Mkt research Q plus finding the right retailers

[ReaderScars]

In order to carry out some market research I was thinking of contacting a number of a specific type of retailer who stock luxury/designer homeware products.

My intention is to leave a sample product with them in order to evaluate interest and hopefully generate an email list of potential customers as well as a list of retailers.

So my questions are, is this a sound approach, and is there a directory of the type of retailer I'm looking for?

[RanchoGrande]

ReaderScars said:

In order to carry out some market research I was thinking of contacting a number of a specific type of retailer who stock luxury/designer homeware products.

My intention is to leave a sample product with them in order to evaluate interest and hopefully generate an email list of potential customers as well as a list of retailers.

So my questions are, is this a sound approach, and is there a directory of the type of retailer I'm looking for?

It's worth a shot, you'll have to give them an incentive to help you out though unless you get particularly friendly with one. I would have thought national chains won't help but you may get lucky with smaller independents.

Would it not be worth creating an online survey and mailing it out to as many people as you know to try and gauge a reaction? Or could you go and take a stand at a trade show?

[ReaderScars]

As far as the trade show approach, I've been advised to sort out a registered design first, then create a web presence prior to attending shows.

Just had a chat with someone who's well placed to assist with a strategy so hopefully this will be established and put into action in the very near future.