A local store located in downtown Houston has been in the business of selling sports equipment for several years. They sell a wide variety of products, helping them spread their sales throughout the year and minimizing the seasonality effect. For instance, their best-selling product category in October is ski boots, but as the weather gets warmer, their sales shift toward hiking boots and camping tents. This store also sells online, accounting for about 35% of their total revenue. There are several local competitors within 20 miles. The sports equipment market is expanding, but the store manager believes the store performance has declined over the past few quarters. The store's manager has reached out to you for help, and you agreed to conduct market research for this store. There is a problem, and something must be done!

1- What questions do you ask the manager to clarify the problem?

2- Besides speaking with the store's manager, what other actions do you take to understand the business problem?