Global Retail Research Articles

BENEFITS OF E-COMMERCE IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES

This article considers the features of the development of the global electronic business. The current state and dynamics of e-business development in various countries are analyzed. Information technologies are developing rapidly, so the Internet is becoming more and more important both in private life and in business. E-commerce (electronic commerce) is the electronic purchase or sale of goods through online services or via the Internet. The development of e-commerce is rapid, and most of the largest companies are starting to use e-commerce along with traditional offline. There are more than a dozen different e-commerce business models today. Over the past few years, e-commerce has become an integral part of the global retail system. Like many other industries, retailing has undergone significant changes since the advent of the Internet, and thanks to the ongoing digital transformation of modern life, consumers in almost every country now benefit from online transactions.The article also reveals the essence, subjects and forms of e-commerce, formulates and characterizes the main advantages and disadvantages of e-commerce in Ukraine. The modern period of the development of the national economy is characterized by increased competition between subjects of commercial activity, which necessitates the need for prompt response to changes in the market of goods and services and the rapid and efficient implementation of commercial transactions. Forms of doing business are changing significantly. Along with traditional enterprises and firms, more and more enterprises are appearing on the market, which are engaged in so-called electronic commerce. The essence of the concept of "electronic commerce" is defined here. The historical stages of the development of e-commerce in the market are given. The benefits of e-commerce from the standpoint of various stakeholder groups have been identified. The main trends in the development of e-commerce in developing countries, as well as in Ukraine, are analyzed. The risks that may cause the development of electronic commerce have been identified and substantiated. It has been proven that the benefits of the development of e-commerce are much more significant than its disadvantages. Potential risks in conducting e-business can be reduced by implementing reliable means of electronic security of transactions, solving the problems of regulatory and legal regulation of this area at the state level.

Building Indonesian Nation Branding Through Indonesia Spice Up The World and Its Effect on Indonesian Spice Exports to African Region

The purpose of this research is to analyze the development of Indonesia's nation branding through the Indonesia Spice Up The World (ISUTW) program by carrying out economic diplomacy in the Asia-Africa region. Through the Indonesia-Africa Forum (IAF) cooperation forum, the Indonesian government seeks to increase Indonesia's exports by creating new market opportunities. This study uses descriptive qualitative analysis using deductive explanations and uses secondary data both from web pages, journals, and books. Secondary data is used as the basis for the background of why research needs to be carried out to the stage of taking the initial hypothesis, and the context of the problem in research to describe an idea and theory. Thus forming a conclusion containing the primary analysis. The results of this study are South Africa, which is an attraction for the tourism sector. Traditional foods are easy to obtain, so there are innovations in making varied foods that increase traditional food production. Then the need for spices will continue to increase and Indonesia has the opportunity to export its spices. To be able to penetrate the international market, innovations such as making re-branding by repackaging spices in practical and ready-to-use ways are needed to target the global retail market. In this way, the increase in export sales of Indonesian spices can be realized.

Impact of Hiring Contractual Workers on Sustainable Supply Chain in Exporting Textile of Pakistan

Textile industry is one of the major sources of revenue generation for Pakistan. For the last two decade this has been the key source of the inflow of foreign exchange through export of garments and textiles goods. Many global retailers and brands like Tesco, JC Penny, Wal-Mart, and Next etc. are sourcing their goods from Pakistan. These Retailers purchase garments and textile on some specific conditions such as cheap merchandising, quality standards and social and environmental compliance. In order to comply with social standards these multinational buyers enforce their vendors to follow the land law and their own code of conduct. The severity of issues varies from violation to violation. For example, nonpayment of overtime violations is taken as serious issues. In contrast, failure to pay legal benefits to labors as EOBI, group insurance and leaves are less threatening. Hiring contractual employment especially on piece rate is one of the core factors that lead to these non-compliances (NCs). A total of 60 unpublished social compliance onsite audit reports of textile and garment factories working with foreign buyers in Pakistan were analyzed. Chai-Square test applied to test the hypothesis. The result reflects that there is an association exists between hiring contractual piece rate workers, employment old age benefit, and group insurance and leaves violation. Current study may be helpful in exploring the major factors that may lead to overtime, employment old age benefit, group insurance and leaves violation. The findings may also help NGOs, government and global buyers to develop policies that provide better control over workers’ rights in developing countries like Pakistan for sustainable business growth.

After-Sales Attributes in E-Commerce: A Systematic Literature Review and Future Research Agenda

In recent years, e-commerce has assumed a more strategic and relevant role with regard to the good performance of the global retail industry. The facilities and conveniences provided by e-tail contribute to meeting the demands of a more connected consumer. However, it is necessary to consider the complex nature of the online market, which requires e-retailers to challenge themselves in order to create stronger connections with their customers to achieve greater customer satisfaction. In this context, the services offered in the after-sales phase, one of the most relevant stages of the consumer journey, can help reduce the negative impacts involved in the decision and experience of an online purchase. The post-sale in e-commerce is a research domain that has become increasingly prominent in recent years, and this maturation in the academic environment requires a deeper understanding of this scientific production. Therefore, to synthesize the main insights and suggest an agenda for future studies of this theme, a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) was conducted for this study using a hybrid approach, combining a structured review with a bibliometric review. One of the main contributions of the research is the seminal presentation of after-sales attributes in e-commerce, in a global and broad view, focusing on the retailer and consumer relationship, referred to herein as After-sales Customer Services (AFSCS). Unlike the other few existing reviews regarding the theme, this work is innovative because it investigates the e-commerce post-purchase, the attributes of this stage, and the relationship between retailer and consumer at this stage of the journey in a more direct, exclusive, and complete way.

“Standardized” Marketing Strategies of IKEA? The Challenges of China

The Swedish furniture company IKEA, implementing similar “standardized” marketing strategies all over the world, is often used as a successful global retail example. However, since entering the Chinese market, IKEA has not been able to achieve the same positive results as before with its standardization. As a consequence, IKEA has to reconsider another approach to adapt its business in China. This paper examines the challenges IKEA faced while expanding its market share in China. Using glocalization (globalization-localization) to analyze possible solutions for IKEA in the Chinese market. As well as shows the impact of local forces on developing marketing strategies in the international market.

Analysis of Retail Industry under the Background of Covid-19--Based on the Financial Statements Analysis of Walmart

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, the emergence of COVID-19 has brought an unprecedented blow to all industries. At the same time, it also brings great challenges to the national economy. For retail enterprises such as Walmart, the occurrence of the COVID-19 not only tested the enterprises' ability to deal with accidents, but also forced them to develop in other fields. Based on the conflict between retail enterprises and management policies of pandemic in the post-pandemic era, this paper summarizes the current changes in consumer preferences and habits. Also, this paper uses SWOT analysis model to analyze strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats that Walmart has encountered. In addition, this paper also analyzes Walmart's financial capability indexes in various aspects, such as solvency and profitability. Finally, according to the data obtained from the analysis, some suggestions for Walmart's development are put forward. In this kind of economic depression, Walmart, as one of the global retail giants, has also suffered a serious effect. Based on Walmart's financial statements in recent years, this paper uses the comparative analysis method to analyze Walmart's business strategy in the post-pandemic era.

Global retailers' CSR initiatives during COVID-19 crisis: a cross-cultural examination

PurposeThis study develops a conceptual framework to examine (1) whether global retailers' CSR actions in the form of in-kind charitable contribution affect consumers' attribution of CSR to intrinsic motives, (2) whether consumers' attribution of CSR to intrinsic motives affects brand-self connection and (3) whether the cultural factors of self-transcendence and conservation moderate the relationship between consumers' attribution of CSR to intrinsic motives and brand-self connection.Design/methodology/approachData are collected from two culturally diverse countries, the US and China, each of which managed the pandemic in different ways. Before hypothesis testing, the invariance of measures is established. To measure differences between the groups, a multi-group analysis is conducted.FindingsGlobal retailers' in-kind charitable contribution is a significant drivers of consumers' attribution of CSR to intrinsic motives, and attribution of CSR to intrinsic motives has a positive effect on consumer brand-self connection. Both of the cultural values, self-transcendence and conservation, moderate the relationship between attribution of CSR to intrinsic motives and brand-self connection. Self-transcendence is a strong moderator in China, whereas conservation moderates strongly in the US. All of the relationships differ significantly between the groups (US versus China).Originality/valueTo the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate empirically the role of in-kind charitable contribution in creating an attribution of CSR to intrinsic motives that eventually leads to strong brand-self connection in the COVID-19 context. The study provides novel insights into how consumer behavior differs across two significantly different cultures with regard to COVID-19-related CSR. The findings help international marketers manage uncertainties and crisis and to design their CSR-based marketing programs and develop positioning strategies across cultures.

Alfamart brand communication on expansion retail business in the Philippines

ABSTRACT
 In a guideline, the global brand company is broadly positioned around the world. In case the brand could be a premium estimated brand, it could be a premium cost around the world. The application of a global brand ought to too be indivisible from the part of the branding and key communication that makes difference in companies entering the domain of other countries. But what makes a brand profitable and how profitable is it? What could be a global brand and why are there still neighborhood brands? The spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in Southeast Asia, made global business lines run slowly and had to force business people to rack their brains to survive during a pandemic. The establishment of a lockdown policy has also hampered the distribution of retail goods as one of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it is different from Alfamart, which was able to survive during the pandemic with a decrease in net profit at the end of the third quarter of 2020 with a fairly small figure of -1.85% (Hafiyyan, 2020a). One of the strategies revealed is the expansion of Alfamart received a positive response in the Philippines competing 7-Eleven, Mini-Stop, Allday, Family Mart, and Lawson. So throughout 2020 Alfamart managed to open more than 1.000 new stores in Metro Manila and nearby province. The global brand communication strategy used by Alfamart to deliver strong brand awareness to Filipino customer mind and made Alfamart's brand positioning as a super minimart that serves the community. According to the above exposures, Alfamart is considered a successful brand in Indonesia that expand its global retail business in Southeast Asia since the COVID-19 pandemic that spread throughout the world. It is exciting research, Alfamart has not become the primary choice of consumers to shop at minimart or convenience stores in the Indonesian market itself. It is also inseparable from the brand communication strategy used by Alfamart to build strong brand awareness in Filipino consumers' minds. This research method is the case study, continuing to data analysis using the pattern matching of the informant insights and findings. The authors focus on describing the strategy of Alfamart Philippines to communicate its brand awareness in the community. Then, analyze the pattern matching of Filipino customers’ perceived brand of Alfamart through interviews with informants. The research findings are that Alfamart has expanded rapidly to open more than 1.200 stores since 2014 to help the community at Barangay (a remote area of the Philippines) for jobs and serve groceries product especially frozen food so that Alfamart become an "extended pantry" to their home. Alfamart’s accessibility and brand positioning as super minimart for Filipino customers built strong brand awareness as a global brand from Indonesia.

The asymmetric impact of economic policy uncertainty on global retail energy markets: Are the markets responding to the fear of the unknown?

Following the paucity of empirical studies on the effects of economic policy uncertainty (EPU) on global retail energy markets and the need to reassess the markets for the prevalence of rockets and feathers effect and rent-seeking behavior by retailers during the Covid-19 pandemic, we studied the asymmetric response of the markets to changes in EPU and crude oil costs. We estimated nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag models over the period 2004 M11-2020 M6 using data for global and domestic EPUs as well as gasoline, automotive diesel, domestic heating oil, industrial fuel oil and crude oil markets. We find that rising uncertainty significantly increases retail energy prices both in the short-run and long-run, especially in UK, Japan and Europe. The asymmetric patterns show that many of the markets respond more to rising uncertainty than declining uncertainty, suggesting the prevalence of the “fear of the unknown”. Our results also showed significant evidence of rockets and feathers effect in all the countries, except Canada. Furthermore, the likelihood of rent-seeking by retailers was observed in the diesel and domestic heating oil markets in Italy, UK, and France. The study concluded that these findings have important policy implications, particularly as they relate to consumer welfare, antitrust policies and stability of the policy environment.

Динамика мировых торговых сетей: доковидный и постковидный периоды

Subject. The article is devoted to the study of the dynamics of global retail chains leading in the world ranking of the largest retailers in the pre- and post-market periods. Goal. To analyze the dynamics of the world's leading retail chains based on data from the international company Deloitte, which provides consulting and auditing services in the field of global retail. Method or methodology. The analysis of the dynamics of global retail chains in the pre- and post-market periods is based on a comparison of key indicators that characterize the amount of retail revenue of retailers for a certain financial year and their share in total retail revenue. The results of the work. Despite the fact that the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in significant restrictions in the global retail trade, an analysis of the dynamics of global retail chains showed an increase in retail revenue in 2020-2021 for retail chains that occupy the top 10 places in the world ranking. Conclusions. The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly changed consumer habits and set new challenges for the world's largest retailers. However, global retail chains quickly adapted to these changes, successfully continuing their activities.

The effect of digital communication technologies in retail supply chain management: Evidence from Indian small retailers

Indian retail industry held the second rank in A.T. Kearney's Global retail development index in 2021 and ranked 16th FDI confidence index. The retail industry provides ample job opportunities and contributes to the economic progress of the nation. After the advent of new innovation there are new technologies which have emerged in business and it also substantially changed consumer behavior. Digital communication allows the user to transfer data from one end to another using digital technologies like e-mail, phone calls, video conferencing, and several instant message applications. Digital communication allows retailers to send personalized business information to their loyal customers and the customers respond to those messages, which in turn generate business for unorganized retailers. Digital communication not only improves the business of unorganized retailers but also the business image, Geographical spread, profitability, new customer acquisition, customer retention, and the like. Digital communication will transform the traditional unorganized retailer into an offline-to-online commerce model. Based on theoretical review this study identified constructs and proposed major determinants which influence technology adoption and its continuance among the unorganized retailers. This study assesses the digital communication technology usage in supply chain management among unorganized retailers with the constructs like experience, effortlessness, efficiency, enrichment, trust, security, digital infrastructure, satisfaction, and continuous intention to use. The results show that digital communication technology's effort, experience, and efficiency influence satisfaction. However, enrichment failed to influence satisfaction. Further, the results show that satisfaction and security influence continuous intention to use. However, trust and digital infrastructure failed to influence. Therefore, digital communication technology usage in supply chain management among unorganized retailers is substantially influenced by constructs like effort, experience, efficiency, satisfaction, and security.

Understanding Enterprise Risk Management of the Retail Industry During the Pandemic-Case Study of Walmart

Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) is critical for companies operating in the global retail industry in order to achieve their expected long-run values. As a holistic, top-down approach to managing the risk, ERM can bring valuable insights into how companies operating in the global retail industry make agile responses to shifting consumer demand and product supply. We look at specifically how ERM strategies helped Walmart during the Pandemic, especially in the early phase.

Business utilitarian ethics and green lending policies: a thematic analysis on the Swedish global retail and commercial banking sector

Business utilitarian ethics and green lending policies: a thematic analysis on the Swedish global retail and commercial banking sector

CHANGES IN THE FORMAT OF RETAIL ENTERPRISES UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF FACTORS OF THE MACRO-MARKETING ENVIRONMENT

The article analyzes the interpretation of the definitions of “retail” and “network retail” in the works of Ukrainian and foreign scientists. These concepts have been clarified in accordance with the objectivity and scaling of commercial activity. The author’s definitions of these concepts are formulated: “retail is a type of commercial activity that represents the retail sale of goods (including accompanying services) to individuals and legal entities for personal consumption or use, not related to business activity, through store trade facilities with significant visitor traffic”; “network retail – a set of retail enterprises located in a certain territory, having a common competitive environment, selling goods and providing trade services to the population with the aim of obtaining a commercial result.” It has been analyzed which format of trade enterprises should be assigned to the retail sector. Approaches to the classification of retail enterprises are proposed, and also defined. The classification of retail trade formats of Ukraine according to the data of “Colliers International” is highlighted and examples of domestic market enterprises are given in accordance with the current classification. The main tendencies and trends of not only Ukrainian, but also global retail, which have found application in the activities of enterprises during the last time, are described, which in turn will provide an opportunity for enterprises of the modern market to surpass their competitors, introducing innovations in the field of their activity and thereby more fully satisfying needs consumers, for the purpose of obtaining commercial benefits. The main trends inherent in Ukrainian retail include: greening; recycling (rejection of excessive consumption); application of artificial intelligence; personalization; improvement of the process of returning goods; long-term partnership; digitization; application of non-contact technologies; development of own brands.

Optimal real-time pricing and electricity package by retail electric providers based on social learning

As the global retail electricity market liberalizes, retail electric providers (REPs) are optimizing pricing schemes and electricity packages (EPs) to meet consumers' individual and diverse electricity plans while reducing volatility risk and ensuring profitability. However, consumer social learning (SL) helps frequently adjust electricity plans as social media evolves, preventing REPs from accurately understanding consumer electricity demand. Therefore, this paper constructs a dynamic game model of the retail electricity market considering social learning. REPs announce price and electricity package information to consumers based on market information and historical experience, and consumers first shared electricity usage plans based on their willingness to learn and share information among themselves, and then respond to REPs based on current information and experience. The main findings of this paper are as follows: (i) social learning increases consumer utility, promotes competition, depresses REPs prices, shrinks price differentials, and induces concessions by REPs, but raises volatility risk. (ii) electricity packages combined with social learning can save electricity consumption and significantly reduce volatility risk. Finally, this paper uses Smart Meter Energy Consumption data in London households to demonstrate the impact of social learning and to provide decision support for REP's electricity sales strategies.

Assessing the Sustainability of Retail Buildings: The Portuguese Method LiderA

Retail stores are among the building typologies with the highest consumption of natural resources. However, studies regarding the development of Building Sustainability Assessment methods for retail buildings are missing, despite their environmental, economic, and social importance. This study intends to address this gap in knowledge by (i) developing the Portuguese method LiderA for retail buildings, (ii) comparing LiderA to other BSA methods, and (iii) assessing results in two case studies. The development of LiderA for retail buildings took under consideration the indicators, weights, and specific guidelines of different BSA methods for retail buildings (namely LEED, BREEAM, and DGNB) and trends in the retail sector expressed in retailers’ sustainability reports and retailers’ associations. The most innovative aspects of the development of LiderA for retail buildings include the definition of benchmarks to assess sustainability performance in terms of Energy Intensity (EI), Carbon Intensity (CI), and Water Intensity (WI). Additionally, sustainable business operation practices were introduced in selected indicators as an alternative way to foster the roots of sustainability further down into the value chain, namely regarding ethical and sustainable product purchases, the protection of human rights, a code of conduct for suppliers, fair trade, product traceability, healthy food, sustainable agriculture, and local and organic products. The LiderA method, developed for retail buildings, can support designers, managers, and users in designing and managing more sustainable stores by providing benchmarks and best-practice thresholds for EI, CI, and WI. Given that global retailers operate hundreds of stores, the results show a key potential to increase the environmental performance of retail stores, supporting decision-making towards maximum energy efficiency and carbon neutrality.

Influence of special treatment benefits on Generation Y students’ attitude towards retail point-based loyalty programmes

The number of loyalty programmes has increased rapidly, becoming one of the most used marketing practices in the global retail market today. The primary objective of this study was to determine whether special treatment benefits influence Generation Y students’ attitudes towards retail point-based loyalty programmes and usage behaviour in South Africa by extending the theory of planned behaviour and adding unique treatment benefits and consumer satisfaction factors to propose a model for this study. The study employed a quantitative method, where a self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from a non-probability convenience sample of 388 students (aged 18 to 24 years), across two public higher education institutions’ campuses in the Gauteng province. The collected data was examined using descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis, reliability, correlation analysis multicollinearity and structural equation modelling (SEM). The study results indicate that subjective norms, unique treatment benefits and perceived behavioural control positively influence consumer satisfaction. The results also indicate that consumer satisfaction has a positive influence in shaping consumer attitudes towards retail point-based loyalty programmes which in turn influence usage behaviour of Generation Y students.

Water Intensity Indicators in the Global Retail Sector

Water Intensity Indicators in the Global Retail Sector

Analysing Lululemon’s Localisation and Community Marketing Strategy in China in the Context of Globalisation

As an athleisure brand known for its women’s yoga trousers, Lululemon Athletica, Inc.(‘Lululemon’) does not pursue celebrity endorsement, but instead works with brand ambassadors and local communities to create offline brand communities and a sense of belonging among customers. Reacting to the pandemic’s impact, Lululemon is rapidly becoming a brand comparable to Adidas and Nike, due to its superior community marketing strategy in a global athletic apparel market that continues to be sluggish as the global retail industry remains weak. This report will explore the localisation of multinational brands in the Chinese market through the lens of brand communication. Through the analysis of Lululemon’s key opinion leader (‘KOL’) team marketing model, shop experience activities, vertical retailing and its series of practices in the Chinese market such as the establishment of WeChat communities, this report will consider the advantages and disadvantages of multinational brands in the Chinese market as well as the dilemmas and challenges they face. In light of the current market environment, the role of community marketing in the localisation and promotion of international brands is explored, and corresponding community marketing suggestions are made to build brand loyalty and brand equity in the social media era.

An Empirical Research of Students’ Perceptions Regarding M-Commerce Acquisitions during the COVID-19 Pandemic

The emergence and spread of the COVID-19 pandemic have significantly changed the way commerce processes have been carried out over the last two years. Considering the development of the Internet and the increasing use of digitalization in recent years, electronic commerce has become an important part of the global retail framework. Accordingly, mobile commerce has emerged and developed through various applications as a modern alternative for buying and selling products and/or services using only mobile devices. This paper aims to identify and analyze several key factors that influence students’ perceptions regarding m-commerce acquisitions. It also attempts to illustrate some of the main advantages and disadvantages of m-commerce acquisition and to investigate its influence on students’ perceptions regarding m-commerce purchases. In order to achieve these objectives, the authors gathered data through a quantitative research method by using a questionnaire. The data were analyzed and interpreted through a factorial analysis that uses the presentation of the main components as an extraction method, with the varimax rotation method adopting Kaiser normalization, and processed with SPSS statistical software. The results of this research show that mobile-commerce acquisitions are influenced by five factors (social, political-legislative, technological, financial, and economic). In this respect, social and political-legislative factors influence, at a moderate level, the general frequency of m-commerce acquisition, while the economic factor does not influence the general frequency of m-commerce purchases. The study provides a theoretical model that takes into account the factors that influence m-commerce acquisition, including the influence of the perceived advantages and disadvantages on m-commerce purchase. The paper also displays the way in which these items influence students’ perception on m-commerce acquisitions.