Local Retail Research Articles

Revitalising Retail: Unveiling the Transformative Power of Ethical Supply Chain Management in the Indonesian Market

Indonesia’s retail sector has experienced substantial growth in recent years due to economic development and evolving consumer preferences. However, this expansion has underscored significant ethical challenges within supply chains, spanning labour practices to environmental sustainability. This conceptual paper explores the intricate relationship between ethical supply chain management and the revitalisation of retail companies in Indonesia. It seeks to understand how embracing ethical principles can bring transformative change to the Indonesian retail market. Through an extensive literature review and empirical data from the local retail sector, the paper delves into the theoretical foundations and practical application of ethical supply chain management, employing real-world examples and comparative analyses to illustrate its impact on retail operations. The analysis reveals the profound influence of ethical supply chain management on Indonesian retail companies, uncovering both the benefits, such as increased consumer trust and improved brand image, and the challenges and limitations encountered in its pursuit. In a retail landscape marked by rapid expansion and ethical considerations, this paper provides valuable insights into the transformative power of ethical supply chain management, offering guidance for retail businesses to align profit-driven objectives with socially responsible practices, promoting sustainability and reinvigorating the retail sector in Indonesia.

COMPARATIVE STUDY OF DIFFERENT BRANDS OF RANITIDINE TABLETS IN BANGLADESH

Ranitidine is a H2- receptor blocker, which is widely used for the treatment of peptic ulcer disease. Present was designed to assess the therapeutic properties of different branded ranitidine hydrochloride tablets available in retail pharmacies of Bangladesh. Ranitidine HCl tablets manufactured by five different brands following USP specifications were collected from local retail Pharmacy located in Dhaka. Various parameters such as weight variation, thickness, hardness, disintegration, dissolution, potency etc. were analyzed according to the official (BP/USP8) pharmacopoeia methods to evaluate their quality. The result showed that four brands of Ranitidine HCl tablets complied USP specification of potency and the remaining one was more potent. Four brands showed a good result for weight variation, hardness, disintegration time and dissolution rate. One brand of tablets showed minor deviation in dissolution rate as compared to USP specification. It is evident from the study that most of the brands tested showed good results. Though this study was performed on a limited scale but the data reported here can help the Drug Control Authority to get an idea a

Increasing the Effectiveness and Efficiency of Local MSME Consignment Cooperation with the Portal Vendor System

MSMEs have an important role in the Indonesian economy, but they face challenges in adapting to the digital era and establishing effective collaborations with retail companies. This study aims to develop and evaluate a vendor portal system that can overcome this challenge by increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of consignment cooperation between local MSMEs and retail companies. Using a qualitative descriptive method, this study analyzes the impact of the implementation of the vendor portal system on the consignment business process, including operational efficiency, transparency, and collaboration between the two parties. The results show that the vendor portal system has succeeded in improving operational efficiency, providing real-time transparency of sales and inventory data, and facilitating better communication between MSMEs and retail companies. In addition, this system also supports the government's program in encouraging MSMEs to "Go Digital" and "Upgrade Class".

You Only Look Once Version 5 and Deep Simple Online and Real-Time Tracking Algorithms for Real-Time Customer Behavior Tracking and Retail Optimization

The speedy progress of computer vision and machine learning engineering has inaugurated novel means for improving the purchasing experiment in brick-and-mortar stores. This paper examines the utilization of YOLOv (You Only Look Once) and DeepSORT (Deep Simple Online and Real-Time Tracking) algorithms for the real-time detection and analysis of the purchasing penchant in brick-and-mortar market surroundings. By leveraging these algorithms, stores can track customer behavior, identify popular products, and monitor high-traffic areas, enabling businesses to adapt quickly to customer preferences and optimize store layout and inventory management. The methodology involves the integration of YOLOv5 for accurate and rapid object detection combined with DeepSORT for the effective tracking of customer movements and interactions with products. Information collected in in-store cameras and sensors is handled to detect tendencies in customer behavior, like repeatedly inspected products, periods expended in specific intervals, and product handling. The results indicate a modest improvement in customer engagement, with conversion rates increasing by approximately 3 percentage points, and a decline in inventory waste levels, from 88% to 75%, after system implementation. This study provides essential insights into the further integration of algorithm technology in physical retail locations and demonstrates the revolutionary potential of real-time behavior tracking in the retail industry. This research determines the foundation for future developments in functional strategies and customer experience optimization by offering a solid framework for creating intelligent retail systems.

Unveiling an asymmetric relationship between global crude oil and local food prices in an oil-importing economy

Recent swift comovements of local food and global crude oil prices have attracted the attention of policymakers and researchers. To evaluate this relationship, many studies have used time series models to explore global crude oil and local food prices. However, robust research based on advanced nonlinear time series models that incorporate control variables for their formation is lacking. In this paper, nonlinear techniques are applied to assess the asymmetric nexus between Brent oil prices and local retail food prices in Slovakia. To estimate this value, we extend the single-threshold NARDL approach to the MTNARDL model. The nominal exchange rate and industrial production index are used as the control variables. Compared with conventional NARDL models, the MTNARDL model provides a more detailed representation of global oil‒local food price linkages and detects the asymmetric effect of global oil prices on food prices from both long- and short-term perspectives. Interestingly, with respect to long- and short-term food price volatility, changes in response to oil price fluctuations are greatest under a regime with rather a small number of positive and moderate changes.

The Power of Neuromarketing as a Fuel to Drive Purchases in Local Retail (Piura 2024")

Neuromarketing studies the neurological brain responses to various marketing stimuli, such as visual, sound, colour and emotional elements, in order to understand in depth the cognitive and affective processes associated with consumer decision-making. Given its relevance, the objective is to determine how the power of neuromarketing acts as a fuel to drive purchase in a local retail store - Piura 2024. Methodologically, a quantitative approach was used with a non-experimental, descriptive-correlational and transversal design. A total of 384 frequent customers, of legal age and with purchasing power, participated. The findings of this study are an irrefutable testimony to the transformative power of neuromarketing in this local setting (Piura). With a Spearman correlation coefficient of 0.823 (p < 0.01), a strong and statistically significant positive correlation between neuromarketing and purchase decision is revealed, demonstrating that this innovative discipline has the ability to profoundly influence consumer behaviour. These results are a call to action for companies in the sector to adopt neuromarketing strategies that allow them to connect with their customers in a more effective and emotional way, thus unleashing an unprecedented impact on their commercial success. Received: 4 August 2024 / Accepted: 29 October 2024 / Published: 05 November 2024

Association of Local Cannabis Policy and Retail Availability With Cannabis Use and Problematic Cannabis Use Among Adolescents in Northern California.

Objectives. To examine whether local cannabis policies and retail availability are associated with cannabis use and problematic cannabis use (PCU) among adolescents in Northern California. Methods. The sample comprised adolescents aged 13 to 17 years screened for past-year cannabis use during well-child visits in 2021. Exposures included local bans on cannabis storefront retailers, policy protectiveness, and retail proximity and density. Outcomes included self-reported past-year cannabis use and PCU diagnoses. Modified Poisson regression models adjusted for sociodemographics. Results. The sample (n = 103 134) was 51.1% male with a median age of 15 years (interquartile range [IQR] = 14-16 years); 5.5% self-reported cannabis use, and 0.3% had diagnosed PCU. Adolescents had a lower prevalence of cannabis use in jurisdictions that banned storefront retailers (adjusted prevalence rate [APR] = 0.857; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.814, 0.903 vs allowed), banned delivery (APR = 0.751; 95% CI = 0.710, 0.795 vs allowed), or had more policy protections (APR range = 0.705-0.800). Lower PCU prevalence was also found among those in jurisdictions that banned (vs allowed) storefront retailers (APR = 0.786; 95% CI = 0.629, 0.983) or delivery (APR = 0.783; 95% CI = 0.616, 0.996). Longer drive time and lower density of storefront retailers were associated with a lower cannabis use prevalence. Conclusions. More protective cannabis policies and less retail availability were associated with a lower prevalence of adolescent cannabis use and PCU. (Am J Public Health. 2024;114(S8):S654-S663. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2024.307787).

Content of selected nutrients and potential contaminants in prenatal multivitamins and minerals: an observational study

BackgroundIncreasing consumer reliance on prenatal multivitamins and minerals (PMVMs) underscores the importance of ensuring their quality and safety. Adequate choline and iodine intakes during pregnancy are crucial for fetal development, yet discrepancies between labeled and actual content in PMVM products pose significant health risks. Additionally, the potential presence of toxic heavy metals, such as arsenic, lead, and cadmium, raises concerns about potential adverse health effects. ObjectivesThis study aimed to valuate nonprescription and prescription PMVMs regarding choline and iodine content, as well as arsenic, lead, and cadmium. MethodsThis observational study evaluated a convenience sample of nonprescription and prescription PMVM products from online retailers and local retail pharmacies. Products were analyzed using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry for choline and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for iodine, arsenic, lead, and cadmium. Choline and iodine actual amounts were compared with reported label amounts and contaminant amounts were compared with United States Pharmacopeia (USP) standards. ResultsIn total, 32 nonprescription and 15 prescription PMVM products were analyzed. Choline amounts were reported on 12 of the 47 (25.6%) products, including 5 (41.7%) within 20% of the claimed amount, 2 (16.7%) over the claimed amount by >20%, and 5 (41.7%) under the claimed amount by >20%. Iodine amounts were reported on 25 of the 47 (53.2%) products, including 4 (16.0%) within 20% of the claimed amount, 20 (80.0%) under the claimed amount by >20%, and 1 (4.0%) over the claimed amount by >20%. Amounts of arsenic, lead, and cadmium above USP purity limits were found in 7 (14.9%), 2 (4.3%) and 13 (27.7%) PMVMs, respectively. ConclusionsCurrent PMVM labels are misleading with the potential to harm pregnant persons and fetuses through omission or inaccurate content of essential nutrients and inclusion of heavy metals. Regulation is needed, and the Food and Drug Administration needs sufficient authority and staffing to oversee these dietary supplements.

Minor Cannabinoid Profile of Unregulated Cannabidiol Products.

Background: Although the majority of cannabinoid research has focused on delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), there is increasing interest in the therapeutic effects of other phytocannabinoid compounds (i.e., minor cannabinoids), as there is little known about their effects or interaction with CBD. The current study objective was to determine the concentrations of 15 minor cannabinoids in unregulated, over-the-counter CBD products. Methods: A cross-section sample of 80 local and national brands of hemp-derived oil products was purchased both online and in local retail outlets in central Kentucky. Epidiolex® was included as a regulated control. Samples from each product were extracted by solvent extraction and quantified by liquid-chromatography tandem mass-spectrometry. The targeted cannabinoids were: cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), cannabidivarin (CBDV), cannabidivarinic acid, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabivarin, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabivarinic acid, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid-A, Δ8-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ8-THC), cannabigerol (CBG), cannabigerolic acid, cannabinol (CBN), cannabinolic acid, cannabicyclol (CBL), cannabicyclolic acid, cannabichromene (CBC) and cannabichromenic acid. Results: Among the unregulated products included in this analysis, the most frequently detected minor cannabinoids were CBDV (100% of samples tested), CBG (77%), CBC (72%), CBN (67%), CBL (67%), and CBDA (51%). Δ8-THC was not detected in any of the products tested. Concentrations of these cannabinoids varied widely from trace concentrations to several mg/mL (e.g., CBDA: 0.006-12.258 mg/mL). Conclusions: These data indicate CBD products often contain minor cannabinoids, although the array and concentrations of these cannabinoids vary widely across products. The concentrations of these minor cannabinoids are largely absent from product labels, leaving consumers uninformed about product contents.

Production line location strategy for foreign manufacturer when selling in a market lag behind in manufacturing

It is a prevalent practice for foreign manufacturers to market their products in regions with lower manufacturing capabilities. However, the manufacturer’s choice of production line location strategy is significantly influenced by tariffs and negative brand effects caused by localized production. In this paper, we build a game-theoretical model considering a supply chain composed of a foreign manufacturer and a local retailer. The foreign manufacturer initially produces both high-end and low-end products at the oversea (with higher manufacturing capabilities), selling them in the local market through a local retailer. We explore various production line location strategies for the foreign manufacturer, including both location at the oversea, both location at the local market (with lower manufacturing capabilities), and separate location, and analyze the impacts of tariffs and negative brand effects. By comparing equilibrium results in different strategies, we discover that as tariffs rise, both location at the oversea may be the best choice for the foreign manufacturer instead of separate location strategy, which challenges the prevalent practice where many foreign manufacturers opt to produce high-end products overseas to uphold brand influence while localizing low-end products to minimize tariff costs. Overall, there is no singularly dominant production line location strategy for the foreign manufacturer, and each strategy holds the potential to yield the highest overall supply chain profit. In addition, as tariffs rise, customer surplus will increase under separate location, and only the separate location strategy or both location at the local market strategy is likely to yield the highest consumer surplus.

Mental health and support for rigorous tobacco control strategies in South Australia

IntroductionTobacco endgame strategy includes policies to end the tobacco epidemic. As tobacco smoking prevalence is higher among people with mental health conditions (MHC), understanding the impact of rigorous tobacco control...

Increasing The Effectiveness And Efficiency Of Local Msme Consignment Cooperation With The Vendor System

MSMEs have an important role in the Indonesian economy but face challenges in adapting to the digital era and establishing effective collaboration with retail companies. This research aims to develop and evaluate a vendor portal system that can overcome this challenge by increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of consignment collaboration between local MSMEs and retail companies. Using qualitative descriptive methods, this research analyzes the impact of implementing a vendor portal system on consignment business processes, including operational efficiency, transparency, and collaboration between both parties. The research results show that the vendor portal system has succeeded in increasing operational efficiency, providing real-time transparency of sales and inventory data, and facilitating better communication between MSMEs and retail companies. Apart from that, this system also supports government programs in encouraging MSMEs to "Go Digital" and "Upgrade"

Partnering Implementation in SMEs: The Role of Trust

Resource Dependence Theory suggests that (a) power balance with resource interdependency, (b) formal/informal procedures for resource exchange, and (c) matching in goals and operational philosophies positively affect partnering implementation (information exchange and joint decision-making). Additionally, improved partnering implementation positive affects commitment fulfillment and dispute resolution. In a setting where SMEs supply to small local retailers, the SMEs do not suffer from low bargaining power and rely on informal contracts, and both firms are compatible. The small trading partners in this study predominantly have face-to-face and telephonic interactions with each other (possible due to the small number). Knowledge of one another and a simple transaction process reduces risk and uncertainty, and leads to trust. In this study, trust is a contextual factor, and we aim to determine if there is a positive effect of (a), (b), and (c) on partnering implementation, and if the effect strengthens with an increase in the level of trust. Survey data are used to calibrate and validate a structural equation model independently. Through empirical research, we aim to identify deviations in results, determine the cause of deviation in the study characteristics, and add explanatory power to research findings. Except for the influence of trust on the positive relationship between informal procedures and partnering implementation, the finding fits with the theoretical bases. With a high level of trust, clarity in time, accuracy, and relevance of information exchanged may be lacking, compromising decision-making and adding to the ambiguity of partnering implementation with an informal agreement.

Challenges and mitigating measures in local fruits retail in Southern Ghana

Challenges and mitigating measures in local fruits retail in Southern Ghana

Opportunities and Challenges of California’s Fruit and Vegetable Electronic Benefit Transfer Pilot Project at Farmers’ Markets: A Qualitative Study with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Shoppers and Farmers’ Market Staff

Background/Objectives: Nutrition incentive programs can increase access to fresh fruits and vegetables and improve food security among Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants and others in the United States. This qualitative study explored SNAP participants’ and farmers’ market staff’s perceptions of and experiences with a pilot supplemental benefit program offered at seven farmers’ markets in 2023 as part of the California Fruit and Vegetable Electronic Benefit Transfer Pilot Project. The pilot introduced specific characteristics that differ from more traditional nutrition incentive program dollar-for-dollar match incentive models, particularly the traditional model operating in California. Specific differences included the following: (1) offering a monthly USD 60 supplemental benefit that could be redeemed in a single shopping trip; (2) providing the supplemental benefit as a match that could be spent on any SNAP-eligible item in any retail location (rather than solely on fruits and vegetables at the farmers’ market). Methods: We conducted a qualitative, cross-sectional study including seven focus groups with 40 SNAP shoppers and six focus groups with 14 farmers’ market staff at six pilot-participating farmers’ markets in California. All focus groups were conducted by trained research staff and were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using the immersion crystallization method. Results: Our findings include that shoppers appreciated several features of the pilot, particularly the ability to obtain an entire month’s supplemental benefit during one shopping trip and the ability to spend the benefit earned on any SNAP-eligible item at any SNAP retailer. Farmers’ market staff appreciated that the pilot benefited shoppers but found it difficult to manage due to staff and shopper confusion about the program, increased program utilization, subsequent long lines, and the spending of the earned incentives at other SNAP retailers. Both shoppers and staff reported that the program was difficult to understand. Conclusions: These findings can inform future nutrition incentive program designs to benefit SNAP participants while offering sustainable models for farmers’ markets.

Touristification and retail diversity: theory and evidence

This study explores the impact of touristification on retail diversity in neighbourhoods, presenting a species-area relationship model to demonstrate how tourism-driven changes can negatively affect local residents by displacing unique local retailers. Empirical regression analysis, using differences-in-difference (DID) models and neighbourhood clustering to define retail areas in Hong Kong, found that tourist-concentrated areas have fewer diverse high-street retailers. The result argues that the trend of touristification, which often leads to a decrease in retail diversity, could undermine the resilience of a tourism destination. This is evidenced by the noticeable downturn in the retail industry seen in many previously over-touristed cities after the pandemic. The findings prompt further research into tourism’s role in changing retail landscapes, particularly in touristified neighbourhoods.

Food for Cancer Health Equity: The impact of a culturally tailored food voucher intervention on food insecurity among Latinx patients with cancer.

182 Background: Food insecurity disproportionately impacts immigrant, low-income, and racial and ethnic minorities with cancer. In our prior qualitative work, Latinx and multiethnic patients with food insecurity emphasized the importance of culturally-tailored food assistance interventions that could minimize stigma and maintain self-efficacy and autonomy. In collaboration with Latinx patients and community partners in Monterey County, California, we co-developed a culturally-tailored food voucher intervention. In this study, we conducted a pilot of the intervention among multiethnic and Latinx patients with cancer and tested the impact on food insecurity and health-related quality of life. Methods: We recruited low-income, racial and ethnic minority adults > 18 years of age who screened positive for food insecurity using the 2-item Hunger Vital Sign while receiving cancer treatment in a clinic in Monterey County, CA between July 2023 until August 2023. All participants who consented to participate received $40 monthly grocery store gift cards redeemable at a variety of local retailers for 6 months in addition to usual care provided by trained community health workers who assisted with other health-related social needs. We conducted validated surveys at baseline (time of enrollment) and 6-month follow-up (post-intervention) assessing demographics, food behaviors, food insecurity, and health-related quality of life, as well as feasibility and acceptability of the intervention. We compared pre- and post-intervention proportions with food insecurity using McNemars tests and change in health-related quality of life using paired t-tests. Results: Of the 30 study participants enrolled, 27 (90%) were Latinx; 24 (80%) spoke Spanish as their preferred language; 16 (53%) had advanced (stage 3 or 4) cancer; 12 (40%) were retired or unemployed; 10 (33%) were disabled; 20 (67%) reported a household income < $35,000 USD. Of the 26 (87%) participants who completed post-intervention surveys, the proportion with food insecurity decreased from 100% to 65% (95% CI 0.60-0.77; p = 0.01); 100% adhered to recommended treatment; and health-related quality of life scores increased by 8 points from 71.9 +/-16.1 to 79.5+/- 10.5 (p = 0.02) from baseline. All (100%) participants rated the program as feasible and acceptable in post-intervention surveys. Conclusions: This culturally-tailored food voucher intervention was associated with reductions in food insecurity and improvements in health-related quality of life among low-income Latinx patients with cancer. This intervention may represent an effective and acceptable approach to overcome food insecurity in Latinx and multiethnic patients with cancer.

Sweetening the deal: an infodemiological study of worldwide interest in semaglutide using Google Trends extended for health application programming interface

BackgroundOff-label use of semaglutide for non-diabetic weight loss (which regulators have linked to social media promotion) created worldwide supply shortages. We evaluated worldwide semaglutide interest measured by online search behavior to gauge social media and conventional print media reporting’s effect on search interest.MethodsUsing Google Trends Extended for Health (GTEH) multiple sampling, we retrieved regional online interest (ROI) for all countries and extracted timelines and top search queries for January 2021–August 2023 for countries with median ROI ≥ 20 using the “semaglutide” topic. We obtained semaglutide media reporting from the ProQuest database. We estimated the effect of media and within-country semaglutide interest on between-country interest with Granger causality analysis. We determined changepoints for trends within each country with joinpoint regression. We determined prominent themes in search queries for each country with natural language processing thematic analysis.ResultsTwenty-seven countries were included. Most countries showed an increase in semaglutide interest over time, with Canada and the USA showing the largest sustained interest. Most of the search interest arose from 2022 onwards. Granger’s analysis showed that media coverage could only partially explain interest, and interest in some countries partially preceded interest in others, with the UK and Germany showing strong relationships between news reports and lagged search interest. Joinpoint analysis identified up to four significant within-country changepoints. Most countries showed significant positive weekly trends in 2021–2022, although uptrends in search interest varied considerably between countries. One episode of the Dr. Oz show (TV media event) coincided with strong peaks in numerous countries. Natural language processing of top search queries showed some agreement between countries and country-specific themes. Weight loss was a major theme in most countries, while a diabetes theme was generally absent or weak. Some countries (Australia, Chile, South Africa, UK) had themes for buying Ozempic from (named) local retailers, and Germany had a theme related to buying Ozempic without a script.ConclusionsGTEH data provided insights into global search interest in semaglutide and regional variation. Studies focusing on specific countries which include social media data can elucidate specific drivers behind the surge in off-label use of semaglutide.

Трансформация пространственной организации розничной торговли в Архангельске

The article compares the spatial organization of retail food trade in Arkhangelsk in 1988 and 2022 in order to identify the changes that have occurred in the post-Soviet period. Its transformation was facilitated by the closure of industrial enterprises, most of them were located in settlements in outskirts, a change in the solvency of residents, and a reduction in the number of potential buyers. The internal heterogenety of the conditions for the development of trade in different parts of the city, differences in the provision of retail outlets for residents, the prevailing trade formats that are typical for central and outlying areas are revealed. Compliance of the principle of equidistance of shops from residential buildings was checked. We also conducted a content analysis of customer reviews about various formats of retail outlets. We determined that in 2022 the number of stores in Arkhangelsk increased by 3 times compared to 1988. However, their distribution throughout the city is extremely heterogeneous. There is a clear competitive advantage of the central districts of the city (Oktyabrskiy, Lomonosovskiy), where the number of stores has increased by 4–5 times, over the outskirts, where the growth is less than 2 times (Maimaksanskiy, Isakogorskiy, Tsiglomenskiy districts). The most common form of trade organization in Arkhangelsk is a discount store, which is associated with the low solvency of the city population. Most of them belong to federal retailers. Their expansion in Arkhangelsk mainly affected the central districts and bedroom suburbs close to them. The least number of stores of federal and local retail chains has been opened in the outlying districts; there aren't any shops on the islands without bridges (Brevennik, Linskiy Priluk, Khabarka, Kegostrov). For outlying areas, the most common stores are those that do not belong to chain retailers, these are small pavilions and kiosks. Most customers’ reviews of such stores are negative and the overall rating of their work is lower than that of chain stores.

Adoption of Multi-Modal Transportation for Configuring Sustainable Agri-Food Supply Chains in Constrained Environments

Agri-food supply chains have the potential to make a significant contribution to achieving sustainable development goals through ongoing improvements in their configurations. A range of strategic, tactical, and operational level decisions pertaining to the design and operation of sustainable supply chains have been studied in the extant literature. However, investigations into the adoption of multi-modal transportation as a strategic decision in the context of agri-food supply chains operating in constrained environments are limited. As such, in this study, the adoption of bi-modal transportation for the domestic vegetable supply chain in a developing country context under certain constraints was examined. A mixed-integer linear programming model was developed to determine the volume and direction of the product flow to achieve the minimum total food-miles and smallest emissions footprint. As a case study, a Sri Lankan mainstream vegetable supply chain was used to investigate the applicability of a combination of truck and railway modes to transport vegetables from farms to retailer locations via economic (consolidation) centers. The adoption of a bi-modal transportation structure demonstrated the potential to reduce food miles by 32%, transportation costs by 36%, contributions to global warming potential by 35%, and empty truck hauls by 38%, compared to a structure with truck-based, uni-modal transportation.