Local Retail Research Articles

Molecular screening of chewing sticks and sponges found on the ghanaian local market for diarrhoea-causing microbes- a pilot study

Chewing sticks and sponges are used for oral hygiene in Ghana and other African countries. In addition to their affordability, they have additional advantages of anti-microbial and an­ti-plague properties. They are usually sold on the open market under low hygienic conditions, exposing them to environmental pathogens. Since they are mostly not sterilized before use, it is important to screen for the presence of pathogens of public health importance on randomly selected samples. This preliminary study used molecular assays to screen for Rotavirus A, <i>Sal­monella</i> <i>typhi</i>, <i>Vibrio</i> <i>cholera</i> and <i>Escherichia</i> <i>coli</i> on 10 chewing stick and sponge samples purchased randomly from the Agbogbloshie market in Accra. The samples were incubated in sterile distilled water overnight at room temperature to dislodge pathogens. Dislodged patho­gens were captured using the Nanotrap Microbiome A kit. Total nucleic acids were extracted from concentrates using the RADI prep DNA/RNA kit. All PCR assays were performed using 2X SYBR Green Mix and pathogen specific primers. Out of the four pathogens screened, only <i>E.</i> <i>coli</i> was detected (40% and 60% of chewing sponge and stick samples respectively). Despite the advantages of chewing sticks and sponges, the detection of <i>E.</i> <i>coli</i> on samples is a cause for concern since they indicate faecal contamination and can cause diarrhoeal diseases. It is recommended that chewing sticks and sponges should be washed clean before used for oral health. An alternative is to train local producers and retailers on improved hygienic pack­aging and handling of these essential cleaning agents.

NUA 45, a dry bean cultivar, builds a subtle brand in Zimbabwe against all odds

Global business today is driven by brands, each with a unique story, but rarely of a product that is a public good. Building a brand requires careful planning, creativity, and an understanding of the target market. Borrowing from various brand concepts and frameworks, this paper explores how a government-bred common bean cultivar., NUA 45, defied the odds to create a new identity and association in Zimbabwe. Firstly, the cultivar overcame the general lack of promotion investment in government-bred (public) common bean cultivars. Secondly, being a red mottle-colored cultivar in a red-speckled (sugar type) bean-predominated country, NUA 45 had to break the preference typecasts. Thirdly, NUA 45 was among the first generation of biofortified bean cultivars enriched with iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn), some of the most sought-after micronutrients in a world ridden with hidden hunger. Overcoming these market barriers required a systematic approach to awareness creation, collaboration, and commercialization, avoiding the tragedy of the commons, and instead, achieving a win-win situation for all stakeholders. This entailed understanding the needs and preferences of different value chain actors, developing messages, and engaging local farmers, retailers, aggregators, and private and public sector partners to promote NUA 45. Lastly, developing compelling stories and leveraging digital channels to reach new customers that sought personal experiences, moved the cultivar name from a mere label to a spontaneously endorsed lifestyle and a brand that ‘spread like wildfire’ across the country and the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) region. The NUA 45 brand broke new ground for other biofortified bean cultivars and non-sugar bean cultivars. Following its release in seven other countries, NUA 45 pioneered listing on the SADC regional variety catalog.

Fit satisfaction and experiences of plus-size females with active-wear in Cape Town, South Africa

The increased level of health awareness globally has resulted in growing numbers of consumers participating in sports activities to achieve a healthier lifestyle. However, a significant number of active plus-size females face challenges in finding attire or active-wear that fits properly and is engineered to ensure predefined performance requirements. The aim of this research was to investigate plus-size women’s experiences regarding fit satisfaction levels, and their perceptions about active-wear to improve fit, functionality, and clothing aesthetics. The study sought to establish plus-size female experiences regarding fit satisfaction levels, clothing choices and alternatives, including perceptions around aesthetics and purchasing behavior pertaining to active-wear offered by local clothing retailers in Cape Town. A mixed qualitative method was employed with 38 participants aged between 18-46 years, who self-identified as plus-size. The findings from the data revealed that the needs of plus-size women are not understood nor recognised regarding active-wear. The research indicated that plus-size females feel excluded by the clothing industry; they often resort to purchasing unsuitable exercise gear because of limited choices that suit their body shape needs. The finding results were used to develop practical improvements of active-wear for plus-size females, where innovative ideas were developed to address the technical issues of problems identified in the survey.

Managing Product Variety to Increase Sales in Used Automotive Closed-Loop Supply Chains

The relationship between product variety and sales has been extensively researched, but almost exclusively from the perspective of a new goods retail firm. Closed-loop supply chains for used goods, such as automobiles, offer unique challenges in terms of using reverse flows to create product variety at the retail location. Firms in used goods industries are unable to define their product mix a priori and may not even know which goods will be available to add to their sellable inventory. In this article, we use data from a used automobile retailer to explore these issues. A better understanding of the relationship between variety and sales can help used automobile retailers improve how they define and structure product variety at retail locations. Improved management of used automobile sales has obvious financial implications, but it also has important environmental implications, given the large contribution of passenger vehicles to overall emissions. This study implements a cluster analysis using consumer-facing variables to understand how customers view product variety for used automobiles. Our results show that three distinct classes of inventory exist, primarily driven by a key characteristic—body type—which differs from the traditional definition of product variety for new vehicles in the existing literature. A two-way fixed effects regression is then used to understand the relationship between product variety at the firm's retail locations and sales. The results demonstrate a nonlinear relationship between product variety and sales and, intriguingly, suggest that increasing product variety in some classes can be used to drive sales in others. Our findings yield important contributions for managers in used automobile firms and extend the broader literature on closed-loop supply chains. Specifically, our research demonstrates important differences in how product variety should be managed with used goods relative to new goods by a firm seeking to maximize sales.

Local Retail Prices, Product Variety, and Neighborhood Change

We study how local grocery markets within a city are affected by changes in housing markets. Our empirical strategy exploits a shift in the spatial distribution of construction activity induced by a large-scale, place-based tax exemption in the city of Montevideo. The introduction of new housing stock induced by the policy causes a reduction in grocery prices of 2.3 percent and an increase in locally available product varieties. Using insights from a multiproduct model of imperfect competition and estimates for different types of stores, we show these changes are the result of incumbents’ response to an increase in local demand. (JEL L81, O18, R22, R23, R31, R38)

A participatory approach to model the neighbourhood food environment.

Inequalities in exposure to a health-promoting local food environment have been implicated in the generation of inequalities in diet-related behaviours and outcomes, including obesity and diabetes. Increasingly, poor diet and diet-related disease have been characterised as an emergent property of a complex system and, as such, the drivers of poor diet may be better understood by using a complex system perspective. In this study, we describe a participatory approach for understanding the system drivers of unhealthy food consumption. System dynamics (SD) was used to identify, understand, and visualise the elements of the neighbourhood food retail system that influence individuals' eating behaviour. Group Model Building (GMB), undertaken online with stakeholders (n = 11), was used to funnel existing knowledge and evidence on urban food environments and to build a conceptual system map of the local food retail environment inclusive of the drivers that influence the decision to purchase and consume meals that are high in fat, salt, and sugar (HFSS), and calories. The GMB was organised as a knowledge elicitation process involving a questionnaire, a workbook, and a structured workshop. The GMB generated a comprehensive causal loop diagram (CLD) of the retail environment inclusive of the drivers that influence the decision to purchase and consume unhealthy meals. The CLD was designed around two main variables (i) exposure to food outlets and (ii) food consumption. The system map built during the Group Model Building session linked exposure to food outlets with the possibility to purchase and consume unhealthy meals. The effectiveness of this link will be tested in an Agent-Based model. The conceptual model illustrates the complexity of the factors responsible for inequalities in unhealthy eating. The GMB approach provides a basis for building an agent-based model for local authorities to characterise their food retail environment, uncover potential leverage points for interventions and test them 'in silico' in a virtual environment.

Patterns of insecticide uses and its impact on the health of the farmers in Tangail district of Bangladesh

Appropriate and judicious application of insecticide is the most effective measure of crop protection against the injury and damage of insect pests. However, the tendency of the farmers is to apply insecticide without maintaining proper dose, time and precautionary measures. This study was conducted in Dhanbari and Madhupur upazilas of the Tangail district during July to October 2020 to find out the patterns of insecticide use on summer vegetables and the potential risks of insecticides on the health of farmers. Data were collected from randomly selected 120 farmers through a pre-tested questionnaire. The majority of farmers within the study area obtained information regarding specific insect pests and the recommended insecticide from local retailer shops 81.7%), whereas information on insecticide dosage was primarily gathered from experts (91.7%). In the study area, farmers applied insecticides once/twice a season (66.7%). The survey report showed that 60.0% of the farmers applied insecticides without reading the label information, while all the farmers applied insecticides using hand driven sprayer machine between the hours of 10 am to 3 pm. Results revealed that 63.3% of the farmers took a moderate protective measures, but 93.3% did not consider pre-harvest Interval (PHI). A considerable portion of farmers (48.3%) kept pesticide bottles and packaging alongside other inputs, while most respondents (96.6%) disposed of these items in the fields. It was found that 70.0% of the farmers were acquainted with health hazards, 56.6% knew about water pollution, 54.1% knew about reduction of pollinators due to insecticide application. Based on the perspectives of the participants, it was also found that, 60.0% farmers suffered from physical weakness, 55.0% suffered in loss of appetite, 38.3% suffered in eye irritation, 28.3% experienced in body itching, and 12.7% suffered urinary and sexual disorder. Ann. Bangladesh Agric. (2023) 27 (1): 31-39

Food safety knowledge, attitude, and practice among fish retailers in the Ho central market of Ghana

Fish is among the most readily available and affordable sources of animal proteins and forms an integral part of Ghanaian cuisine. Improper handling constitutes one of the primary sources of deterioration and contamination of fish. Evaluating knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of food safety in food handling is essential to minimizing foodborne diseases. This study aimed to assess the KAP of local market fish retailers in the Ho Central Market of Ghana due to their vital role in maintaining fish safety. Using a structured questionnaire; data were collected from 169 fish retailers on the food safety KAP of handling fish. Results of the study revealed that fish retailers had a satisfactory level of knowledge, attitude, and practice toward food safety. A two-way multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) showed a significant difference for fish retailers with medical examination certificates on knowledge (Wilks=0.68, F=2.52, p˂0.01) and practice (Wilks=0.81, F=3.23, p˂0.01), and training and practice (Wilks=0.83, F=2.71, p˂0.01). Positive correlations were seen between mean knowledge score and attitudes score (p < 0.001, rs =0.33), between attitude score and practices score (p < 0.001, rs =0.49), and between knowledge score and practices score (p < 0.001, rs =0.41). The study identified fish retailers’ knowledge, attitude, and practice of food safety to be satisfactory. However, some practices were difficult to adhere to due to a lack of basic amenities to facilitate hygienic practices. The study recommends improving basic amenities to promote hygienic practices in the local market.

Dominance of Diarrheagenic E. coli Virulent Types in Integrated Crop–Livestock Farms and Their Antibiotic Resistance Patterns

Microbial ecology on integrated crop–livestock farms (ICLFs) can impact food safety through pathogen transfer between animals and crops. Recent reports of pathogen-contaminated products sold in local organic retail, roadside, and farmers markets highlight the need for assessment of the ecological patterns of bacterial pathogens. This study investigated the prevalence and antibiotic resistance of the virulent type of diarrheagenic E. coli in ICLFs. Over two years, 2973 samples from ICLFs and markets in Maryland and Washington DC were analyzed. Diarrheagenic E. coli was found in 4.30% (128/2973) of collected samples, with a higher isolation rate in environmental (4.42%, 59/1332) and produce (4.20%, 69/1641) samples. Overall, livestock bedding materials had the highest prevalence (8.51%, 4/47). Post-harvest produce exhibited a lower contamination rate of 1.32% (10/756), whereas pre-harvest produce had a higher incidence with 6.67% contamination (59/885), indicating the presence of E. coli. Alarmingly, 92.30% (72/78) of pathogenic E. coli isolates were resistant to common antibiotics. The findings highlight potential risks associated with integrated farming practices and emphasize the importance of safe harvesting and post-harvesting measures, particularly in the context of the growing popularity of local integrated farming. Implementing precautions at on-farm and market levels is crucial to mitigate the risk of antibiotic-resistant E. coli-related enteric illnesses, safeguarding both consumers and the integrity of integrated farming systems.

Food Access After Disasters

Problem, research strategy, and findings Access after disasters to resources such as food poses planning problems that affect millions of people each year. Understanding how disasters disrupt and alter food access during the initial steps of the recovery process provides new evidence to inform both food system and disaster planning. Our research took a supply-side focus and explored the results from a survey of food retailers after Hurricane Harvey in three Texas counties. The survey collected information on how the disaster affected a store’s property, people, and products and the length of time a store was closed, had reduced hours, and stopped selling fresh food items. We found that a focus only on store closures and property damage would underestimate the number of days residents had limited fresh food access by nearly 2 weeks. Further, stores in lower-income communities with chronically low access to supermarkets (food deserts) were closed longer than other stores, potentially compounding pre-existing inequalities. To plan for a more equitable food supply after a disaster, planners should embrace more dimensions of access, encourage retailer mitigation, and assess the types of retailers and their distribution within their communities. Takeaway for practice Practicing planners aspire to ensure equitable access to resources (e.g., food, education, and health care). In the context of food access, planners should consider that a) common proximity-based measures of accessibility (e.g., food deserts) may underestimate inequality and that the inclusion of multiple dimensions of access may provide a more accurate picture, b) efforts to encourage business resilience can complement food systems planning, and c) targeted engagement with local food retailers, food suppliers, and food aid agencies is important for both day-to-day community needs and for disaster planning.

Urban spatial configuration and interactions with retail activities: An approach based on contact

This paper explores the relationship between urban spatial configuration and retail location. We present the Contact model to quantify the capacity of diverse urban configurations to foster economic interactions. Employing a network approach, the model simulates potential interactions between residents and retail activities as they move through the city. The model computes the number of shortest paths, weighted by resident density, in a network loaded with retail activities. The method allows for ranking different urban networks based on their potential to stimulate or constrain interactions between inhabitants and retail establishments. The weighted Contact model is tested across various metric radii in a sample of 35 US cities, utilizing population data from US Census Bureau (c2020) and retail data from the ReferenceUSA database (NAICS, c2020). To validate the model, we correlate results with total retail sales data for each city. Our findings reveal that cities with higher weighted Contact values exhibit greater retail sales volume, particularly within smaller radii up to 1000 m. The differences and relevance of this measurement decreases at >1000 m radius showing that the Contact model is relevant at the local level. We conclude that the urban spatial configuration remains to play an important role in the urban economic environment, holding implications for business and service planning, as well as urban planning and design.

Determining consumers’ willingness to pay in view of extrinsic attributes of Erzurum Stuffed-Kadayif with Protected Geographical Indication

The aim of the study is to determine consumers’ willingness to pay (WTP) in view of the brand types and food retailers simulations from the product profiles based on the intrinsic and extrinsic attributes of Erzurum Stuffed-kadayif profiles with Protected Geographical Indication, and then to create the marketing strategies for each consumer segment. In order to reach to these goals, the main material composed of the primary data obtained from consumers consuming Erzurum Stuffed-kadayif in Erzurum Province. Based on the data, k-means cluster analysis was firstly used to segment heterogeneous consumer masses according to their consumption frequencies, and choice-based CA model was secondly applied to calculate the total utilities for each consumer segment and then to measure consumers’ WTP for Erzurum Stuffed-kadayif profile simulations. The results of the study highlighted that the light and heavy users’ WTPs with higher premium prices for the local brands and manufacturer outlets calculated as 48.0% and 28.2%, and 40.8% and 26.5% respectively, but the medium users’ WTPs with high premium prices for each product attribute found as 14.5%. Focused on such consumer-oriented attitudes, the market actors should position Erzurum Stuffed-kadayif with local retailer brands sold from the higher premium prices at the manufacturer stores for the light and heavy users, but it should be implemented the product differentiation strategies under the intrinsic and extrinsic food attributes for the medium users.

Enhancing Retail Success: A Comprehensive Analysis of Visual Merchandising Influence on Customer Engagement and Purchase Behavior in Philippine Local Retail Businesses

This study employed a quantitative approach to investigate the influence of visual merchandising practices on customer engagement and purchase behavior in retail stores in Claver, Surigao del Norte. By utilizing a descriptive survey design with 385 customer respondents, the findings revealed that retailers inconsistently observed visual merchandising practices. Despite this, the study identified a significant and high positive influence of these practices on customer engagement and purchase behavior. Notably, through multiple regression analysis, it was found that only window displays significantly predicted both customer engagement and purchase behavior, although the collective influence of visual merchandising practices remained substantial. In essence, the research emphasized the integral role of visual merchandising in encouraging customer engagement and guiding their purchase behavior, highlighting the specific relevance of window displays in this retail context.

Analysis of social media compliance with cannabis advertising regulations: evidence from recreational dispensaries in Illinois 1-year post-legalization

BackgroundIn the USA, an increasing number of states have legalized commercial recreational cannabis markets, allowing a private industry to sell cannabis to those 21 and older at retail locations known as dispensaries. Research on tobacco and alcohol suggests this new industry will use aggressive marketing tactics to attract new users and promote greater intensity of use. Of concern is that cannabis company advertising campaigns may be appealing to youth, promote false or misleading health claims, and disproportionately target low-income and minority communities. In this study, we evaluated recreational cannabis dispensary compliance with advertising regulations on social media in the state of Illinois.MethodsPrimary data were collected from a census of recreational dispensary Facebook and Twitter business pages during the first year of recreational sales in 2020. A quantitative content analysis was conducted to systematically analyze the data; a codebook that detailed a protocol for classifying posts was developed prior to the analysis using advertising regulations outlined in the Illinois Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act. Violations of advertising regulations were organized into three categories: advertisements that may be appealing to youth (< 21 years old), advertisements that make health claims, and other advertising violations. The data were analyzed cross-sectionally and longitudinally. Additionally, differences in compliance were assessed by dispensary and neighborhood characteristics.ResultsThe results of the analysis revealed substantial and persistent non-compliance throughout the entire study period. Overall, nearly one third of posts had at least one violation and approximately one in ten posts met the criteria for appealing to youth or contained health claims. The majority of posts with health claims included health claims that were not qualifying conditions for medical cannabis access in the state of Illinois. No differences in compliance by neighborhood and dispensary characteristics were found.ConclusionsThe findings from this study suggest that systematic monitoring and enforcement is needed to ensure compliance with advertising regulations.

A longitudinal analysis of the impact of the local tobacco retail availability and neighbourhood deprivation on male smoking behaviours in Shanghai, China

Some evidence from Western high-income countries suggests local tobacco retail availability and neighbourhood deprivation may influence smoking behaviours. However, this assertion has not been considered in China, where 44% of males continue to smoke. Data were analysed from Chinese males (n = 2054) who participated in Waves 3–5 (2009–2015) of the International Tobacco Control (ITC) China Survey by linking information on tobacco retail availability (estimated through population weighted Kernel Density of tobacco retailers in 2019) and neighbourhood deprivation (calculated as a composite score derived from the 2010 Chinese census) across Shanghai. Generalised Estimating Equation models were fitted to examine the impacts of local tobacco availability and neighbourhood deprivation on smoking behaviours (current smoking versus current non-smoking, quitting versus current smoking, longer durations of smoking abstinence versus current smoking) using the longitudinal data. Examining the impacts separately, participants living in neighbourhoods with greater availability and higher levels of deprivation were less likely to maintain longer durations of smoking abstinence in both unadjusted and adjusted models. Neighbourhood deprivation, but not availability, was found to be associated with higher odds of being a current smoker. Examining the impacts jointly, neighbourhood deprivation was still positively associated with current smoking and negatively associated with longer durations of smoking abstinence, but the negative association between availability and longer durations of smoking abstinence disappeared. The findings offer some evidence that greater tobacco retail availability and deprivation are obstacles on prolonged smoking cessation among males in Shanghai, China. Policymakers should consider small-area level place-based restrictions in China, such as reducing the availability of tobacco, as part of a comprehensive tobacco control strategy aimed at addressing the high prevalence of smoking.

Investigating the influence of omnichannel retailing on consumer decision making in the Jordanian market

The present research investigates the use of omnichannel retailing and its influence on the Jordanian market, focusing on four important dimensions: integration, fulfilment, usability, and seamlessness. This study attempts to answer how strategies of omnichannel affect purchase-decisions and satisfaction of customers among students at private universities in Jordan as expectations for integrated purchase experiences that combine physical and digital channels continue to rise. Using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM), this study empirically examines the relationships between various dimensions of omnichannel retailing and consumer decision-making. The findings reveal that strong integration across sales channels, fast delivery options, simple interfaces, and seamless transitions significantly enhance consumer decision-making. This underscores the importance of robust infrastructure facilities, dependable information availability options, flexible fulfillment methods, user-friendly interface designs as well as a smooth customer support system which all together make for a great shopping experience. Thus, local retailers are given clear recommendations to invest in current systems by diversifying their delivery alternatives, improving mobile platforms, and using data analytics to match marketing efforts. The main focus of this paper is effective merchandising practices that can help retailers connect with consumers effectively during changing market situations. Moreover, there are several lessons from this research for businesses operating under stiff competition but with the increasing needs of modern-day consumers.

The transformation of the commercial activities in West African metropolises: the case of Dakar (Senegal)

The evolution of retail unquestionably justifies the growing interest shown by research in this essential function of the economic system of metropolises, particularly in West Africa. In Dakar, the reshaping of the commercial space has attracted the interest of the government, researchers and economic players, especially in recent years, following the arrival of French food retailers, Auchan in particular. This situation has begun to reshape the structure of retailing, sparking fear among local small-scale retailers, who are adopting adaptive strategies. After all, commerce is both an economic and a social foundation for thousands of manages, including women. While markets, local stores and street stalls continue to be the preferred places for the majority of Dakar residents to do their shopping, the breakthrough of Auchan supermarkets is real for consumers, who are regaining freedom of choice in their purchasing actions.

Fish diversity indices of Hail Haor, a subtropical wetland in the north‐east region of Bangladesh: Diversity influencing factors and recommendations

AbstractOne of the largest wetlands in Bangladesh's north‐east, Hail Haor supports a variety of aquatic habitats and has a diversified ecosystem. To ascertain the fish diversity indices of Hail Haor, this study was carried out month by month from December 2020 to June 2021. For this study, three sampling sites in the Moulvi Bazar district—Chiruadobi Beel, Gopla River and Balla Beel were chosen from which fish samples were collected. Twenty‐five different fish species were identified and 12,076 fish (individual numbers) were counted and categorized. The Shannon diversity index varied from 1.33 to 1.65. Hail Haor's species diversity index is moderate by the index standard. The Shannon evenness index (E) varied from .41 to .51. The Depressed Community is present in the Hail Haor species diversity index, as per the index standard. The Simpson dominance index fluctuated from .56 to .72. The species diversity index of Hail Haor contains moderate dominance, as per the index standard. With the help of local retailers, fishers, and other relevant stakeholders, the FGD identified factors that have an impact on the diversity index. The current study on diversity indices will be highly beneficial for formulating strategy and managing Hail Haor by strictly adhering to the recommendations.

Sam’s Club Current Situation Analysis and Recommendation in China

With the development of China’s economy, retail and warehousing have a very objective market. As Sam’s club, which has been deeply engaged in China for many years, this will be a good opportunity. However, competition in China’s retail market is still fierce. Today, China’s local retail enterprises have fired the first shot in the price war against Sam. This paper uses economic knowledge to analyze the market situation of Sam’s club in China, including but not limited to swot, pestle and market positioning analysis. Through the analysis of economics, this paper clarifies the advantages and disadvantages of Sam in the principality market. In addition, it also clearly pointed out the challenges and opportunities faced by Sam’s Club in China. In the case that competitors have started to compete in the price war, this paper gives suggestions that are more in line with China’s national conditions. This will greatly help Sam’s Club to understand China’s national conditions and develop new market strategies.

Isolation and identification of Clostridium perfringens and its toxins from mutton in Lahore City, Punjab, Pakistan.

The present study was aimed to detect C. perfringens and identify its toxins in mutton samples collected from Lahore City in the Punjab Province of Pakistan. A total of 40 samples of minced and non‑minced mutton were collected from local butcher and retail shops representing four areas of the city. The samples were subjected to ELISA for the detection of C. perfringens alpha, beta and epsilon toxins. The samples were simultaneously processed for bacterial isolation. The isolates were confirmed both by biochemical testing and a multiplex PCR targeting alpha, beta and epsilon toxin genes of C. perfringens. While 10% (4/40) of the samples were positive for C. perfringens alpha toxins, 17.5% (7/40) of the samples were positive for the alpha toxin gene. The present study indicated that the samples collected from the local butcher shops were contaminated with C. perfringens and its toxins. Interestingly, no such contamination was detected in any of the samples collected from retail meat shops. In conclusion, improper hygienic conditions at butcher shops could lead to the contamination of mutton with C. perfringens and its toxins.