We test the advice.
New parents ask more questions than almost any other shopper. They remember every answer. SMRC tests how baby stores, kidswear brands and nurseries handle those questions, in store, online and on the phone, with shoppers who are parents themselves.
Mother and baby mystery shopping is an independent test of how baby stores, kidswear brands and nurseries treat parents. Shoppers who match real parents ask for advice, compare products, order online and enquire about places, then score the experience against the brand's standards.
Parents choose the store, brand or nursery they trust. Clear, patient and accurate advice, especially on safety, is what earns that trust.
Welcome, patience and whether staff ask about the baby's age and the family's needs before recommending.
Scored: careCar seats, prams, cots and feeding: clear, consistent advice and safety points explained.
Scored: expertiseRegistry and gift lists, honest recommendations and no pressure on worried first-time parents.
Scored: trustOnline orders, delivery slots and assembly of larger items, on time and complete.
Scored: promise keptSize exchanges, returns of unused items and how the policy is explained.
Scored: loyaltyA parent who gets the wrong car seat advice does not come back. A parent who gets the right advice tells every friend.
Prams, car seats, cots, feeding and the advice that sells them.
Sizing advice, fitting, school-season stock and exchanges.
Enquiries, tours, information on fees and policies and follow-up.
Advice on baby care products and formula, given clearly and consistently.
Product information, delivery, assembly and returns.
Age guidance, gift help and seasonal service.
Family categories need extra care. These rules apply to every programme.
Shoppers are adults. Children are never part of a visit. Nothing involving a child is photographed or recorded.
Expecting parents, mothers of toddlers, fathers and grandparents, matched to each brief.
Receipts, screenshots, product and display photos and timed notes.
Results are reported by store and standard, so teams can be trained on the advice that matters most.
Tell SMRC your stores, brands or nurseries. We will match parent shoppers and show you where advice and service build trust.
Plan a programme →