Where they started
BAM was ready to accelerate expansion, but their real estate team lacked the data science capability to evaluate markets at scale. They didn't need another software tool. They needed a team that understood their brand, their data, and their growth strategy. And tripling the opening pace couldn't come at the cost of site quality.
What they did, step by step
Step 1
Discovery
Mapped BAM's store performance data to identify which markets and demographic profiles drive revenue
Step 2
Labs forecast
A glass box model built on BAM's actual sales data. The team sees exactly how every variable contributes, with no black box and no mystery
Step 3
Direct data science team access
Weekly calls with the data scientists building the model. Not a support ticket. The same team, every week
Step 4
Quarterly model refreshes
New data, new findings and a new discussion every quarter. Not a static annual deliverable
Before and after
Three times the stores, and better stores. BAM tripled its opening pace without adding headcount, and the locations it opened sold 14.1% more per square foot than the prior year's. Their CFO put the return on the engagement at 8.9x.
619
New stores a year, 2024 to 2025, with the same headcount.
14.1%
Higher sales per square foot in new stores than the year before.
3,000+
Sites evaluated a year, up from 5 to 10 a week by hand.
25 hrs
Back every week, per analyst.
“What sets GrowthFactor apart is they're in the trenches with us every week. Our GrowthFactor team knows our brand, our markets, and our strategy. It's like adding a senior member to the real estate team without the headcount.”
More stores, more stories
927
Cavender’s opened 27 new stores in 2025, up from 9. Every one on target or better.
153
TNT Fireworks opened 153 locations in six months. Every one on time.
28
Lil Sweet Treat went from 2 locations to 8 in a year. Two founders, no analysts.
5
Prime locations Books-A-Million won at auction, from about 700 sites analyzed in 72 hours.
Bring the site you’re weighing
Live in a daySOC 2 compliantMIT Sloan Most Disruptive MBA Startup, 2025