Comparative Metrics & Trends Since Open

The Comparative Metrics & Trends Since Open Dashboard is designed to compare the sales performance of multiple locations, based on the "weeks since open".  In other words, you are able to select locations and see how each performed during the first 10 (for example) weeks since each location's opening date.  The dashboard includes a table with the opening dates listed along with the earliest and latest week numbers & transactions that are considered in the metrics. You may want to check the details of this table to be sure the data you are reviewing is as expected.

You will find a reference list of your locations with open date and square footage at the bottom of the dashboard.  This list will not respond to the dashboard filters - it is for your reference to assist in your analysis.

It is important to note that the data considered begins with the date on the heading panel of the dashboard, under Earliest Transaction Date.  This means that your trends and filtered data will start with the transactions on this date.

You will see a link to this document in the top of the dashboard, under the heading Dashboard Help. 

The "week number since store open" is based on the store opening date - any transactions posted before the opening date (as can happen with test transactions or a store acquisition, for example) will result in a negative "week number" associated with those transactions.  You could for example have a store opening date of 1/1/2019 and test transactions posted on 12/27/2018 - these December transactions will appear as week number = -1.

KPIs

At the top of the dashboard are KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) that show for the selected locations: average sales per s.f., average transaction, average unit value and average gross margin $ and %. Use these as a gauge as you work through the dashboard and review the specific metrics for each location and week number. Also take these into consideration in your budget expectations for new locations as well as operational or physical adjustments to current locations.

This dashboard is best used for a small select group of locations. Use the filters to the right of the dashboard to select the "week numbers" that you want to review; again these are based on the opening date per location. You can choose your locations by name, by a range of open dates, or by the square footage of the locations.  You may for example want to see the first few week's performance of locations with a specific square footage - you can do this by filtering to a minimum and / or maximum square footage.  You may want to review the performance of locations that are similar in size to a new or planned location, for budgeting expectations.  You may want to review the performance of similar geographic locations, for goal setting. Understanding any special promotions, marketing efforts or operational changes during the time period can help you determine the success of the initiatives.

Graphics

You will see a series of bar charts that compares key metrics for the locations and weeks as filtered. Start here to understand where your expectations were met, or missed, and let it guide you to even more specific metrics in the the graphics and data below. 

Next you will see a metrics table for the locations as filtered on the dashboard. You  will want to take a quick look at the dates & weeks listed here to be sure you understand the data being compared. The KPIs are listed by location so you can compare your selected locations.

The next section allows you to move between the performance metrics and see each location represented by a line chart. You can see at a glance which locations are performing similar to others, and which ones are outside the norms. This graphic allows you to see patterns as well as performance, so where a location might have a higher or lower performance in the absolute metrics, it could be following a similar trajectory or see similar ebbs & flows by week.

The data table at the bottom of the dashboard will give you numeric values that are represented in the graphics.  The table can be exported to work with the data outside the dashboard. Do this by clicking on the 3 dots at the top right corner of the widget, choose Download and export an image or file.  The recommended file type for a spreadsheet is CSV.