Skillsmart Retail has offered a third option to accompany the government and Conservative planning reform proposals released last week.
The Sector Skills Council for Retail said that its Location Model scheme provides retailers, town centre managers and other stakeholders with a series of recommendations to help improve the trading performance of independent retailers.
It says: "The scheme, which sees deep local analysis of retail needs and provision, could be used by planners, independent stores and large supermarkets to inform decisions on retail developments and ensure thriving towns."
Research manager Ian Wheeler said: "The scheme helps areas to create a distinctive retail environment which combines the best of a vibrant independent sector, alongside good multiple retailers."
The Location Model uses a range of research techniques including consumer profiling, mystery shopping, street interviews, consultation and SWOT analysis.
The process provides a series of recommendations to help improve the trading performance of independent retailers.