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1 – 10 of over 7000The purpose of this paper is to identify the demographic characteristics that influence the choice of retail outlet and the preferred retail outlet used by primary household…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to identify the demographic characteristics that influence the choice of retail outlet and the preferred retail outlet used by primary household shoppers when purchasing roots and tubers (R&Ts).
Design/methodology/approach
The study uses a binary logit model to estimate the probability of being a traditional or modern outlet shopper for R&Ts.
Findings
The traditional retail outlet was the preferred place to purchase R&Ts. Three demographic variables, age, monthly family income and ethnicity, were statistically significant.
Research limitations/implications
The sample size might be considered small with only 232 primary household food shoppers participating.
Originality/value
To date, minimal research on the marketing of R&Ts has been undertaken in Trinidad and Tobago. As such, it is hoped that this study will stimulate others to undertake research in this area.
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Retailers face a multitude of strategic choices, with varying levels ofrisk, profitability and societal impact. Sifting through these optionsis a daunting task. In the literature…
Abstract
Retailers face a multitude of strategic choices, with varying levels of risk, profitability and societal impact. Sifting through these options is a daunting task. In the literature, strategies have been successfully categorized using grids and matrices. Reviews first the strategy matrix approach, especially as applied to retailing; then introduces a topology of strategic choice in retailing which provides a way to assist retailers to think and manage strategically. The topology configures strategies into four directions: internal, horizontal, vertical and migrational. Internal strategies reside at the intraorganizational level and encompass various differentiation and time strategies. Horizontal strategies are expansionary and include choices on outlet numbers, internationalization, mergers and joint ventures. Vertical strategies turn the firm towards its suppliers and include supplier acquisition and improved buyer‐supplier relations. Migrational strategies are extraterritorial and involve radical changes of direction such as changes in outlet size category, location type and outlet type. Recognizing the synergistic interactions within and between the strategic directions is an important aspect of the analysis.
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Millicent Adei Kotey, Faizal Adams, Fred Nimoh, James Osei Mensah, Seth Etuah and Coleman Edwin
To help address the problem of imperfections in the performance of cowpea markets in Ghana, the study sought to understand the costs and benefits associated with different market…
Abstract
Purpose
To help address the problem of imperfections in the performance of cowpea markets in Ghana, the study sought to understand the costs and benefits associated with different market outlets and factors influencing farmers' choice of these outlets.
Design/methodology/approach
A two-stage sampling technique was adopted to collect data from 300 cowpea farmers through purposive sampling of communities and simple random selection at the farmer level in Ejura Sekyedumasi municipality of Ghana. Analytical methods including profitability measures such as gross margin, net margin, return on investment and multinomial logistic (MNL) regression model were used to analyze the data.
Findings
The results showed that production and marketing of cowpea is profitable with farmers who trade in wholesale markets recording the highest gross margin (Gh₵1245.85 (US$227.76)), net margin (Gh₵1029.37 (US$188.18)) and return on investment (ROI) of 63%. Important nonfarm-related factors including household size, farming experience, membership of farmer-based organization and extension contact were found to significantly influence the choice of marketing outlets in the study area. In addition, market attributes such as produce selling price, volume of cowpea sold and post-harvest value addition were also key determinants of cowpea market outlet choices.
Practical implications
The results of the study are vital to agricultural administrators in devising efficient cowpea market systems for smallholder farmers in Ghana. Likewise, the study provides important information to smallholder farmers in the choice of market outlets that maximizes their returns.
Originality/value
Previous studies on marketing of cowpea in Ghana emphasized on direct retail or consumer marketing to maximize farmers' returns. Meanwhile, there are claims to suggest that the sale of cowpea grains in the country are carried out through varied market outlets which come with differing costs and benefits implications for smallholder farmers. Therefore, the present study comprehensively compared associated costs and benefits in all available cowpea market outlets so as to settle the confusion surrounding most profitable and efficient marketing channel for smallholder farmers toward poverty reduction.
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Previous results have indicated that some consumers are lesssatisfied with mundane retail outlets and require more exuberantentertainment. Other consumers, however, do not make…
Abstract
Previous results have indicated that some consumers are less satisfied with mundane retail outlets and require more exuberant entertainment. Other consumers, however, do not make for “fun shoppers” and are not likely to in the future. Concentrates on the two largest groups found in the study: the “new‐type shoppers” and the “traditional shoppers”. They were similar in terms of their sociodemographic characteristics and almost so in their choice criteria for a place to shop. They differed only in their desire for experience and recreation while shopping. Examines their psychographic characteristics, behavioural tendencies and actual behaviour patterns in order to deepen the picture of those two groups. Discusses retailers′ activities concerning the personality and image of their outlets in the context of image congruence between a consumer and a retailer outlet.
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Faizal Adams, Camillus Abawiera Wongnaa and Edwin Coleman
The study analyzed the profitability of tomato farmers and determinants of farmers' choice of marketing outlets (wholesaler or retailer) in Ghana.
Abstract
Purpose
The study analyzed the profitability of tomato farmers and determinants of farmers' choice of marketing outlets (wholesaler or retailer) in Ghana.
Design/methodology/approach
A two-stage sampling technique was used to collect data from 100 tomato farmers in Ghana. Analytical tools which include descriptive statistics, gross margin analysis (GM), profitability ratios and binary logit model were employed.
Findings
Profitability analysis indicates that farmers who supply to wholesalers have gross margin of Gh¢7.86 (US$1.67) per 25 kg crate, while farmers who supply to retailers recorded a major loss of Gh¢5.36 (US$1.14) per 25 kg crate. The result suggests that farmers selling to wholesalers are better off than farmers supplying to retailers. The binary logit regression analysis reveals a positive relationship between farmers' choice of marketing outlet (wholesaling) and age of respondents, quantity of tomato sold and cost of labor for production. A negative relationship also existed between farmers' choice of marketing outlet and weighted average selling price and household size.
Research limitations/implications
The results call for policy efforts to provide an enabling environment for more extension education and establishment of farmer associations to make marketing information for price development among farmers available.
Originality/value
The choice of marketing outlet greatly influences profitability of tomato production. This study examines the performance of the various tomato marketing outlets in Ghana.
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Ian Clarke, Alan Hallsworth, Peter Jackson, Ronan de Kervenoael, Rossana Perez‐del‐Aguila and Malcolm Kirkup
The “food deserts” debate can be enriched by setting the particular circumstances of food deserts – areas of very limited consumer choice – within a wider context of changing…
Abstract
The “food deserts” debate can be enriched by setting the particular circumstances of food deserts – areas of very limited consumer choice – within a wider context of changing retail provision in other areas. This paper’s combined focus on retail competition and consumer choice shifts the emphasis from changing patterns of retail provision towards a more qualitative understanding of how “choice” is actually experienced by consumers at the local level “on the ground”. This argument has critical implications for current policy debates where the emphasis on monopolies and mergers at the national level needs to be brought together with the planning and regulation of retail provision at the local, neighbourhood level.
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Richard Kwasi Bannor, Bismark Amfo, Helena Oppong-Kyeremeh and Samuel Kwabena Chaa Kyire
This paper aims to assess the choice of supermarkets for purchasing fresh agricultural products among urban consumers in Ghana.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to assess the choice of supermarkets for purchasing fresh agricultural products among urban consumers in Ghana.
Design/methodology/approach
Likert scale was used to investigate reasons for purchasing agricultural products from supermarkets, while heteroskedastic probit was used to estimate the determinants. Beta regression was used to examine the determinants of the proportion of food expenditure on raw/unprocessed agricultural products.
Findings
The principal reasons for purchasing agricultural products from supermarkets are convenience, a guarantee of assorted products, high-quality products and food safety, constant supply of products, conducive shopping environment, excellent customer service and social influence. The probability of purchasing agricultural products from supermarkets is high for consumers who are either males, young, educated, high-income earners or salaried workers. Consumers residing closer to supermarkets have a greater probability of shopping for agricultural products from same. The proportion of food expenditure on unprocessed agricultural products increases with age but decreases with education and distance to local markets.
Originality/value
Few prior studies have investigated supermarket’s surge in developing countries and its connection with consumer food-outlet choice. Unfortunately, little is evident in the extant literature on consumers' choice of supermarkets as purchasing outlets for fresh agricultural products. Hence, this study closes the gap on consumers and fresh agricultural product purchases from supermarkets in Ghana. Results from the study will provide grounding evidence to supermarket owners to adjust their services to meet consumers’ needs and provide relevant information to evolving supermarkets or investors who may venture into the supermarket business on the attributes that influence consumers to use supermarkets as a purchasing outlet.
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This chapter evaluates the proliferation of supermarkets in developing countries using data collected between May 2005 and June 2006 in Citlalicalli, Mexico. Contrary to the…
Abstract
This chapter evaluates the proliferation of supermarkets in developing countries using data collected between May 2005 and June 2006 in Citlalicalli, Mexico. Contrary to the experience of most developed countries, this study revealed that supermarkets and small retailers can coexist by catering to different income groups and product categories. Consumer choices are driven by the desire to reduce transaction costs in terms of time and money. In striking a balance between the two, consumers look for retail outlets that offer them the best value for their money with the least amount of time spent in shopping trips. Location of the store plays a critical role in buying choices that consumers make. In developing countries, generally, only high-income consumers can afford to own cars and choose to buy most products in supermarkets. Consumers without cars buy frequently purchased goods (foods) in small stores and infrequently purchased goods (consumer durables) in supermarkets.
Constantinos D. Theodoridis and Constantinos‐Vasilios Priporas
This paper aims to evaluate the relationship between demographics and the choice of retail outlet in the computer retailing sector in Greece so as to provide a general…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to evaluate the relationship between demographics and the choice of retail outlet in the computer retailing sector in Greece so as to provide a general understanding of what criteria home computer users' use in selecting a retail outlet.
Design/methodology/approach
A convenience sample of 600 consumers was employed. The respondents had purchased a computer or a peripheral device at most four weeks prior to the interview. The data was collected through personal interviews. Also, a pilot test for content and face validity was conducted. Descriptive statistics, as well regression and factor analysis, were performed to evaluate the data.
Findings
Demographics have a strong predicting power over store choice in the computer retailing sector in Greece. Retail location, which is traditionally considered among the most important store choice determinants, is not that strong in the case of the purchase of computers and peripherals.
Research limitations/implications
In order to generalise from the current findings a stratified sample in terms of demographics and geographical coverage could be used and examined. In addition, the influence of e‐purchases should be considered.
Practical implications
Competition in retailing relies on an understanding of consumer behaviour. The results are partially consistent with the findings of previous studies in other retailing sectors and also suggest retailing strategy implication for retailers operating in Greece.
Originality/value
The paper is unique because it analyses store selection criteria in computer retailing, a field where very few similar research studies exist.
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Richard R. Brand and J. Joseph Cronin
Examines the relationship between consumer‐specific constructs and the size of consumer retail choice sets for four different types of retailers: convenience/quick‐stop stores…
Abstract
Examines the relationship between consumer‐specific constructs and the size of consumer retail choice sets for four different types of retailers: convenience/quick‐stop stores, fast‐food outlets, health clubs and medical services. Includes in the analysis consumer experience, product class importance, brand‐decision importance, perceived risk, brand loyalty and demographics as predictors of the size of awareness, consideration/evoked and reconsideration set sizes. Finds that when comparing physical goods as opposed to service providers, the size of retail choice sets differs significantly and that consumer experience and reseller loyalty are important predictors of choice set size. Indicates that the size of a consumer’s choice set decreases as a retailer’s product offerings move along the continuum from pure physical goods to pure services. Identifies and discusses managerial and research implications of the results.
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