GfK Retail and Technology History
Service Development
1970 GfK retail panel launched in Germany
1980's The retail panel goes international
1997 Launch of the ENCODEX (now etilize) international product
catalogue
2004 Worldwide launch of the StarTrack reporting platform
2007 Retail Analytics - performance monitoring at store level
GfK Retail and Technology Market Expansion
1970 Photo: e.g. Cameras, Lenses, Accessories
1971 Do It Yourself: e.g. Power Tools, Adhesives
1971 Household Equipment: e.g. Batteries, Furniture, Lamps
1972 Automotive Aftermarket: e.g. Tyres, Brake Pads
1973 Consumer Electronics: e.g. Televisions, MP3/4 Players
1976 Domestic Appliances: e.g. Toasters, Fridges
1983 Office Equipment: e.g. Printers, Ink Cartridges
1983 Telecommunication: e.g. Mobile Phones, Fax Machines
1983 Information Technology: e.g. PCs, Monitors
1983 Stationery: e.g. Paper, Labels, Writing Instruments
1990 Optics: e.g. Contact Lenses, Glasses, Cleaning Agents
1998 Software and Video Games
2002 Media: e.g. Books, DVDs
2004 Tourism: e.g. Destinations, Tour Operators, Car Rental
2007 Fashion: e.g. Watches, Clothing, Luggage, Accessories
2007 Mobile Content: e.g. Games, Ringtones
Professor Wilhelm Vershoven
GfK's founding father, Professor Wilhelm Vershofen, formulated the business idea of GfK in 1934.Today this idea still represents the quintessential cornerstone on which the success of the market research company is based and that is: "Let the voice of the consumer be heard".
Find out more about the history of the GfK Group and Professor Vershofen: