NRI conducts research into distribution, finance and other industrial sectors, consumer trend surveys and forecasts and publishes its findings widely in society. Information related to distribution, finance and electronic money has been utilized in store management at Seven & I Holdings, its e-money "nanaco," point service system, and supporting of Seven Bank systems.

NRI offers total support from research and proposals on business development to company startup assistance, systems development, and management of service operation. NRI supported in Seven & i Holdings' "IY Card" business in achieving a swift startup for the credit card business and later in stable service operation.

NRI has been conducting its "Questionnaire Survey of 10, 000 Consumers" on a regular basis since 1997 in order to identify consumer perception of values and consumer behavior in Japan. The findings and forecasts of consumer needs based on the data have been used in NRI's navigation of business strategy and store management planning at Seven & i Holdings.

Seven-Eleven operate s stores in countries such as China, South Korea, Thailand, and the US, as well as in Taiwan. In order to support the company's retail store operations in other countries, NRI engages in business strategy navigation founded on local consumer needs and provides solutions such as systems development and the management necessary for store operations.