Get it right
before it hits the shelves

VST builds virtual stores using real planogram data, so you can test layouts, launches, and range changes with real shoppers, and see what actually works before you commit.
Trusted by leading global brands
Solution

Proven to power category growth

500+ Targeted shoppers per test
Retail-ready results in under a week
96% accuracy vs in-store trials

Define your scenarios

We recreate the shelf using your proposed changes, whether that's signage, assortment, product launches, or price.

Run the test

Shoppers are pre-screened before entering the virtual environment, where they complete a shopping task, a findability exercise, and follow-up questions.

See the results

We compare performance vs. control, highlight key behaviour changes, and show what moves the needle.
Testimonials

What our CPGs say

"A game changer for our category presentations"
VST has been a game changer for our category presentations. They took our hypothesis, rigorously tested it, and turned it into an actionable insight that is being leveraged by some of our largest retail partners. Asking for category set modification is never easy but having these trial results has made for a consultative, value-adding presentation that our collective sales teams have made great use of
Andrew Meissner
Chief Marketing Officer, American Single Malt
FAQ

All you need to know

What tests can we run?

You can test anything that changes how shoppers interact with the shelf: product placement, facings, signage, pack changes, pricing, range edits, and new product launches. The virtual store mirrors real shelf layouts using actual planogram data.

Who are the shoppers taking the test?

We source real, category-relevant shoppers from a panel of over 1 million respondents globally. You can target by country, demographics, behaviours, or specific customer groups. Most tests use a few hundred to a few thousand shoppers depending on the brief.

How accurate are the results compared to in-store trials?

VST results are validated against real-world sales performance and consistently predictive of shopper behaviour. Virtual tests deliver faster, cheaper, and more scalable insights than in-store pilots that can take months, with typical uplifts of +5–8% when used to optimise execution.

How long does a shelf test take from brief to results?

Most tests are turned around within a week, depending on the complexity of the setup and targeting. You'll get a full debrief on performance, shopper behaviour, and recommendations - ready to share with retailers or internal teams.

Ready to see how shoppers respond at-shelf?

Test shelf changes with real shoppers in a virtual environment, before anything hits store.