Showing papers in "International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management in 2010"
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examine the role of atmospherics in the creation of an hedonic retail experience by comparing the perceived differences between a retail environment attempting to provide an experiential experience and one with a more utilitarian focus.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of atmospherics in the creation of an hedonic retail experience by comparing the perceived differences between a retail environment attempting to provide an hedonic experience and one with a more utilitarian focus.Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative methodology was employed, using protocol analysis and in‐depth semi‐structured interviews that were conducted with ten participants.Findings – The paper highlights several atmospheric cues and their influence on the hedonic retail experience. The first category of cues – attractive stimuli – were those cues that attracted attention, exciting the participant and eliciting approach behaviours. The second category – facilitating stimuli – included those cues that were necessary in order to facilitate product engagement.Originality/value – The paper provides a broad categorisation of atmospheric cues, providing factors that shop designers can be aware of when creating a store with the hedonic exper...
207 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a cross-national application of an extended technology acceptance model (TAM) in online shopping across the USA and China was tested for invariance, and used to investigate the effect of the TAM constructs on online purchase intentions and interrelationships among the constructs across the two samples.
Abstract: – The purpose of this paper is to test the cross‐national application of an extended technology acceptance model (TAM) in online shopping across the USA and China. Specifically, the proposed model is tested for invariance, and used to investigate the effect of the TAM constructs on online purchase intentions and interrelationships among the constructs across the two samples., – A total of 513 usable questionnaires were collected in the USA and China. Measurement and structural invariance of the proposed TAM model were assessed using multi‐group confirmatory factor analysis., – The paper revealed that both perceived usefulness and perceived risk of online shopping have an invariant effect on consumers' online purchase intentions, while prior online shopping experience does not have an invariant effect. Perceived ease of use shows an equivalent, positive effect on perceived usefulness; prior online shopping experience has an equivalent, positive effect on perceived ease of use and an equivalent, negative effect on perceived risks. But prior online shopping experience has a quite different effect on perceived usefulness across the two countries., – The paper not only tests the cross‐national application of the extended TAM, but also extends the TAM's use to examine key factors that influence online shoppers' purchase decision in the retail apparel sector.
178 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the adoption, application and impact of internet technologies, by retailers, for the promotion and sale of merchanidise is discussed. But, it can be seen that many of the original predictions, made at the dawn of the internet era, have not become a reality: retailers are not cannibalising their own custom, virtual merchants are not dominating the marketplace, and t...
Abstract: Purpose – The primary aim of this paper is to critically review the literature that explicitly addresses the adoption, application and impact of internet technologies, by retailers, for the promotion and sale of merchanidise. In particular, this paper seeks to present a holistic and critical review of the early predictions, with regard to the uptake and impact of internet retailing; critically reappraise these claims in light of current trends in internet retailing; and explore where e‐tailing may be heading in the coming years.Design/methodology/approach – The paper adopts an extensive and critical review of the literature, with regard to the adoption, uptake and impact of internet retailing, as published in the academic literature over the past 20 years.Findings – In hindsight, it can be seen that many of the original predictions, made at the dawn of the internet era, have not become a reality: retailers are not cannibalising their own custom, virtual merchants are not dominating the market‐place, and t...
176 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors provide an overview of the logistical transformation of British retailing over the last three decades and discuss likely challenges that face logistics managers in the future, including macro-environment issues such as climate change and recession in addition to improvements in existing in operations with regard to e-fulfilment and implementation of technologies such as RFID.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the logistical transformation of British retailing over the last three decades and to discuss likely challenges that face logistics managers in the future.Design/methodology/approach – Reviews the key works on retail logistics, including the research undertaken by the authors over the last 20 years.Findings – Illustrates how retailers have control of the supply chain in the UK, drawing upon examples from both the grocery and fashion sectors. Challenges for the future include macro‐environment issues such as climate change and recession in addition to improvements in existing in operations with regard to e‐fulfilment and implementation of technologies such as RFID.Originality/value – This paper provides one of the few contributions to appraise the research undertaken on retail logistics in the UK over the last 20‐30 years.
164 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, an interpretive paradigm and inductive methodology made use of participant observation and key informant interviews was used to establish how fast fashion is translated and communicated in the retail store environment.
Abstract: Purpose – The paper aims to establish how fast fashion is translated and communicated in the retail store environment.Design/methodology/approach – An interpretive paradigm and inductive methodology made use of participant observation and key informant interviews.Findings – Whilst efficiencies in the supply chain have facilitated fast fashion's success, centralised control structures have meant that these efficiencies and flexibilities have not been translated into the retail store environment. Marketing communications activity is evident in relation to aspects of fast fashion, for example, through the use of “hero pieces” as identified in this research, however, availability and retail presence must support the fast fashion proposition.Research limitations/implications – The paper has a UK focus where fast fashion is well established, therefore generalisations relating to other fashion markets may not be appropriate.Practical implications – Retailers may have interest in the findings to gain competitive ...
142 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors identify website characteristics that affect customer evaluations and satisfaction with online stores at two interaction points, when the order is placed and after the order has been fulfilled.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify website characteristics that affect customer evaluations and satisfaction with online stores at two interaction points – when the order is placed and after the order has been fulfilled.Design/methodology/approach – Using data collected by bizrate.com, data collected from customers of thousands of online stores, the analysis focuses on the changes in the relationships between website characteristics and customer ratings. Data for two‐time periods, 15 months apart, are used to determine the stability in the observed relationships.Findings – Order fulfillment variables, particularly on‐time delivery, dominate the effects on overall customer evaluations and satisfaction. The statistical significance of other online store attributes, however, changes as differences are observed between 2003 and 2004.Research limitations/implications – The online environment is dynamic and the paper captures some of the changes in the relationships between website attributes an...
140 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigated the factors affecting the adoption of product virtualization technology (PVT) for online shopping small consumer electronics by applying a modified electronic technology acceptance model (e•TAM) and tested model invariance male/female shoppers in the overall adoption process.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors affecting the adoption of product virtualization technology (PVT) for online shopping small consumer electronics by applying a modified electronic technology acceptance model (e‐TAM) and tested model invariance male/female shoppers in the overall adoption process.Design/methodology/approach – Online surveys are completed by a US national panel of online shoppers. The data are analyzed using single‐ and multiple‐group structural equation modelling.Findings – The results provide empirical support for e‐TAM in the context of PVT acceptance for online small consumer electronics shopping. In addition, two external constructs – technology anxiety (TA) and innovativeness (INN) – show significant influences on the beliefs (perceived usefulness, ease‐of‐use and entertainment value). There is no significant gender difference in the overall adoption process of PVT.Research limitations/implications – More specific consumer characteristics such as time‐...
134 citations
TL;DR: A review of the existing research themes in the area of retail branding, and note how these have developed as the conceptualisation of "branding" in retailing has itself evolved is presented in this article.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to present a review of the existing research themes in the area of retail branding, and note how these have developed as the conceptualisation of “branding” in retailing has itself evolved.Design/methodology/approach – This paper reviews existing research themes within retail branding. There is a vast body of academic literature on branding, or aspects of branding in retailing. The initial focus of academic work was upon the product perspective via studies of the store brand. This body of work is summarised under five broad themes – the characteristics of store brand prone consumers and the product attributes which attract consumers; the growth of and motivations for retail brand development; the role of changing channel relationships and behaviours on store brand development; intra‐category brand relationships; and the concept of copycat brands. From this initial, rather narrow, perspective research has evolved, taking on a wider view the brand in retailing which in ...
127 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explore relationships between consumer innovativeness, market mavenism, shopping enjoyment, and beliefs, attitude, and patronage intentions toward pop-up retail.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore relationships between consumer innovativeness, market mavenism, shopping enjoyment, and beliefs, attitude, and patronage intentions toward pop‐up retail.Design/methodology/approach – A survey technique using a national sample of consumers resulted in 869 usable responses. Structural equation modeling is used to test the hypothesized relationships among variables.Findings – Findings show that consumer innovativeness and shopping enjoyment influence beliefs about the importance of hedonic elements of pop‐up retail (novelty/uniqueness factor) and attitude toward pop‐up retail, which affects patronage intentions.Practical implications – Findings provide support for the effectiveness of pop‐up retail, an experiential marketing strategy, at enhancing the appeal of a retail venue to consumers exhibiting higher tendencies in innovativeness and shopping.Originality/value – This paper provides an investigation of consumer psychographic characteristics and their effe...
124 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the interrelationships among grocery store image, travel distance (TD), customer satisfaction, and behavioral intentions (BI) in a college town setting were studied, where surveys were given to undergraduate college student grocery shoppers in a Midwest college town.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to study the interrelationships among grocery store image, travel distance (TD), customer satisfaction, and behavioral intentions (BI) in a college town setting.Design/methodology/approach – Surveys are given to undergraduate college student grocery shoppers in a Midwest college town. The 400 usable questionnaires are randomly divided into two parts: one subsample was used for exploratory factor analysis while the other (larger) subsample was used for confirmatory factor analysis and subsequently the structural path analysis.Findings – Grocery store image is identified as a second‐order construct reflected by the three key components of merchandise attributes (MEA), store ambience and service (SAS), and marketing attractiveness (MGA). Although store image is an important driver of BI, its indirect effect through customer satisfaction is found to be substantially greater than its direct effect on BI. Interestingly, TD is positively related to satisfaction, which highl...
105 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the main factors that explained the shopping motivations among Portuguese consumers and categorize possible groups based on those dimensions were identified, and the results confirmed the results obtained in previous studies carried out in the USA, applying their measure instruments to a sample of young adult Portuguese consumers.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify the main factors that explained the shopping motivations among Portuguese consumers and to categorize possible groups based on those dimensions. The paper also intends to confirm the results obtained in previous studies carried out in the USA, applying their measure instruments to a sample of young adult Portuguese consumers.Design/methodology/approach – The authors performed a quantitative analysis by means of a personal survey using a sample of Portuguese undergraduate students. Principal axis factoring and cluster analysis were carried out to identify main dimensions in shopping motivations and categorize shopper groups.Findings – The paper identifies seven shopping dimensions: “Pleasure and gratification shopping”, “Idea Shopping”, “Social Shopping”, “Role shopping”, “Value Shopping”, “Achievement” and “Efficiency”. Based on these factors, the paper finds five groups of consumers: “Social shopper”, “Dynamic Shopper”, “Pragmatic Shopper”, “Moderate sho...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors analyzed the antecedents of kiosk use intention and found out how perceptions of antecedent factors vary among potential and early adopters, while performance expectancy, effort expectancy, facilitating conditions and social influence impact overall use intention.
Abstract: Purpose – The success of retail service innovations is contingent upon a thorough understanding of the antecedent factors that drive adoption intention. Using the example of a novel kiosk technology, the purpose of this paper is to analyze the antecedents of kiosk use intention and to find out how perceptions of antecedent factors vary among potential and early adopters.Design/methodology/approach – Based on the “Unified theory of acceptance and use of technology” and the technology readiness (TR) concept, the proposed framework identifies several factors underlying adoption intention. The framework is tested on potential and early adopters of a kiosk system recently launched by Taiwan's largest convenience retailer.Findings – Results show that while performance expectancy, effort expectancy, facilitating conditions and social influence impact overall use intention, the perceptions of these antecedents vary significantly between potential versus early users. Further, individual TR does not intervene with ...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors developed and evaluated a reliable and valid scale for the measurement of online retail service quality, specifically in the French context, called E-tail SQ, which is a 15-item scale to measure five key user values (labelled ease of use, information content, fulfilment reliability, security/privacy and post-purchase customer service).
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to design, develop and evaluate a reliable and valid scale for the measurement of online retail service quality, specifically in the French context. Design/methodology/approach - Study 1 derived scale items from the literature by content analysis. Study 2 extracted items from two quantitative data sets, gathered by questionnaire from 172 and 125 online shoppers, by exploratory factor and reliability analyses. Study 3 applied psychometric testing and confirmatory factor analysis to data from a survey of 178 e-shoppers. Findings - The outcome is "E-tail SQ", a 15-item scale to measure five key user values (labelled ease of use, information content, fulfilment reliability, security/privacy and post-purchase customer service). These scale items derived from French data are found to be similar to those identified in previous international studies, except that French e-shoppers place more emphasis than their English-speaking counterparts on internet security and privacy of personal information. Research limitations/implications - The sample profiles place limits on the applicability of the scale across markets and service categories. Further research must be conducted to improve its external validity. Practical implications - "E-tail SQ" can help online retailers in the French marketplace to measure service quality delivered, and thereby to improve it, and may be transferable to other national markets. Originality/value - This new scale for the measurement of service quality in a specific cultural environment offers online retailers a framework within which to manage their web-based relationships with a growing number of online shoppers.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors discuss the importance of supply chain management (SCM) for more than two decades now, but still surprisingly little of this philosophy can be seen in toda...
Abstract: Supply chain management (SCM) has been discussed by researchers as well as business practitioners for more than two decades now, but still surprisingly little of this philosophy can be seen in toda ...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explored business practices and marketing strategies by small retail business owners in Seville (Spain) and Perth (UK) and the role of localisation, using three key themes: place, people and promotion.
Abstract: Purpose – Globalisation as a competitive marketing strategy can only offer a limited explanation for the behaviour of organisations. This is particularly applicable in the case of business and marketing strategies for small and medium‐sized organisations in the retail sector. Terms such as “localisation” have been coined by researchers but the concept is yet to receive a valid interpretation as a marketing strategy from the perspective of the small retailer. This paper seeks first, to understand how “localisation” impacts on the business practices and marketing strategy of small retailers in Spain and Scotland. Second, the results should help lessen the gap between the concepts of globalisation and the localisation.Design/methodology/approach – This explorative, comparative qualitative paper explores business practices and marketing strategies by small retail business owners in Seville (Spain) and Perth (UK) and the role of localisation, using three key themes – place, people and promotion.Findings – This...
TL;DR: Wang et al. as mentioned in this paper investigated Chinese consumers' international outshopping motives from a culture perspective based on Hofstede's four cultural dimensions and found that consumers' perceived expressiveness of using foreign products, perceived reliability of foreign retail service, and perceived enjoyment of shopping abroad have positive and significant impacts on their propensity of shopping in foreign countries.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to investigate Chinese consumers' international outshopping motives from a culture perspective based on Hofstede's four cultural dimensions.Design/methodology/approach – Four international outshopping motives that may affect Chinese consumer's propensity of shopping abroad were empirically investigated based on a sample of 174 Chinese consumers who participated in a mall intercept survey.Findings – The results suggest that Chinese consumers' perceived expressiveness of using foreign products, perceived reliability of foreign retail service, and perceived enjoyment of shopping abroad have positive and significant impacts on their propensity of shopping abroad. In addition, their perceived morality to support domestic industries does not significantly affect their outshopping behavior, although consumer ethnocentrism was regarded as an issue in China.Practical implications – Outshoppers from China are increasingly found in the stores and malls in Western countries. The findings off...
TL;DR: In this article, a survey of Danish and Swedish grocery retailers, electronic stores, car dealers, and furniture stores using self-administered questionnaires was conducted to investigate the state of complaint management across different types of retailers.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is threefold: to examine complaint management among retailers in order to develop a typology of their strategic complaint management system; to develop a profile of each retailer group included in the typology using a set of key relevant variables (e.g. company size, perceived customer dissatisfaction); and to investigate the state of complaint management across different types of retailers.Design/methodology/approach – Data are collected from an online survey of Danish and Swedish grocery retailers, electronic stores, car‐dealers, and furniture stores (n=260) using self‐administered questionnaires.Findings – Cluster analysis identifies two clusters of retailers: non‐active complaint handlers and medium‐active complaint handlers. Medium‐active complaint handlers regard complaint handling as having higher strategic relevance than non‐active complaint handlers and also, medium‐active complaint handlers were more inclined to compensate the complaining customers for the los...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors reflect on the contribution of this journal to the study of retail location assessment and decision-making, and use the results of a questionnaire survey of retailers to assess the employment of location assessment techniques a decade since a similar survey conducted by Hernandez and Bennison.
Abstract: The paper has three objectives: first, to reflect on the contribution of this journal to the study of retail location assessment and decision-making; second, to use the results of a questionnaire survey of retailers to assess the employment of location assessment techniques a decade since a similar survey conducted by Hernandez and Bennison (2000); third, in the light of these results, to conclude what likely challenges the location planning profession will face over the next decade.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined the effects of innovation attributes on post-adoption shopping behaviors to determine whether factors predicting initial adoption will be effective in predicting post adoption, and examined the links between two usage patterns (purchasing experience product versus search product).
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine post‐adoption usage of the internet as a shopping channel. It aims to examine the effects of innovation attributes on post‐adoption shopping behaviours to determine whether factors predicting initial adoption will be effective in predicting post‐adoption. It also aims to examine the links between two usage patterns (purchasing experience product versus search product) and online shopping continuance. The paper also seeks to compare strength of identified links among innovation attributes, online purchase behaviors and online shopping continuance.Design/methodology/approach – An online survey of a national sample of online shoppers identifies online purchase behaviours for search and purchase goods; data are analysed using structural equation modelling to test the proposed model and the hypotheses.Findings – The analysis finds support for the proposed research model and indicates that experience product purchasing has the most salient effect on online shopp...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors assess the use of alignment practices between manufacturers and retailers, focusing on the Italian fashion industry, using case studies of fashion retailers in Italy, involving both documentary analysis and structured interviews with retail and store managers, with the aim of assessing the level of channel alignment between manufacturer and retailer.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to assess the use of alignment practices between manufacturers and retailers; it focuses on the Italian fashion industry.Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative approach is adopted (case studies of fashion retailers in Italy), involving both documentary analysis and structured interviews with retail and store managers, with the aim of assessing the level of channel alignment between manufacturer and retailer.Findings – The paper gives an overview of the extent to which fashion retailers in Italy pursue channel alignment; it suggests a relationship between the degree of alignment and two relevant drivers (channel type and lifecycle phase).Research limitations/implications – A descriptive analysis with exploratory purpose is provided. The overall research plan includes expanding the analysis and final testing through quantitative methods.Originality/value – The paper analyses the role of retail channel alignment in the fashion industry from an operational point of ...
TL;DR: In this paper, the development of research in international retailing over the last 20 years is reviewed and a future research agenda within a conceptual framework is proposed, with the focus on how different research topics have emerged over the years and how researchers have responded methodologically to different research challenges encountered.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to consider the development of research in international retailing over the last 20 years and propose a future research agenda within a conceptual framework.Design/methodology/approach – The paper reviews the development of the retail internationalisation literature.Findings – Explains how different research topics have emerged over the years and how researchers have responded methodologically to the different research challenges encountered.Research limitations/implications – The paper emphasises the importance of journals such as the International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management in the development of the international retailing research domain and discusses the challenge researchers currently have in developing the subject area.Practical implications – Explores current understanding of the internationalisation process and through the consideration of different activities and processes within the international retail firm proposes a future research agend...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present findings from an experiment designed to test the impact of crowding perceptions (both human and spatial), emotions (positive and negative) and shopping values (utilitarian and hedonic) on shopper satisfaction.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present findings from an experiment designed to test the impact of crowding perceptions (both human and spatial), emotions (positive and negative) and shopping values (utilitarian and hedonic) on shopper satisfaction. Culture is explored as a moderating variable with the expectation that it systematically affects perceptions and values, which, in turn, influence the shopper's experience with the store.Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected via a 2×2×2 full factorial between subjects design with two variables, one manipulated and one measured. The two manipulated variables were spatial density (high versus low) and human density (high versus low). The measured variable was country of origin, where subjects were coded as either American or Australian.Findings – Culture moderates the effects of perceived spatial crowding as well as both hedonic and utilitarian shopping values on shopper satisfaction. Specifically, the adverse effect of perceived spatial cr...
TL;DR: In this paper, a review of the key fashion industry-related themes emerging from the IJRDM is conducted and the authors reflect upon these themes in the context of luxury fashion brand Prada and in so doing identify four key change phases in the evolution of the brand.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is twofold. In its initial stages it undertakes a review of the key fashion industry‐related themes emerging from the IJRDM. Subsequently, it reflects upon these themes in the context of luxury fashion brand Prada and in so doing identifies four key change phases in the evolution of the brand.Design/methodology/approach – Review of literature spanning 20 years.Findings – The paper identifies five overarching general themes. These comprise fashion retailer brands, the internationalisation of fashion retailing, the emergence and challenges of on‐line fashion retailing, changes in the supply chain and changes in consumption.Originality/value – The paper provides a valuable overview of the main research themes within the context of fashion retailing. In addition, it provides a critical insight into the changing nature of Italian luxury fashion brand Prada.
TL;DR: In this article, the role of "trust" and "confidence/pessimism" in influencing consumer attitudes and buying intentions with respect to retail brands and products is analyzed. And the results show that the consumers' degree of confidence or pessimism regarding their general economic situation and their trust in retail brands are directly influencing the perceived benefits and indirectly their attitudes; the later having a direct impact on their purchase intentions.
Abstract: Purpose – The aim of this paper is to analyse the role of “trust” and “confidence/pessimism” in influencing consumer attitudes and buying intentions with respect to retail brands and products.Design/methodology/approach – Following a review of the relevant literature, the paper presents a conceptual model of buying intentions regarding retail brands. The model is then tested quantitatively by structural equation modelling analysis using a sample of 581 adult consumers that are decision makers in their households regarding purchases of detergent brands.Findings – The results show that the consumers' degree of confidence/pessimism regarding their general economic situation and their trust in retail brands are directly influencing the perceived benefits and indirectly their attitudes; the later having a direct impact on their purchase intentions.Research limitations/implications – Caution should be exercised in extrapolating the results from the present research context to other product categories and resear...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explain how buyers can more effectively and efficiently utilize technologies to improve their performance and to inform top executives in retail firms how these technologies can be used to improve the overall performance of the retail store.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explain how buyers can more effectively and efficiently utilize technologies to improve their performance and to inform top executives in retail firms how these technologies can be used to improve the overall performance of the retail store.Design/methodology/approach – Using a descriptive approach, the paper identifies current technologies that are being used and shows how technology can be used by retail buyers.Findings – Technologies developed over the past 20 years have changed the way buyers execute their responsibilities with advancements in various technologies; faster transmission of data results in the ability of buyers to immediately react to inventory and pricing issues. However, given that technology investments can exceed millions of dollars, and that many retailers' margins and inventory productivity have been eroding over the last ten years, the stakes for information technology decisions have grown exponentially, so care must be taken in making the...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors apply concepts from the flow paradigm to examine factors contributing to participation in entertainment and shopping activities at, and future patronage intent toward, entertainment shopping malls, and find that future mall patronage intention is most directly influenced by participation in mall entertainment activities followed by shopping activities.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to apply concepts from “flow” paradigm to examine factors contributing to participation in entertainment and shopping activities at, and future patronage intent toward, entertainment shopping malls.Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected from 342 consumers via mall intercepts conducted at two major entertainment shopping malls located in major metropolitan areas in the US states of Arizona and California. A self‐administered questionnaire was provided to subjects to complete while shopping at the mall. Data analysis was conducted using standard error of mean.Findings – Supporting flow theory, results suggest that future mall patronage intention is most directly influenced by participation in mall entertainment activities followed by shopping activities. Entertainment and shopping participation are indirectly and positively influenced by patrons' intrinsic motivations, freedom of choice to patronize the mall, and perceptions of challenges and skills in participating in m...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors summarized the research challenges presented by virtual store atmosphere customization and control and formulated specific research propositions for e-tailers to customize online store atmosphere at individual level, with the customization controlled and executed by either the retailers or the customers, or both.
Abstract: Purpose – Technology now allows e‐tailers to customize online store atmosphere at the individual level, with the customization controlled and executed by either the retailers or the customers, or both. Since in conventional retailing the manipulation of store atmosphere is controlled mainly by retailers (e.g. store layout, product display techniques, store theatrics, etc.), the potential for mass customization with consumer involvement radically changes the way research regarding online store atmosphere must be approached. Positioned in the e‐tailing research area, the purpose of this paper is to summarize the research challenges presented by virtual store atmosphere customization and control and to formulate specific research propositions.Design/methodology/approach – This viewpoint paper employs an interdisciplinary “desk‐research” approach. It elaborates on the emerging research challenges of customizing store atmosphere in electronic retailing highlighting the differences that exist among the conventi...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined the role of initial store image in a new store and examined the effect of store visit on perceived saliency of trust image, which is similar to the existing tripartite view of trustworthiness.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of “initial” store image in a new store Existing research affords limited explanation of how shopper trust in store is formed prior to store visits and regarding the impact of “initial” store image on shopper trust and patronage intentionsDesign/methodology/approach – Specifically, this paper operationalizes “trust‐image” of a new store as an antecedent to shopper trust; uses a multidimensional conceptualization for “trust‐image” which is similar to the existing tripartite view of “trustworthiness”; and examines the effect of store visit on perceived salience of trust‐image The laboratory experiment has four scenarios that manipulate store image as positive/negative, and store visit by a “close friend” who is the source of trust‐image as none/oneFindings – This is possibly the first empirical evidence supporting the significance of trust‐image in influencing shopper trust and patronage intentions of a new store Contrary to existing theory, st
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigate how franchisors can use explicit contracts and develop relational norms as governance mechanisms to prevent their franchisees from deviating from the franchise system directives; and how information systems allow to control franchisees at a distance.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to consider how different governance mechanisms affect the level of franchisees' compliance with their franchisor's directives. The research objectives are threefold: to investigate how franchisors can use explicit contracts and develop relational norms as governance mechanisms to prevent their franchisees from deviating from the franchise system directives; to show how information systems allow to control franchisees at a distance; and to throw light on the ways in which these three control mechanisms can play alternatively or simultaneously in the management of franchise relationships.Design/methodology/approach – The paper takes the form of a multiple regression analysis with interaction effects of survey data collected from franchisees of various French franchise systems.Findings – Overall, the results support an emphasis on contract and information systems in the management of the risks of “free riding” behaviour in franchise systems. The results indicate that f...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigate retailers' strategic response to the economic downturn and assess how these responses differ across different organisations in terms of size, geographic location, and sector of operation.
Abstract: Purpose – Periods of economic downturn can severely affect the performance of firms in general, and retailers in particular. However, all retailers are not equally affected by recessionary periods, with some viewing this time as an opportunity to invest and establish competitive advantage and others cutting back and waiting for the recession to pass. In the light of the current economic downturn, the purpose of this paper is to investigate retailers' strategic response to the downturn, and assess how these responses differ across different organisations in terms of size, geographic location, and sector of operation.Design/methodology/approach – A total of 50 (25 Australian, 25 New Zealand) managers associated with the retail sector (ranging from chief executive officers to store owners) were invited to participate in face‐to‐face interviews, resulting in 28 in‐depth interviews (15 Australian, 13 New Zealand) across a wide range of retail categories. These exploratory data were combined with a review of th...