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

 

Bookmark and Share

Professor Wilhelm Vershoven

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: