Estimating Store Brand Shelf Space: A New Framework Using Neural Networks and Partial Least Squares

Abstract

Despite abundant research that examines the effects of store brands on retail decision making, little attention has been paid to the predictive model of store brand shelf space. This paper intends to fill this research gap by proposing and testing a theoretical model of store brand shelf space. From the literature review, 11 independent variables were identified (i.e. store format, reputation, brand assortment, depth of assortment, in-store promotions, leading national brands’ rivalry, retailers’ rivalry, manufacturers’ concentration, store brand market share, advertising, and innovation) and analysed as potential predictors of the dependent variable (i.e. store brand shelf space). Data were collected for 29 product categories in 55 retail stores. In designing the statistical treatment, a three-phase procedure was adopted: (1) interdependence analysis via principal component analysis; (2) dependence analysis via neural network simulation; and (3) structural equation modelling via partial least squares. The findings corroborate our proposed model, in that all hypothesised relationships and directions are supported. On this basis, we draw theoretical as well as managerial implications. In closing, we acknowledge the limitations of this study and suggest future research directions.