As consumers become more empowered, the company’s digital research solutions for engaging the market is becoming increasingly relevant to retailers’ day-to-day operations.

Vancouver, April 12, 2010 – Strategic interactive research and technology company Vision Critical is pleased to announce two important promotions within its Retail practice. Janet Lazaris has been named Retail’s Executive Vice President. She’ll also continue her role as Managing Director for the practice. In addition, Dara St. Louis has accepted the position of Senior Vice President.

Since joining Vision Critical in 2006, Lazaris and her team have built an industry-leading practice in the retail sector, known for creative and expansive thinking that effectively aligns research with clients’ real-world information needs.

Lazaris has been helping a diverse mix of brands and businesses to understand their target audiences for more than 20 years. She has a rich knowledge of consumer behavior and attitudes, consumer trends, and the ever-shifting retail environment in both the U.S. and Canada.

“Today’s retailers need a thorough understanding of how their consumers are responding to the changing business environment,” says Lazaris. “Vision Critical has a team of creative thought leaders who can deliver intelligent and forward-thinking answers to these complex questions.”

As consumers become more empowered, strategic market research is becoming increasingly relevant to retailers’ day-to-day operations. Competition is growing and many stores have expanded their offerings into previously uncharted territory. Vision Critical’s Retail practice provides research that supports both tactical decision-making and long-term, strategic planning. The sector-specialized approach enables the team to spot trends, pinpoint consumer motivations and provide actionable results.

Leadership from experts including Lazaris and St. Louis will promote an even deeper understanding of how today’s consumers operate and how to address retailers’ unique challenges. With innovative techniques – including Vision Critical’s industry-leading online research platform, Sparq – the division looks beyond what is happening to show clients the “why” behind customer behavior.