GIS in Indian Retail Industry-A Strategic Tool

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is increasingly becoming more important in the business world due to its applicability in various areas. In today’s highly competitive retail environment, it is becoming ever more important for retailers to monitor their trade areas, assess the impact of competition, and choose new store locations strategically. GIS with its capability to manage, display, and analyze business information spatially, is emerging as a powerful location intelligence tool. The focus of this paper is on the use of GIS by retailers in their retail location decisions. Despite its numerous benefits, usage of GIS in retail in India is in nascent stage. There has been a slow diffusion of awareness and acceptance of its benefits. Therefore, in this paper attempt is made to outlines the benefits and difficulties to the effective use of GIS as a strategic tool in retail industry in India.