recommend!
Alan Callaghan
Hypr Logistics - CEO
5.0
Logistics territory mapping
We use Population Explorer's detailed population density and retail concentration data to plan and route our logistics hubs. This has helped us improve coverage and operate more efficiently across the US.
Lauren Mishler
Volaire Aviation
5.0
Drone Flight-Path Mapping
Your program provides accurate and pertinent population data with minimal downtime/search time/hassle. It fits my needs perfectly while also saving time!
Pim Rijkee
MDS Traffic Planners & Consultants
5.0
Transport Corridor Mapping
We used PopEx to extract demographics in a radius around 20+ rail stations in Malaysia...the data is much more accurate than available census data. We saved 2-3 weeks of project time...
Stuart B
Mining and mineral exploration consultant
5.0
Site Selection
Population Explorer gives us quick insights into potential markets that we wold otherwise have to manually calculate over dozens of hours per project!
James Hathaway
PureGym - Group International Strategy and Franchising Director
5.0
Franchise Territory Mapping
Population Explorer let us map population hotspots against competitor locations and retail infrastructure across multiple countries, providing valuable insights into territories with ideal growth prospects.
Matt Ball
Director of Operations - Mini First Aid
5.0
Franchise Territory Mapping
We use Population Explorer to map and price fair territories for our UK franchisees. It helps us maintain a balanced network.
Anna Winters
Akros - CEO
5.0
Health Center Site Mapping
Far more precise than traditional census sources, and an intuitive platform. We can approach markets with more confidence. Highly recommend!
Alan Callaghan
Hypr Logistics - CEO
5.0
Logistics territory mapping
We use Population Explorer's detailed population density and retail concentration data to plan and route our logistics hubs. This has helped us improve coverage and operate more efficiently across the US.
Lauren Mishler
Volaire Aviation
5.0
Drone Flight-Path Mapping
Your program provides accurate and pertinent population data with minimal downtime/search time/hassle. It fits my needs perfectly while also saving time!
Pim Rijkee
MDS Traffic Planners & Consultants
5.0
Transport Corridor Mapping
We used PopEx to extract demographics in a radius around 20+ rail stations in Malaysia...the data is much more accurate than available census data. We saved 2-3 weeks of project time...
Stuart B
Mining and mineral exploration consultant
5.0
Site Selection
Population Explorer gives us quick insights into potential markets that we wold otherwise have to manually calculate over dozens of hours per project!
James Hathaway
PureGym - Group International Strategy and Franchising Director
5.0
Franchise Territory Mapping
Population Explorer let us map population hotspots against competitor locations and retail infrastructure across multiple countries, providing valuable insights into territories with ideal growth prospects.
Matt Ball
Director of Operations - Mini First Aid
5.0
Franchise Territory Mapping
We use Population Explorer to map and price fair territories for our UK franchisees. It helps us maintain a balanced network.
Anna Winters
Akros - CEO
5.0
Health Center Site Mapping
Far more precise than traditional census sources, and an intuitive platform. We can approach markets with more confidence. Highly recommend!
Alan Callaghan
Hypr Logistics - CEO
5.0
Logistics territory mapping
We use Population Explorer's detailed population density and retail concentration data to plan and route our logistics hubs. This has helped us improve coverage and operate more efficiently across the US.
Lauren Mishler
Volaire Aviation
5.0
Drone Flight-Path Mapping
Your program provides accurate and pertinent population data with minimal downtime/search time/hassle. It fits my needs perfectly while also saving time!
Pim Rijkee
MDS Traffic Planners & Consultants
5.0
Transport Corridor Mapping
We used PopEx to extract demographics in a radius around 20+ rail stations in Malaysia...the data is much more accurate than available census data. We saved 2-3 weeks of project time...
Stuart B
Mining and mineral exploration consultant
5.0
Site Selection
Population Explorer gives us quick insights into potential markets that we wold otherwise have to manually calculate over dozens of hours per project!
James Hathaway
PureGym - Group International Strategy and Franchising Director
5.0
Franchise Territory Mapping
Population Explorer let us map population hotspots against competitor locations and retail infrastructure across multiple countries, providing valuable insights into territories with ideal growth prospects.
Matt Ball
Director of Operations - Mini First Aid
5.0
Franchise Territory Mapping
We use Population Explorer to map and price fair territories for our UK franchisees. It helps us maintain a balanced network.
Anna Winters
Akros - CEO
5.0
Health Center Site Mapping
Far more precise than traditional census sources, and an intuitive platform. We can approach markets with more confidence. Highly recommend!
Alan Callaghan
Hypr Logistics - CEO
5.0
Logistics territory mapping
We use Population Explorer's detailed population density and retail concentration data to plan and route our logistics hubs. This has helped us improve coverage and operate more efficiently across the US.
Lauren Mishler
Volaire Aviation
5.0
Drone Flight-Path Mapping
Your program provides accurate and pertinent population data with minimal downtime/search time/hassle. It fits my needs perfectly while also saving time!
Pim Rijkee
MDS Traffic Planners & Consultants
5.0
Transport Corridor Mapping
We used PopEx to extract demographics in a radius around 20+ rail stations in Malaysia...the data is much more accurate than available census data. We saved 2-3 weeks of project time...
Stuart B
Mining and mineral exploration consultant
5.0
Site Selection
Population Explorer gives us quick insights into potential markets that we wold otherwise have to manually calculate over dozens of hours per project!
James Hathaway
PureGym - Group International Strategy and Franchising Director
5.0
Franchise Territory Mapping
Population Explorer let us map population hotspots against competitor locations and retail infrastructure across multiple countries, providing valuable insights into territories with ideal growth prospects.
Matt Ball
Director of Operations - Mini First Aid
5.0
Franchise Territory Mapping
We use Population Explorer to map and price fair territories for our UK franchisees. It helps us maintain a balanced network.
Anna Winters
Akros - CEO
5.0
Health Center Site Mapping
Far more precise than traditional census sources, and an intuitive platform. We can approach markets with more confidence. Highly recommend!
Alan Callaghan
Hypr Logistics - CEO
5.0
Logistics territory mapping
We use Population Explorer's detailed population density and retail concentration data to plan and route our logistics hubs. This has helped us improve coverage and operate more efficiently across the US.
Lauren Mishler
Volaire Aviation
5.0
Drone Flight-Path Mapping
Your program provides accurate and pertinent population data with minimal downtime/search time/hassle. It fits my needs perfectly while also saving time!
Pim Rijkee
MDS Traffic Planners & Consultants
5.0
Transport Corridor Mapping
We used PopEx to extract demographics in a radius around 20+ rail stations in Malaysia...the data is much more accurate than available census data. We saved 2-3 weeks of project time...
Stuart B
Mining and mineral exploration consultant
5.0
Site Selection
Population Explorer gives us quick insights into potential markets that we wold otherwise have to manually calculate over dozens of hours per project!
James Hathaway
PureGym - Group International Strategy and Franchising Director
5.0
Franchise Territory Mapping
Population Explorer let us map population hotspots against competitor locations and retail infrastructure across multiple countries, providing valuable insights into territories with ideal growth prospects.
Matt Ball
Director of Operations - Mini First Aid
5.0
Franchise Territory Mapping
We use Population Explorer to map and price fair territories for our UK franchisees. It helps us maintain a balanced network.
Anna Winters
Akros - CEO
5.0
Health Center Site Mapping
Far more precise than traditional census sources, and an intuitive platform. We can approach markets with more confidence. Highly recommend!
Alan Callaghan
Hypr Logistics - CEO
5.0
Logistics territory mapping
We use Population Explorer's detailed population density and retail concentration data to plan and route our logistics hubs. This has helped us improve coverage and operate more efficiently across the US.
Lauren Mishler
Volaire Aviation
5.0
Drone Flight-Path Mapping
Your program provides accurate and pertinent population data with minimal downtime/search time/hassle. It fits my needs perfectly while also saving time!
Pim Rijkee
MDS Traffic Planners & Consultants
5.0
Transport Corridor Mapping
We used PopEx to extract demographics in a radius around 20+ rail stations in Malaysia...the data is much more accurate than available census data. We saved 2-3 weeks of project time...
Stuart B
Mining and mineral exploration consultant
5.0
Site Selection
Population Explorer gives us quick insights into potential markets that we wold otherwise have to manually calculate over dozens of hours per project!
Frequently Asked Use Cases
Frequently Asked Use Cases
Frequently Asked Use Cases
How retail site selection works in practice
Retail site selection balances demographics, co-tenancy, accessibility, and competitive context. A strong location can anchor a region; a weak one can drain resources. Population Explorer equips development teams with data-driven workflows.
Define or import trade areas - Draw buffers, create isochrones, or upload existing polygons for review.
Layer demand and access - Use LandScan and WorldPop demographics, income, and overlay Google Places POIs to highlight anchors like malls, grocers, and transit hubs.
Export for operations - Generate reports, shapefiles, and ZIP lists for boards, landlords, or financing partners.
Beyond demographics, retail decisions depend on ingress/egress, signage visibility, and co-tenancy. A prime corridor may underperform if parking is inadequate or competing anchors dominate. Many retailers now evaluate omnichannel demand, asking how a site supports e-commerce pickup or last-mile logistics. Co-tenancy with grocers or gyms can boost foot traffic, while poor ingress/egress or limited parking can suppress sales. These subtleties, when layered with demographic data, create a more holistic picture of site quality.
See Start Here and About Our Data.
FAQs every retailer asks
How do I measure demand potential?
Combine LandScan and WorldPop with household income and spending power to size trade areas.
Can I analyze drive-time and walk-time coverage?
Yes. Use Isochrone Maps for accurate travel sheds.
How do I evaluate competition?
Overlay Google Places POIs to identify retailers, anchors, and demand drivers.
What about cannibalization between stores?
Model overlap between trade areas to avoid over-saturation.
How do lease terms and co-tenancy affect decisions?
Map anchors and tenant clusters to support lease negotiations and co-tenancy clauses.
What about franchise disclosure documents (FDDs)?
Exports from PopEx - shapefiles, ZIP lists, reports - provide a defensible basis for disclosure.
How do urban vs suburban sites differ?
Urban markets rely on pedestrian and transit access; suburban on vehicles and parking. PopEx supports both with global coverage.
How do international markets compare?
Different norms apply, but LandScan and WorldPop baselines create a consistent framework worldwide.
How current is the data?
Census tables may lag 5-10 years. PopEx refreshes annually with projections.
How do lease renewals affect long-term viability?
Territories should account for lease renewal timelines and landlord flexibility. PopEx helps teams assess whether long-term demographics support renewal decisions.
What if anchor tenants in a mall change?
Anchor churn can dramatically impact performance. POI overlays show current anchors and competitive shifts, enabling proactive risk management.
How does omnichannel retailing affect site selection?
Sites must now support buy-online-pickup-in-store (BOPIS) and last-mile delivery. Demographic and POI data provide insight into whether trade areas align with these needs.
How do seasonal patterns affect site choice?
Retail performance often spikes around seasonal events or holidays. PopEx baselines help quantify whether the underlying demographics support sustainable year-round trade, beyond temporary peaks.
Can I test co-tenancy scenarios in PopEx?
Yes. By overlaying Google Places POIs, teams can simulate the impact of new anchors, complementary tenants, or competitor exits. This helps validate lease negotiations and co-tenancy clauses.
Why census data can distort retail site decisions
Census-based datasets may miss new malls, suburban growth, or urban infill, creating blind spots for retailers. Using dated counts risks misplacing investments or overestimating mature markets.
Population Explorer improves accuracy with annual LandScan and WorldPop updates and Google Places POIs. This combination reflects present-day demand and commercial patterns. For more, see Census vs LandScan vs WorldPop.
Benefits of a self-serve workflow
Consultant reports are costly and slow to refresh. A self-serve platform empowers retail development and real estate teams to run scenarios directly.
Agility - Compare multiple sites quickly.
Cost control - Lower recurring consultant expenses.
Accuracy - Territories reflect refreshed LandScan, WorldPop, and Google Places data.
Transparency - Provide boards and lenders with reproducible evidence.
See Balance Territories for workflows.
Comparing approaches to retail site selection
Different methods bring trade-offs:
Census spreadsheets - Low-cost but outdated and weak for landlord or board review.
Consultant PDFs - Professional, but static and expensive to refresh.
Niche SaaS tools - Often U.S.-only, lacking robust exports or global datasets.
Population Explorer integrates LandScan, WorldPop, and Google Places in one workflow. Outputs can be dropped directly into board decks, financing submissions, or expansion strategies. Boards and lenders require defensible projections, and PopEx exports provide demographic, competitive, and co-tenancy context. Development teams often test ROI scenarios: What if a new anchor is added nearby, or an anchor closes? Internationally, some markets prize pedestrian flows, while others emphasize vehicle corridors. PopEx provides a consistent global baseline, so decision makers can compare apples to apples.
For onboarding, see Start Here.
How retail site selection works in practice
Retail site selection balances demographics, co-tenancy, accessibility, and competitive context. A strong location can anchor a region; a weak one can drain resources. Population Explorer equips development teams with data-driven workflows.
Define or import trade areas - Draw buffers, create isochrones, or upload existing polygons for review.
Layer demand and access - Use LandScan and WorldPop demographics, income, and overlay Google Places POIs to highlight anchors like malls, grocers, and transit hubs.
Export for operations - Generate reports, shapefiles, and ZIP lists for boards, landlords, or financing partners.
Beyond demographics, retail decisions depend on ingress/egress, signage visibility, and co-tenancy. A prime corridor may underperform if parking is inadequate or competing anchors dominate. Many retailers now evaluate omnichannel demand, asking how a site supports e-commerce pickup or last-mile logistics. Co-tenancy with grocers or gyms can boost foot traffic, while poor ingress/egress or limited parking can suppress sales. These subtleties, when layered with demographic data, create a more holistic picture of site quality.
See Start Here and About Our Data.
FAQs every retailer asks
How do I measure demand potential?
Combine LandScan and WorldPop with household income and spending power to size trade areas.
Can I analyze drive-time and walk-time coverage?
Yes. Use Isochrone Maps for accurate travel sheds.
How do I evaluate competition?
Overlay Google Places POIs to identify retailers, anchors, and demand drivers.
What about cannibalization between stores?
Model overlap between trade areas to avoid over-saturation.
How do lease terms and co-tenancy affect decisions?
Map anchors and tenant clusters to support lease negotiations and co-tenancy clauses.
What about franchise disclosure documents (FDDs)?
Exports from PopEx - shapefiles, ZIP lists, reports - provide a defensible basis for disclosure.
How do urban vs suburban sites differ?
Urban markets rely on pedestrian and transit access; suburban on vehicles and parking. PopEx supports both with global coverage.
How do international markets compare?
Different norms apply, but LandScan and WorldPop baselines create a consistent framework worldwide.
How current is the data?
Census tables may lag 5-10 years. PopEx refreshes annually with projections.
How do lease renewals affect long-term viability?
Territories should account for lease renewal timelines and landlord flexibility. PopEx helps teams assess whether long-term demographics support renewal decisions.
What if anchor tenants in a mall change?
Anchor churn can dramatically impact performance. POI overlays show current anchors and competitive shifts, enabling proactive risk management.
How does omnichannel retailing affect site selection?
Sites must now support buy-online-pickup-in-store (BOPIS) and last-mile delivery. Demographic and POI data provide insight into whether trade areas align with these needs.
How do seasonal patterns affect site choice?
Retail performance often spikes around seasonal events or holidays. PopEx baselines help quantify whether the underlying demographics support sustainable year-round trade, beyond temporary peaks.
Can I test co-tenancy scenarios in PopEx?
Yes. By overlaying Google Places POIs, teams can simulate the impact of new anchors, complementary tenants, or competitor exits. This helps validate lease negotiations and co-tenancy clauses.
Why census data can distort retail site decisions
Census-based datasets may miss new malls, suburban growth, or urban infill, creating blind spots for retailers. Using dated counts risks misplacing investments or overestimating mature markets.
Population Explorer improves accuracy with annual LandScan and WorldPop updates and Google Places POIs. This combination reflects present-day demand and commercial patterns. For more, see Census vs LandScan vs WorldPop.
Benefits of a self-serve workflow
Consultant reports are costly and slow to refresh. A self-serve platform empowers retail development and real estate teams to run scenarios directly.
Agility - Compare multiple sites quickly.
Cost control - Lower recurring consultant expenses.
Accuracy - Territories reflect refreshed LandScan, WorldPop, and Google Places data.
Transparency - Provide boards and lenders with reproducible evidence.
See Balance Territories for workflows.
Comparing approaches to retail site selection
Different methods bring trade-offs:
Census spreadsheets - Low-cost but outdated and weak for landlord or board review.
Consultant PDFs - Professional, but static and expensive to refresh.
Niche SaaS tools - Often U.S.-only, lacking robust exports or global datasets.
Population Explorer integrates LandScan, WorldPop, and Google Places in one workflow. Outputs can be dropped directly into board decks, financing submissions, or expansion strategies. Boards and lenders require defensible projections, and PopEx exports provide demographic, competitive, and co-tenancy context. Development teams often test ROI scenarios: What if a new anchor is added nearby, or an anchor closes? Internationally, some markets prize pedestrian flows, while others emphasize vehicle corridors. PopEx provides a consistent global baseline, so decision makers can compare apples to apples.
For onboarding, see Start Here.
How retail site selection works in practice
Retail site selection balances demographics, co-tenancy, accessibility, and competitive context. A strong location can anchor a region; a weak one can drain resources. Population Explorer equips development teams with data-driven workflows.
Define or import trade areas - Draw buffers, create isochrones, or upload existing polygons for review.
Layer demand and access - Use LandScan and WorldPop demographics, income, and overlay Google Places POIs to highlight anchors like malls, grocers, and transit hubs.
Export for operations - Generate reports, shapefiles, and ZIP lists for boards, landlords, or financing partners.
Beyond demographics, retail decisions depend on ingress/egress, signage visibility, and co-tenancy. A prime corridor may underperform if parking is inadequate or competing anchors dominate. Many retailers now evaluate omnichannel demand, asking how a site supports e-commerce pickup or last-mile logistics. Co-tenancy with grocers or gyms can boost foot traffic, while poor ingress/egress or limited parking can suppress sales. These subtleties, when layered with demographic data, create a more holistic picture of site quality.
See Start Here and About Our Data.
FAQs every retailer asks
How do I measure demand potential?
Combine LandScan and WorldPop with household income and spending power to size trade areas.
Can I analyze drive-time and walk-time coverage?
Yes. Use Isochrone Maps for accurate travel sheds.
How do I evaluate competition?
Overlay Google Places POIs to identify retailers, anchors, and demand drivers.
What about cannibalization between stores?
Model overlap between trade areas to avoid over-saturation.
How do lease terms and co-tenancy affect decisions?
Map anchors and tenant clusters to support lease negotiations and co-tenancy clauses.
What about franchise disclosure documents (FDDs)?
Exports from PopEx - shapefiles, ZIP lists, reports - provide a defensible basis for disclosure.
How do urban vs suburban sites differ?
Urban markets rely on pedestrian and transit access; suburban on vehicles and parking. PopEx supports both with global coverage.
How do international markets compare?
Different norms apply, but LandScan and WorldPop baselines create a consistent framework worldwide.
How current is the data?
Census tables may lag 5-10 years. PopEx refreshes annually with projections.
How do lease renewals affect long-term viability?
Territories should account for lease renewal timelines and landlord flexibility. PopEx helps teams assess whether long-term demographics support renewal decisions.
What if anchor tenants in a mall change?
Anchor churn can dramatically impact performance. POI overlays show current anchors and competitive shifts, enabling proactive risk management.
How does omnichannel retailing affect site selection?
Sites must now support buy-online-pickup-in-store (BOPIS) and last-mile delivery. Demographic and POI data provide insight into whether trade areas align with these needs.
How do seasonal patterns affect site choice?
Retail performance often spikes around seasonal events or holidays. PopEx baselines help quantify whether the underlying demographics support sustainable year-round trade, beyond temporary peaks.
Can I test co-tenancy scenarios in PopEx?
Yes. By overlaying Google Places POIs, teams can simulate the impact of new anchors, complementary tenants, or competitor exits. This helps validate lease negotiations and co-tenancy clauses.
Why census data can distort retail site decisions
Census-based datasets may miss new malls, suburban growth, or urban infill, creating blind spots for retailers. Using dated counts risks misplacing investments or overestimating mature markets.
Population Explorer improves accuracy with annual LandScan and WorldPop updates and Google Places POIs. This combination reflects present-day demand and commercial patterns. For more, see Census vs LandScan vs WorldPop.
Benefits of a self-serve workflow
Consultant reports are costly and slow to refresh. A self-serve platform empowers retail development and real estate teams to run scenarios directly.
Agility - Compare multiple sites quickly.
Cost control - Lower recurring consultant expenses.
Accuracy - Territories reflect refreshed LandScan, WorldPop, and Google Places data.
Transparency - Provide boards and lenders with reproducible evidence.
See Balance Territories for workflows.
Comparing approaches to retail site selection
Different methods bring trade-offs:
Census spreadsheets - Low-cost but outdated and weak for landlord or board review.
Consultant PDFs - Professional, but static and expensive to refresh.
Niche SaaS tools - Often U.S.-only, lacking robust exports or global datasets.
Population Explorer integrates LandScan, WorldPop, and Google Places in one workflow. Outputs can be dropped directly into board decks, financing submissions, or expansion strategies. Boards and lenders require defensible projections, and PopEx exports provide demographic, competitive, and co-tenancy context. Development teams often test ROI scenarios: What if a new anchor is added nearby, or an anchor closes? Internationally, some markets prize pedestrian flows, while others emphasize vehicle corridors. PopEx provides a consistent global baseline, so decision makers can compare apples to apples.
For onboarding, see Start Here.
Unlock high-performing territories with data-driven insights.
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© 2025 Population Explorer. All rights reserved.
Legal Notice
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Privacy
I'm a candidate
Unlock high-performing territories with data-driven insights.
By subscribe to you agree with our Privacy policy
© 2025 Population Explorer. All rights reserved.
Legal Notice
Terms Corporate
Privacy
I'm a candidate
Unlock high-performing territories with data-driven insights.
By subscribe to you agree with our Privacy policy
© 2025 Population Explorer. All rights reserved.
Legal Notice
Terms Corporate
Privacy
I'm a candidate