Retail is an ever-evolving industry, especially in a world where new technological developments like e-commerce, social media and a plethora of mobile devices are changing the way traditional brick-and-mortar stores operate. Keeping up with the latest consumer trends and marketing strategies can be a job by itself, so it helps that the latest expert research and analysis is available at retailers' fingertips through Twitter.

But who should you follow?

To help you answer that question, we've compiled a list of 10 of the best retail analysts and research firms worth following on Twitter. 

1. SAHIR ANAND
On Twitter: @sahiranand

A former general manager with Staples, Inc., Sahir Anand is Aberdeen Group’s retail research director. His work focuses on the use and adoption of technologies and processes in the retail environment, and he specializes in store and headquarter retail and merchant processes. Additionally, Anand is the VP of Corporate Marketing & Strategy for TraceOne, a global solutions firm for the private label and branded goods industry.

Trace One and Planet Retail Private Label New Product Development Free Webcast:planetretail.net/Presentations/…@traceone

— Sahir Anand (@sahiranand) April 23, 2013

2. JERRY SHELDON
On Twitter: @jerrysheldon

Jerry Sheldon is a “Former Rocket Scientist turned Retail Analyst” with IHL Group. He has been featured in mobile commerce discussions on Fox News Live and Fox Business. He has 18 years of business experience in engineering and management, and has researched and authored numerous analyst reports in the field of retail technology.

Like the approach & add. Kudos as @jcpenney Releases Apology. Really hope shoppers respond onforb.es/10VWcnl

— Jerry Sheldon (@jerrysheldon) May 1, 2013

3. DIONCO INC.
On Twitter: @Dionco

Based in Chicago, Dionco is a retail training and consultancy firm founded by best-selling author, speaker, trainer and consultant James Dion. The firm primarily focuses on keynote speeches, seminars and workshops, and also provides corporate and individual consulting and training in areas including retail selling skills, store operations, and retail technology. The firm’s Twitter feed is a great resource for insight on the latest consumer and retail trends, retail technology and more.

James Dion: Consumer & Retail Trends For 2013 And The Future (Excerpt): youtu.be/iHDLT73Ov94?a via @youtube

— Dionco Inc.(@Dionco) April 25, 2013

4. GREGORY GIRARD
On Twitter: @gregorydgirard

Gregory Girard is IDC Retail Insights’ program director of merchandise strategies and is responsible for setting the firm’s perspective on how retailers should utilize information technology for merchandising. He previously launched and led the AMR Research Retail Advisory Service, and he was the first analyst to cover several technologies that are now retail mainstays. Though he doesn’t Tweet every day, his posts range from retail policy news and opinion to information on what tech various retailers are utilizing.

@jswartz Online sales tax must b national. Too complicated if not; untenable; inevitable. ggirard(at)idc.com

— Greg Girard (@gregorydgirard) May 6, 2013

5. NIKKI BAIRD
On Twitter: @nikkibaird

Having been quoted by The Economist, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today and NPR, RSR Research analyst Nikki Baird is among the best-known analysts covering retail. She is a former retailer, software provider and consultant, and her work is focused on consumer-retailer relationship trends and how they impact marketing and the supply chain. With a high frequency of Tweets sharing information on everything from retail’s use of social media and e-commerce to the JC Penney debacle and the issue of showrooming, Baird is a must-follow.

Urban Outfitters' E-Commerce Paradox: Higher Prices Online | @scoopit sco.lt/4p2xzl

— Nikki Baird (@nikkibaird) May 31, 2013

6. ZIA DANIELL WIGDER
On Twitter: @zdwigder

Zia Daniell Wigder is a vice president and research director at Forrester specializing in global e-commerce issues. Her work with e-business and channel strategy professionals focuses specifically on brands and retailers. She previously worked as a consultant at Lochridge & Company before joining JupiterResearch, which Forrester later acquired, in 1998. Another frequent Tweeter, Wigder’s recent posts have included global online payment insights, Coke’s new online home delivery service in India and other ecommerce trends.

Coke starts online home delivery in India w/ a minimum order ~$5 bit.ly/16uTh7e via @schatznrf

— Zia Daniell Wigder (@zdwigder) May 31, 2013

7. LINDSEY COLELLA
On Twitter: @lindseycolella

Also from Forrester is retail analyst and quantitative research expert Lindsey Colella. She previously spent four years managing private online communities across several industries at Communispace Corporation. Her Tweets reflect her focus in applying consumer insights to brand strategy, as well as her passion for fitness.

If you want good research results, the respondent experience matters! @angry_mr_client greenbookblog.org/2013/01/28/10-…

— Lindsey Colella (@lindseycolella) February 6, 2013

8. MAUREEN HINTON
On Twitter: @maureen_verdict

As director of research and analysis at London’s Verdict Research, Maureen Hinton manages the firm’s team of retail analysts and is in charge of its publications and content. Frequently featured as a commentator in the media and at conferences, she previously worked in clothing retail on the buying and supply side, and has also worked on several consulting projects. This experience often shows on her Twitter feed, especially when she’s commenting on a store’s presentation.

Interesting to see Top 5 most read mags are all from retailers (all free) #ASDA No1 with10m+ readers bit.ly/15dHZ37

— Maureen Hinton (@maureen_verdict) May 30, 2013

9. LARRY FREED
On Twitter: @larryfreed

ForeSee President and CEO Larry Freed describes himself as a “customer experience analytics enthusiast.” He founded ForeSee in 2001 and has 20 years of experience in senior management and directing e-commerce and technology initiatives. Media that have quoted him include CNN, The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post. Though not daily, his Tweets and re-Tweets deliver a variety of customer experience information several times a week.

#Mobile Customer Experience Measurement+Mobile SessionReplay=incredible insights & competitive advantrageforeseeblog.com/2013/05/14/whe… #CEM #CX

— Larry Freed (@larryfreed) May 20, 2013

10. RESEARCHFARM
On Twitter: @ResearchFarm

ResearchFarm is a “boutique consultancy” firm offering strategic research and analysis for the retail and consumer packaged goods industry. The London-based firm was founded in 2008, but has offices throughout Europe. Media outlets including Bloomberg, Integrated Retailer and Financial Post have quoted their work, and recent research includes Amazon’s grocery solutions, IKEA’s growth and the future of convenience stores.

Grocery is where #Amazon ’s future growth will come from, have a look at our new report, released yesterday! researchfarm.co.uk/?p=1165

— ResearchFarm (@ResearchFarm) May 22, 2013

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