Research agencies know data. But not commercial insights.

Creative agencies bring ideas. But often miss the commercial or data-driven strategy that makes them work.

Big consultancies master frameworks. But struggle in fast-moving categories like retail and consumer, where speed beats perfection and best practice rarely equals innovation.

RETAIL CUSTOMER ADVISORY

We’re one of the leading boutique retail management consultancies, working across the Asia Pacific and UAE regions.

We work with leading brands, retailers, shopping malls and private equity funds to help them get future ready and solve their most complex strategic problems.

what makes RCA different?

We’re part strategy, part research, part creative - we bring the best of all worlds. The strategic problem solving of a management consultancy, the precision of a research agency and the ideation of an creative agency.

Think strategy meets science meets creativity.

We’re 100% retail obsessed. We live and breathe retail.

WHO ARE WE?

our approach

Real, human and behavioural - we take data and turn it into ideas that sell, not slides that sit.

Real, human and behavioural - we take data and turn it into ideas that sell, not slides that sit.

But we go further, turning data into actionable commercial insights to help clients make better decisions. Every project begins with deep consumer understanding - knowing what questions to ask and how to ask them.

But we go further, turning data into actionable commercial insights to help clients make better decisions. Every project begins with deep consumer understanding - knowing what questions to ask and how to ask them.

But we interpret through a human lens - connecting data with behaviour and numbers with emotion.

But we interpret through a human lens - connecting data with behaviour and numbers with emotion.

Most importantly, we understand how customers use AI (and how they don’t). We don’t talk about AI to seem relevant; we built with it, use it, test, learn and implement. From analytics to automation, we help retailers navigate the AI journey - from fi

Most importantly, we understand how customers use AI (and how they don’t). We don’t talk about AI to seem relevant; we built with it, use it, test, learn and implement. From analytics to automation, we help retailers navigate the AI journey - from first steps to advanced integration - identifying where it adds real value, not just noise. Our approach is grounded in practical application using AI to speed and enhance human insight, not replace it.

But approach creativity with a commercial and strategic edge. We use data and financials to drive creativity, not post-rationalise it. We don’t chase vanity metrics or awards; we chase results linked sales, conversion and brand equity lift. We bring

But approach creativity with a commercial and strategic edge. We use data and financials to drive creativity, not post-rationalise it. We don’t chase vanity metrics or awards; we chase results linked sales, conversion and brand equity lift. We bring creative energy without the ego - collaborative, grounded and easy to work with.

We recognise brands live and breath. They grow, mature and evolve, just like us. We understand that expressing a consistent personality and experience is key to sustained growth. Successful brands become part of a lifestyle, not simply a product. The

We recognise brands live and breath. They grow, mature and evolve, just like us. We understand that expressing a consistent personality and experience is key to sustained growth. Successful brands become part of a lifestyle, not simply a product. They connect people and culture.

But we move faster, think braver and stay closer to the customer. We’re more flexible in our methods, better grounded in experience and focused on what works. We value real-world impact over theory (though we can still design a killer PowerPoint).

But we move faster, think braver and stay closer to the customer. We’re more flexible in our methods, better grounded in experience and focused on what works. We value real-world impact over theory (though we can still design a killer PowerPoint).

We have true lived frontline experience in category and channel. We’ve run P&Ls, managed stores and launched campaigns. We understand nuanced retail categories, channel dynamics and shopper behaviour like nobody else.

We have true lived frontline experience in category and channel. We’ve run P&Ls, managed stores and launched campaigns. We understand nuanced retail categories, channel dynamics and shopper behaviour like nobody else.

We deliver transformation that’s practical, enduring and aligned to what really matters. We make change that sticks and strategy that delivers.

We deliver transformation that’s practical, enduring and aligned to what really matters. We make change that sticks and strategy that delivers.

We’re retail customer advisory

where data meets creativity and insight turns into action

Bold, nimble and entrepreneurial, we see where retail’s heading next - and help brands get there first through ideas that are both imaginative and implementable.

(some of) Our Services

  • Qualitative: Interviews, focus groups, ethnography and in-store observation.

    Quantitative: Large-scale surveys, market sizing, conjoint analysis.

    Segmentation and personas: Psychographic and behavioural.

    Concept, product and pricing validation.

    Customer journey and experience mapping.

  • Growth and go-to-market strategy.

    Business and operating model design.

    Financial and economic modelling.

    Commercial due diligence and M&A advisory.

    Transformation roadmaps and governance.

  • Tenant mix and category strategy.

    Precinct positioning and retail narrative.

    Trade area and catchment analysis.

    Economic feasibility and performance forecasting.

    Retail experience strategy and leasing support.

  • Group and local trend forecasting.

    Category and competitor benchmarking.

    Guided store tours and retail safaris.

    In-store observation and experience audits.

    Cross-industry ideation and inspiration sessions.