Who is Chain Store Guide?

For more than 80 years, Chain Store Guide (CSG) has been the leading provider of comprehensive and definitive retail and restaurant intelligence to businesses around the world. The effort, commitment and dedication to quality demonstrated by the founders of Chain Store Guide have served as the model for continued excellence.

As retail channels and industries developed, Chain Store Guide was there to define the markets. Today, Chain Store Guide continues to be a primary source of information that business professionals rely on for timely and accurate data on the evolving retail and foodservice industries.

How is Chain Store Guide data different from other sources?

Chain Store Guide conducts primary research through its in-house staff of dedicated editors and call center professionals. Every company listed in the database is contacted by phone, fax, mail or email to verify the information and ensure its completeness and accuracy. CSG’ s editorially defined universe of retail and foodservice operators consists of independents and chain operators that have been thoroughly researched and validated to meet strict criteria for inclusion.

How does Chain Store Guide collect personal email addresses?

Chain Store Guide independently researches every company.  Each company voluntarily gave us email addresses during the regular Chain Store Guide research process.  It is your responsibility (the customer) to provide an opt-out for any emails sent to these email addresses. 

How often is your information updated?

Chain Store Guide’s in-house research staff updates companies on a daily basis to ensure that our information remains current and accurate.

Who uses Chain Store Guide data?

Chain Store Guide data is used by manufacturers, suppliers, service providers, brokers, real estate professionals, retailers, analysts, consultants and virtually anyone seeking to do business with or gain insight into any retail or foodservice market in the U.S. and Canada.

Do you have data on individual store locations?

Yes! CSG’s retail locations database contains more than 600,000 store units operated by leading chain and independent companies across all major retail and foodservice segments. Please call us at 1-800-778-9795 to inquire about our Store Location Databases.  We also include attributes such as average weekly sales, square footage, and specialty departments for all locations.

What type of data does Chain Store Guide collect?

Chain Store Guide collects basic headquarter information and key personnel for all retailers and restaurants.  In addition, more than 100 data elements are collected by Chain Store Guide.  For a complete list and definitions of data collected, click here.

Into what formats can I export the data?

Users can export into Excel, CSV, Microsoft Outlook, Salesforce, ACT!, Goldmine, Microsoft CRM, SalesLogix, and various other data formats. 

Is CSG data available in alternate formats?

Data contained in the CSG database is available in multiple formats, including directories, online and customized reports. 

Who do I contact if I need assistance or don’t see what I’m looking for?

Support is available Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm Eastern Standard Time. Feel free to contact us via email or phone at 800-252-9785. We can customize the data for you if you do not see exactly what you are looking for.

Do you provide custom research services?

In addition to our core information-based products, CSG provides business-to-business custom research services. If your business requires custom or original research, CSG provides quantitative and qualitative research services including questionnaire design, phone and email data collection, fieldwork, tabulation and analysis.

Leveraging the experience of our in-house staff of research editors and call center professionals, we can perform custom data collection that goes beyond what is contained in our traditional products. While the research costs vary depending upon the nature of the custom assignment, we have proven that CSG can be cost competitive compared to other firms that you may be using. Call 1-800-778-9794 for more information.