Which type of external data does an analyst at a retailer use?

While the number of store visits is important for assessing customer traffic and sales performance, it is considered internal data rather than external. This data point reflects the retailer's own operations and does not provide insights from outside the organization, which are often necessary for comprehensive market analysis.

Similar to the number of store visits, the open hours of peak sales are internal metrics that help retailers manage staffing and inventory during busy periods. This data does not contribute to an understanding of external market conditions or consumer trends, which are essential for an analyst's broader perspective.

Store inventory represents the internal stock management of a retailer and is critical for operational efficiency. However, it does not serve as external data; rather, it provides insight into what the retailer has available for sale, which is not directly related to external market dynamics or consumer behavior.