Retail Formats Research Articles

Reviving small-sized retail: emotional experience and ethical perspectives as keys to customer repurchase intent

ABSTRACT The paper aims to clarify the role of cognitive and emotional shopping experience in small-sized retailers and its impact on satisfaction and repurchase intention. Also, an ethical perspective of the shopping decision is analyzed. Based on prior studies, we develop a quantitative study (n = 390) in Spain, where small-sized retailers represent most of the retail industry. The advent of new retail formats -online and offline- puts pressure on the traditional ones to evolve. Accordingly, results demonstrate that consumers emotional experience and ethical perception have a very notable impact on repurchase intention. Many small-sized retailers base their strategy on experiential marketing, the goal is to enhance consumers positive in shop experience. The findings also reveal that traditional retailers purchase is linked to consumers’ ethical beliefs or perceptions. Facing a shopping decision, consumers ask themselves about the impact it has on society, environment, and nature. Small-sized traditional retailers are facing, consequently, a double challenge. On the one hand, to keep developing awareness of the paramount societal role of this type of retailer and, on the other hand, to provide consumers with shopping options that boost their needs.

Profiling consumers for their shopping motivations in modern retail formats in Oman

PurposeConsumer shopping motivations are evolving in tandem with shifts in products, services and the retail landscape. This paper primarily aims to explore what drives shopping behavior among consumers in Oman. Additionally, the paper aims to profile consumers based on their shopping motivations.Design/methodology/approachBased upon the review of literature, we developed a list of 63 items of shopping motivations. Exploratory factor analysis later led to a 12-factor solution involving 50 items, which were refined further into an 11-factor solution involving 44 items using CFA. A combination of hierarchical and k-means cluster analysis was performed for profiling consumers.FindingsFive distinct segments of consumers that emerged in the Omani food and grocery retail market were derived as Practical Value Seekers, Discerning Shoppers, Selective Online Shoppers, Social Brand Seekers and Instant Gratifiers. Theoretical and managerial implications were discussed.Practical implicationsIn theory, this study examines market heterogeneity by considering customer shopping motivations and applies profiling (clustering) techniques to categorize them into distinct market clusters. In practical terms, it provides valuable insights to food and grocery store managers.Originality/valueThis study is novel and the first of its kind, suggesting a typology of food and grocery shoppers in Oman. Research on consumer shopping motivations has primarily focused on consumers in Western countries, particularly in the United States.

The importance of the informal food economy to food access and security: An examination of the Western Isles of Scotland

In many countries the informal food economy (IFE) plays an essential role in ensuring food access and security. In addition, IFEs can improve choice, have a positive impact upon diet as well as generate household income and employment. While studies have primarily focused upon the role of IFEs in developing economies, their importance within more developed rural markets warrants further attention. This paper draws upon key learnings from the existing literature and examines how IFEs operate within a developed, rural economy. Framed within a social economy framework, it examines the role and function of IFEs across the Western Isles of Scotland. Despite being part of an advanced market economy, food access and security in this region has previously been identified as problematic for particular consumer groups and communities. The research identifies that due to the continued expansion of the formal retail sector and the growth of on-line delivery, food access has become less of an issue for many island residents. This is not to suggest that IFEs are inconsequential. Apart from their role in strengthening social and community linkages, for certain segments of the island population they continue to play a key role in providing food access. The research also identified an increasing reliance upon a small number of national retail chains. This suggests, that in future, food security in remote and rural communities could become increasingly vulnerable to market externalities.

RUSSIAN RETAIL TRADE IN RUSSIAN FEDERATION: CURRENT STATE

The present paper contains a description of article the current state of the retail market in the Russian Federation. The main trends of the development of retail in Russia are shown. These trends include the growth of digital retail, the emergence of new retail formats adapted to the changing purchas-ing power of the population, the entry of federal retail operators into new regional markets and the acquisition of small retail companies by large chains. A major threat to the sustainable development of retail may be a shortage of labor, which requires a revision of the policies of retail companies in the field of personnel management.

명품 화장품에 대한 관계혜택이 전환장벽과 브랜드 충성도에 미치는 영향 - 온라인 및 오프라인 소매업태의 조절효과를 중심으로

This research explores the impact of relational benefits, which are the advantages gained from a sustained relationship with a specific brand, on switching barriers and brand loyalty among female consumers aged 20 to 50 residing in China when purchasing luxury cosmetics. The research analyzes the influence difference between different retail formats online and offline, aiming to reveal the shifting psychological dynamics of consumers amid the latest changes in China's consumer market. Using SPSS and AMOS programs, data from 500 participants were analyzed, with a focus on seven types of relational benefits: experiential benefits, confidence benefits, special treatment benefits, convenience benefits, economic benefits, information benefits and risk reduction benefits. The results indicate that relational benefits significantly enhance switching barriers and brand loyalty, and these effects vary distinctly between online and offline retail channels. The findings offer valuable insights for luxury cosmetic brands to formulate effective strategies in the Chinese market.

Classified Spatial Clustering and Influencing Factors of New Retail Stores: A Case Study of Freshippo in Shanghai

The diversified innovative strategies adopted by the new retail format in urban spaces have significantly driven retail transformation and innovation. The combination of online platforms and physical stores provides a substantial advantage in market competition. This paper takes “Freshippo”, a typical representative of China’s new retail, as an example. Based on multi-source data and using tools such as GIS spatial analysis, statistical analysis, and geographical detectors, this study comprehensively examines the spatial clustering characteristics and influencing factors of Freshippo physical stores in Shanghai. The findings show that Freshippo has significantly expanded in the Shanghai fresh food market by innovatively opening various types of stores. However, there are substantial differences in the proportions of different types of stores, with 94% of the stores having online retail capabilities. Each offline store in the new retail format presents a multi-level “complementary” spatial distribution feature across the urban space, with distinctive clusters in the urban central districts, urban periphery areas, and outer suburban districts. The radiation range of logistics and distribution services exhibits characteristics of “central agglomeration and multi-point distribution”, providing residents with diverse and accurate services. Additionally, the comparison of multiple model results shows that the location selection of various types of new retail stores is significantly influenced by multiple factors, especially the nonlinear amplification effect of factor interactions on store agglomeration. These findings provide an important scientific reference for understanding the development of new retail formats and offer new ideas that promote the transformation and innovation of the retail industry, thereby achieving sustainable development.

Retailer processes centred on the food market as the main determinate of business models in the context of retail size

In today's competitive environment, retail food outlets need to keep pace with changing consumer behaviour and technological change. Due to the impact of digitalisation, they are gradually starting to use new forms of interaction with consumers, suppliers, employees and other stakeholders, which affects the food retail business in many ways. Many digitization-related activities are well known but are slow to be implemented in the practice of food retail operations, depending on the specific size type of retail format. The paper aims to provide an overview of business models based on the size of food retail operations and on the identification of selected activities aimed at increasing competitiveness and creating value for customers. The survey sample comprised 250 stores whose managers were questioned by means of a semi-structured interview in March–April 2022. The authors discuss 30 identified components of 40 purposes in this study which could increase the efficiency of retailers' business models. A number of philosophical (a comprehensive examination of the criteria for selecting a theory and processing the theory) as well as mathematical statistical methods are used in the model, such as reliability rate estimation, factor analysis of binary data, cluster analysis, and the like. The study provides an overview of the application of selected digitalisation-related components in the business models of established food retail outlets of different size groups in the Slovak capital Bratislava.

Food retail in rural areas: Choosing the optimal format

Tightening competition among food retailers stimulates them to develop new formats of stores for urban spaces, which also can be economically efficient in rural areas. Appearance of a new format of stores that excites clientele’s interest and is able to compete with pick-up points and liquor stores may become a key to the domination in the market. The paper examines the prospects of creating an optimal format for food retailers that hold potential for spread in rural areas. Methodologically, the study relies on a systems approach, the cyclical theory of retail, and spatial development theories. The method encompasses three stages: first, holding a comparative analysis of the format structure of food retailers for 2015–2023; second, evaluating the territorial distribution of the two formats of retail chains (hard discounters and convenience stores) using the case of Volga and Ural Federal Districts; third, determining new formats of retail chains outside cities. Based on the analysis of market trends in the development of retail chain stores the paper suggests a conceptual model of the optimal retail format for rural areas with respect to product range, pricing, distribution of sales area, and additional services. The suggestions about the improvements in the model of the retail format for rural areas may spur the retail trade growth and promote the development of trade infrastructure outside urban areas.

Transformative Influence of Shopping Malls on Albanian Consumer Behavior

The emergence of shopping malls in Albania has had a remarkable impact on the behavior of Albanian consumers. Initially, people visited these malls out of curiosity, then for entertainment, and eventually for shopping purposes. The new retail format has started changing the way customers shop. By offering products and services that appeal to customers they simultaneously provide a friendly and pleasant environment. This study delves into the impact of shopping malls on consumer behavior in Albania, focusing on factors such as product availability, accessibility, and atmosphere. A quantitative approach was utilized, emphasizing deductive reasoning. Primary data was collected through face-to-face surveys and analyzed with SPSS. According to the results, customers love shopping malls for their variety of products, exclusive items, and safe environment. They find malls accessible, thanks to easy navigation and parking, and they highly value cleanliness. The study highlights the significant impact of shopping malls on Albanian consumer behavior, driven by product variety, convenience, and amenities. Received: 5 March 2024 / Accepted: 21 June 2024 / Published: 02 July 2024

What makes consumers buy from the informal rather than formal retail market? A consumption value perspective

Purpose This paper aims to understand consumption values buying from informal retail markets (i.e., street vendor retailing). It also explores why consumers prefer daily necessary goods from the informal compared to the formal retail market (such as supermarkets, retail chain outlets and e-commerce). Design/methodology/approach Employing the qualitative research approach, this study collected data from nine respondents in two areas in Malaysia. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and analysed using the thematic analysis technique. Only representative verbatim codes were presented under five themes of consumption value theory. Findings Consumers are triggered by the convenience, ease, and exclusive products (conditional value), friendly and known relationship with informal sellers, as well as the availability of some particular food items (emotional value) and lower price and freshness of groceries (functional value) while buying from informal compared to formal retail vendor. Research limitations/implications This study provides knowledge implications to the consumption value theory. Functional, emotional, and conditional values are the dominant components of purchase behaviour in informal compared to formal retail channels. Social values are common, whereas epistemic value is more substantial in formal retailing. Practical implications Findings are helpful for informal retail businesses to understand consumers' buying behaviour. Informal retail owners should ensure that commodities are fresh, highly affordable and available in the local communities. Building a friendly relationship with consumers would be a key to the success of this retail sector. Social implications Authorities should support informal sellers to set up mobile retail stores in residential areas. This effort would offer greater convenience to both parties in informal businesses and ensure informal sellers' financial and social well-being. Originality/value Despite the widespread acceptance of buying goods from informal retail vendors, research on consumption value in informal retailing is largely overlooked. Previous research primarily deals with formal market phenomena due to their size and economic contribution. Consequently, current literature lacks an understanding of why consumers prefer to buy from informal retail vendors for their daily groceries when the formal retail channel could fulfil similar needs. Using a qualitative research design, this research uncovers consumers' buying motives from informal compared to formal vendors.

Factors Affecting Customer Satisfaction in the Retail Formats in Rupandehi

This paper aims to investigate the Factors Affecting Customer Experience in the Retail Formats In Rupandehi district of Nepal. Primary data have been collected through structured questionnaire using online method i.e. Google Forms out of 384 different retail format users district of Nepal. A descriptive Research and causal comparative design was used and sample was selected by purposive sampling method. Smart PLS 4 is used as a data analysis tool and various tests like descriptive analysis, Measurement Model Assessment, Convergent Validity and Discriminant Validity, Model Fit Assessment, Structural Model Assessment and Importance-Performance Map Analysis (IMPA) tests were conducted as analysis tool to assess the quantitative raw data. The study concludes that Price and Assortment has positive significant relationship with Customer satisfaction whereas social environment and Retail atmosphere has positive insignificant relationship with customer satisfaction.

Drivers of formal and informal retail patronage in emerging markets

PurposeThis study examines how formal retail formats (FRFs), and informal retail formats (IRFs) may coexist as substitutes and complements in emerging markets because of store patronage driven by customers’ chronic shopping orientations, and differences in salesperson consultation in the two retail formats.Design/methodology/approachUsing a shopping motivational orientation framework, we develop and test a moderated mediation model using survey data from 515 shoppers of formal and informal grocery retail outlets in India.FindingsWhile task-focused and experiential-focused shopping orientations influence both FRF and IRF patronage, store satisfaction mediates these relationships and crucially attenuates the negative impact of task-focused orientation on FRF patronage. Salesperson consultation moderates the mediating effects of satisfaction in the link between shopping orientation and patronage of both FRFs and IRFs.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings suggest that FRFs and IRFs could coexist as complements and substitutes when patronage is examined as repeated visits determined by shopping orientation, mediated by satisfaction and moderated by salesperson consultation.Practical implicationsFor FRFs and IRFs to be complements, both formats must prioritize their distinctive attributes that satisfy a consumer's chronic shopping orientation. Substitution depends on how both retail formats prioritize salesperson consultation and in-store characteristics that appeal to consumers’ chronic orientation during specific shopping trips.Originality/valueWhilst FRFs must satisfy task-focused shoppers to compete with IRFs, salesperson consultation can inhibit such satisfaction. However, the extent of coexistence between FRFs and IRFs depends on how each format leverages salesperson consultation to enhance satisfaction of experiential-focused shoppers.

Analisis Yuridis tentang Aktivitas Pembelian Bahan Bakar Minyak (BBM) di SPBU Menggunakan Jeriken untuk Dijual Kembali Ditinjau dari Undang-Undang Nomor 22 Tahun 2001 tentang Minyak dan Gas Bumi

Law Number 22 of 2001 concerning Oil and Gas that oil and gas business activities are divided into two, namely upstream business activities and downstream business activities. The activity of buying and selling fuel oil is usually in retail form which is put in a glass bottle with a liter size that will be sold to buyers who have previously been bought by sellers from gas stations where fuel oil (BBM) is one of the important elements in fulfilling the community's economy. Based on the initial observations of researchers, especially in Kupang City, retail fuel oil sellers cannot be calculated so much and usually, these retail fuel oil sellers sell in front along the road or in ordinary places, vehicles pass by by setting up mini kiosks or workshops. Therefore, researchers formulate the main problems, namely: (1) How is the implementation of legal regulations related to the act of purchasing fuel oil (BBM) at gas stations using jerry cans for resale in terms of Law Number 22 of 2001 concerning Oil and Gas? (2) What are the factors that hinder the police in handling the activity of purchasing fuel oil (BBM) using jerry cans at gas stations in terms of Law Number 22 of 2001 concerning Oil and Gas? This research is a research that uses the Empirical Juridical method. This research is a legal research conducted by researching regulations, primary data, documentation studies. The research aspects studied are Law Number 22 of 2001 concerning Oil and Gas, legal factors, law enforcement factors, facilities and facilities factors, community factors, buying and selling fuel oil, cultural factors. The results of the study found that: (1) Law Number 22 of 2001 concerning Oil and Gas in its implementation has not run well and is less firm against people who abuse fuel oil (BBM); (2) Factors that become obstacles for the police in handling fuel purchase activities are legal factors, law enforcement factors, facilities and facilities factors, community factors and cultural factors.

Scale Distribution of Retail Formats in the Central Districts of Chinese Cities: A Study Analysis of Ten Cities

Scale Distribution of Retail Formats in the Central Districts of Chinese Cities: A Study Analysis of Ten Cities

Impacts of Behavioral, Organizational, and Spatial Factors on the Carbon Footprint of Traditional Retail and E-commerce in the Paris Region.

Carbon footprint assessment of retail is necessary to optimize procurement strategies and adopt sustainable shopping habits. However, estimating carbon footprints is a complex task, given the diversity of existing distribution channels. Average values for carbon emissions of "conventional" retail (i.e., purchasing and receiving the product directly at the physical point of sale) found in most studies mask a heterogeneous reality: different retail strategies entail diverse shopping behavior for consumers, as well as varied procurement processes for outlets. In this paper, we propose a methodology to assess greenhouse gas (GHG) impacts of different distribution systems related to the consumption of goods in the Paris Region by coupling traditional transport modeling with a life-cycle assessment (LCA) approach. We model and compare six distribution systems, including five traditional retail formats (hypermarkets, supermarkets, small generalist retail, small food retail, and small nonfood retail) and E-commerce home deliveries. Our model includes warehouse activity, shop and home delivery, shop energy consumption, consumer mobility, and goods packaging. Overall, we conclude that E-commerce emits fewer GHG emissions than retail outlets per kilogram of product purchased. This result is in line with the existing literature on the topic. However, the carbon footprint varies greatly within the case study depending on the characteristics of the logistics procurement processes of outlets, the behavior of shoppers, and spatial characteristics.

Comparision of Consumer Preferences in Regards to Food Retail Formats in Tirupati City, India

This study conducted in the year 2023 aimed to compare consumer preferences for various food retail formats in Tirupati city, focusing on organized and unorganized sectors, and to identify factors influencing their choices. A representative sample of 120 consumers was selected using simple random sampling, and primary data was collected through personal interviews. The findings revealed that 73.33 percent of the consumers in showed a moderate perception of both organized (62.50%) and unorganized (73.33%) food retail formats. Kirana stores (unorganized) and supermarkets (organized) were the preferred choices for purchasing food and groceries. The reasons for preferring organized retail formats included a wide range of products and better product presentation, while unorganized retail formats were favoured for more bargaining opportunities and locally sourced products. Income levels were found to influence retail format choices, with lower-income groups more likely to shop at unorganized formats. The SWOT analysis indicated that organized stores benefit from a wide range of products but face competition from unorganized formats and online platforms, while, unorganized stores build strong customer relationships but struggle with limited product variety and changing consumer preferences.

Has the Consumer Perception Changed? An Overview of Consumer Behavior towards Organized Retail Sectors in Kolkata, India

The research paper focuses on the change of consumers’ perception towards purchasing different commodities in the organized retail outlets of Kolkata. The study revealed that the behaviour of a consumer towards a particular outlet mainly depends upon factors like product availability, spending pattern, sales man services, store layout etc. The research shows that currently a large section of consumers is attracted towards the organised retail outlets because of wide range of services like variety of payment options provided by the store, visibility of the billing counter, wide range of brands availability, quality of the products, and better service at the store have majorly attributed to preference of organized retail store over the unorganized outlets. Also, parameters like visibility of display of MRP, discount offers, quality of service at the organized store, trolley service facilities etc. are some of the reasons of inclination of consumers towards organized retail stores as compared to traditional retail formats. The study has found mostly the younger generation consumers are tending to have a tendency towards making new experiences mainly for groceries and have an urge to make spontaneous purchases compared to older generation of consumers. Apart from the positive aspects, the study also observed a bunch of constraints that restricts a consumer from going to an organized retail store which are the factors like lower budget, inability of the lower income group of people due to financial constraints, lack of advertisements, unavailability of low-priced products, most of the necessary products being easily available in the traditional markets, illiteracy etc. are some of the major constraints found in the study which have contributed to 19.48% of variance and has been further renamed as consumers perception by using the Principle Component Analysis (PCA) method.

Analyzing computer vision models for detecting customers: a practical experience in a mexican retail

Computer vision has become an important technology for obtaining meaningful data from visual content and providing valuable information for enhancing security controls, marketing, and logistic strategies in diverse industrial and business sectors. The retail sector constitutes an important part of the worldwide economy. Analyzing customer data and shopping behaviors has become essential to deliver the right products to customers, maximize profits, and increase competitiveness. In-person shopping is still a predominant form of retail despite the appearance of online retail outlets. As such, in-person retail is adopting computer vision models to monitor store products and customers. This research paper presents the development of a computer vision solution by Lytica Company to detect customers in Steren’s physical retail stores in Mexico. Current computer vision models such as SSD Mobilenet V2, YOLO-FastestV2, YOLOv5, and YOLOXn were analyzed to find the most accurate system according to the conditions and characteristics of the available devices. Some of the challenges addressed during the analysis of videos were obstruction and proximity of the customers, lighting conditions, position and distance of the camera concerning the customer when entering the store, image quality, and scalability of the process. Models were evaluated with the F1-score metric: 0.64 with YOLO FastestV2, 0.74 with SSD Mobilenetv2, 0.86 with YOLOv5n, 0.86 with YOLOv5xs, and 0.74 with YOLOXn. Although YOLOv5 achieved the best performance, YOLOXn presented the best balance between performance and FPS (frames per second) rate, considering the limited hardware and computing power conditions.

Research on Vegetable Sales Volume and Pricing Strategy Based on GWO-LSTM Modeling

This paper focuses on an in-depth study of the problem of sales volume and pricing strategy for vegetable categories, aiming at constructing an automatic pricing and replenishment model to maximize revenue. First, by analyzing the sales data of each category and single item of vegetables, the mean value of sales volume is calculated, and the correlation between each category of vegetables is visualized using charts and Pearson correlation coefficient heat maps, and it is found that there is a significant correlation between specific categories. Secondly, this paper adopts the cost-plus pricing method to calculate the markup rate of each individual item and combines it with linear regression analysis to reveal the relationship between markup rate and sales volume, and further predicts the sales volume and price in the coming week through the GWO-LSTM model, which provides data-driven pricing and replenishment strategies for the superstore based on the data. Finally, for the data of a specific time, this paper develops a linear programming model to formulate a replenishment and pricing scheme that meets market demand and maximizes revenue. The methodology and findings of this study have important practical applications for retail formats such as fresh food superstores.

Financial Analysis of Snack Food Companies in Urgent Need of Transformation

New retail is shining brightly in the era of digital economy. The new retail format of digital, networked, and intelligent development has enabled the snack food industry in my country to develop rapidly. As a leading company in the e-commerce snack food industry, Three Squirrels Co., Ltd. took the lead in carrying out offline channel reforms. However, this was followed by a corresponding fall in stock prices. Based on the financial data of Three Squirrels from 2019 to 2021, this article analyzes the companys debt repayment, operations, profitability, and development capabilities to examine the advantages and disadvantages of this representative company before and after its transformation. Corresponding development suggestions are given based on the analysis results, in order to provide a reference for snack food enterprises that are in urgent need of transformation.