Store Categories Research Articles

Geographic scale matters in detecting the relationship between neighbourhood food environments and obesity risk: an analysis of driver license records in Salt Lake County, Utah

ObjectivesEmpirical studies of the association between neighbourhood food environments and individual obesity risk have found mixed results. One possible cause of these mixed findings is the variation in neighbourhood geographic...

An empirical examination of clustering and dispersion within Canadian shopping centers

In this paper, data on the internal compositions of 90 planned regional shopping centers in the five westernmost provinces in Canada are used to examine the locational pattern of stores in shopping centers, to see whether these locations are consistent with exploiting demand externalities and the physical features of the mall. The empirical relevance of so-called “rules of thumb” for locating stores in shopping centers is also assessed. We find that there is clustering of service stores near mall entrances, and clustering of comparison shopping stores near corridor intersections and on the second floor of two-story malls. Clustering tends to occur in the ladies' wear, jewellery/fashion accessory, and unisex clothing store categories, facilitating comparison shopping. Clustering of stores in the service category facilitates multipurpose shopping. A regression analysis indicates that clustering may depend upon the size, age, and type of mall in question. Overall, results are consistent with consumer transportation/shopping costs and demand externalities driving the internal store location strategy of planned regional shopping centers.

The importance of importance: Its impact on decision-making in mall retail categories during an economic downturn

The study examines how, during an economic downturn, the perceived importance of the value offering of retail store categories, as identified by a major international mall operator based in Australia, influences the relationship between consumers’ shopping attitudes and likelihood of purchasing in those categories. The findings show variance in the importance pertaining to retail store categories between those that have and those that have not altered their shopping behaviour. Different mediating effects were found in the major, mini-major, leisure, apparel, and mobile phone categories, suggestive of each group having differing levels of self-interest in the value offerings of each category, thus, symptomatic of dissimilar decision-making strategies for each group. Contributions to theory and practice are discussed.

Category Positioning and Store Choice: The Role of Destination Categories

We focus on destination categories, so named because they have the greatest impact on where households choose to shop and, more generally, on how category positioning affects which store a household chooses. We propose a reduced-form model-based analytical approach to identify categories that fill the destination role. Our approach determines which categories are most important to shoppers' store choice decisions and helps determine in which categories the retailer provides superior value. In addition, our approach allows us to understand the impact of the retailer's long-run merchandising policy decisions on the value it provides. Previous store choice research considered the effects of pricing, assortment and other merchandising decisions at the store level but did not focus on the effect of specific categories on store choice. This focus leads us to formulate a model that can (1) measure and explain the differential impact that specific categories have on shoppers' store choice decisions and (2) measure the relative value of retailers' category offerings, partitioning that value into the component resulting from retailer merchandising and the component that is nonmerchandising related. The model form captures differences in category value across stores (i.e., the store's category positioning) by specifying a spatial model for the store choice and category incidence intercepts. Our spatial model recognizes that stores position their offering vis-à-vis the category ideal based on long-run category merchandising decisions and that not all categories have the same importance in store choice decisions. We explore these issues for five retailers in the Charlotte, North Carolina market. We find that (1) category impact on store choice is highly skewed; (2) although categories with higher sales generally have a higher impact on store choice decisions, there are exceptions; (3) impact on store choice decisions does not vary systematically by the type of category (e.g., perishable versus dry grocery); and (4) our measure of category impact on store choice, although correlated with the category development index between retailers, is superior in that it provides a basis for comparing category impact within a retailer and how relative category value, based on long-run merchandising decisions, attracts shoppers to a store.

Variations in the Availability and Price of Healthier Food Options by Store Type and Urban–Rural Setting

We used a comprehensive ground-truthed data set collected in 2006 from all traditional, convenience, and nontraditional retail food stores in the 6 rural and one urban counties of the Brazos Valley in Central Texas (n = 335) to identify location and store type, categories, and prices of healthier food options for food stores. There were small significant differences in availability and average price between rural and urban counties across all store types. Superstores provided substantially more availability and cheaper healthful foods, especially fresh items. Convenience stores and dollar stores improved the availability of healthier foods in both rural and urban settings. However, the prices offered by convenience stores were considerably higher in general.

Small Food Stores and Availability of Nutritious Foods: A Comparison of Database and In-Store Measures, Northern California, 2009

IntroductionSmall food stores are prevalent in urban neighborhoods, but the availability of nutritious food at such stores is not well known. The objective of this study was to determine whether data from 3 sources would yield a single, homogenous, healthful food store category that can be used to accurately characterize community nutrition environments for public health research.MethodsWe conducted in-store surveys in 2009 on store type and the availability of nutritious food in a sample of nonchain food stores (n = 102) in 6 predominantly urban counties in Northern California (Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Sacramento, San Francisco, and Santa Clara). We compared survey results with commercial database information and neighborhood sociodemographic data by using independent sample t tests and classification and regression trees.ResultsSampled small food stores yielded a heterogeneous group of stores in terms of store type and nutritious food options. Most stores were identified as convenience (54%) or specialty stores (22%); others were small grocery stores (19%) and large grocery stores (5%). Convenience and specialty stores were smaller and carried fewer nutritious and fresh food items. The availability of nutritious food and produce was better in stores in neighborhoods that had a higher percentage of white residents and a lower population density but did not differ significantly by neighborhood income.ConclusionCommercial databases alone may not adequately categorize small food stores and the availability of nutritious foods. Alternative measures are needed to more accurately inform research and policies that seek to address disparities in diet-related health conditions.

Chromium in leather footwear—risk assessment of chromium allergy and dermatitis

Chromium-tanned leather footwear, which releases >3 ppm hexavalent Cr(VI), may pose a risk of sensitizing and eliciting allergic dermatitis. To determine the content and potential release of chromium in leather footwear and to discuss the prevention of chromium contact allergy and dermatitis. Sixty pairs of leather shoes, sandals and boots (20 children's, 20 men's, and 20 women's) were purchased in Copenhagen and examined with X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy. Chromium was extracted according to the International Standard, ISO 17075. The detection level for Cr(VI) was 3 ppm. Chromium was identified in 95% of leather footwear products, the median content being 1.7% (range 0-3.3%). No association with store category or footwear category was found. A tendency for there to be a higher chromium content in footwear with high prices was shown (p(trend) = 0.001). Cr(VI) was extracted from 44% of 18 footwear products, and, in three items, more than 10 ppm was extracted. One shoe had 62 ppm Cr(VI) extracted. Sandals seemed to be over-represented among footwear with detectable Cr(VI). Cr(III) extraction reached a median value of 152 ppm. Most leather footwear contained chromium. Cr(VI) was extracted from a high proportion of leather footwear; this poses a risk of sensitization.

Limited availability and higher cost of gluten‐free foods

A gluten-free diet is the only treatment for patients with coeliac disease, although it can be burdensome to follow and result in inadequate nutrient intake. The cost and availability of a gluten-free diet has been cited as a cause of incomplete dietary compliance; however, this has not been extensively investigated. The aim was to investigate the availability and cost of gluten-free foods across a wide range of stores. The availability and cost of 20 foods (both wheat-based and everyday foods) was surveyed at 30 different stores across five different store categories. For each of the 20 foods, four products were selected (branded gluten-free, cheapest gluten-free, branded standard, cheapest standard) resulting in sampling of up to 80 products in each of the 30 stores. In general, there was limited availability of gluten-free foods, with an average of 8.2 of the 20 (41%) foods being available in a gluten-free version per store. Regular supermarkets had a greater availability (18.0/20, 90%), whereas budget supermarkets (1.8/20, 9%) and corner shops (1.8/20, 9%) had almost no gluten-free versions (P < 0.001). All 10 gluten-free versions of wheat-based foods were more costly than their standard counterparts (76-518% more expensive; P < 0.001). Some gluten-free versions of everyday foods were also more costly than standard counterparts (2-124%). There is limited availability of gluten-free foods and they are generally more expensive than their standard counterparts. This may impact on compliance to a gluten-free diet, with potential nutritional and clinical consequences, together with an increased risk of complications.

Retail promotions and perceptions of R.J. Reynolds' novel dissolvable tobacco in a US test market

BackgroundWith declining cigarette sales, tobacco manufacturers have been developing and marketing new smokeless products, such as R. J. Reynolds' dissolvable tobacco, Camel Sticks, Strips and Orbs. This study assessed the availability, price and point-of-purchase promotional strategies for Camel Dissolvables, and investigated consumer awareness, interest and perception of these products in the Indiana test market.MethodsAn exploratory retail audit of point-of-purchase promotions was conducted in a random sample of retailers from 6 store categories (n = 81) in the test market area. Data included: store type, location, product placement, forms/flavors carried, price, types and locations of advertisements and promotions, and ad messages. An Awareness-Attitude-Usage (AAU) survey was used to gauge consumer awareness and knowledge of tobacco products including Camel Dissolvables. Respondents were shown promotional materials from a package onsert and perceptions and interest in the Camel Dissolvables were assessed. An Intended Target Survey (ITS) compared subjects' perceptions of ad targets for several non-tobacco products, as well as Camel Snus, Camel No. 9 and Camel Dissolvables. Respondents were asked to identify each ad's intended target category, perceived targetedness, and purchase intent.ResultsThe products were carried by 46% of stores, most frequently gas stations (100%) and convenience stores (75%). They were shelved near smokeless tobacco (70%), cigarettes (25%) or candy (5%). Prices ranged from $3.59 -$4.19 per package; most stores carried at least 1 promotional item. Ad messages included: "Dissolvable Tobacco" (60%). "Free Trial" (24%), "Special Price" (24%), "What's Your Style?" (22%). At 14% of stores, free trial packs of Camel Dissolvables were offered with another Camel purchase. Awareness was reported by 42% of respondents (n = 243), and trial by 3%. Consumer interest was very low, but younger respondents (< 40 years) were more familiar with Camel Dissolvables (60% vs. 45% for those > 40 years, p < .01). Males, as well as current and former smokers had higher rates of interest and trial; only 1% of never smokers reported trial. In the ITS, only for the 3 tobacco product ads, was perceived targetedness for smokers significantly higher than for non-smokers. Smokers and nonsmokers perceived that the ads targeted smokers.ConclusionsCurrent retail promotional strategies for Camel Sticks, Strips & Orbs appear to be targeting a select audience, primarily current smokers. Overall, consumer awareness, interest and trial were low.

Excessive nickel release from earrings purchased from independent shops and street markets – a field study from Warsaw and London

Nickel allergy is frequent and cause morbidity and increased health care costs. The aim of this study was to determine the proportion of inexpensive earrings randomly purchased from stores and street markets in two capitals that gave positive dimethylglyoxime (DMG) test reactions and to determine whether the degree of nickel release was related to shop category. Random inexpensive metallic earrings were purchased from stores and vendors in London and Warsaw. A qualitative investigation of nickel release by using the DMG test was performed. DMG testing revealed that respectively 15.1% (n=205) and 18.4% (n=206) of earrings purchased in London and Warsaw released nickel as indicated by positive test outcomes. Stratification by store category showed that DMG test-positive jewellery were mainly purchased from street markets and from stores that were not part of national or international chains. Despite the EU Nickel Directive having resulted in decreasing prevalence of nickel allergy, a large proportion of inexpensive earrings still release nickel in concentrations that may result in nickel allergy and dermatitis. Authorities should prioritize information campaigns and random inspections as a legislation that is not followed is of limited value.

Energy consumption and conservation in food retailing

Abstract The total annual CO2 emissions associated with the energy consumption of the major retail food outlets in the UK amount to around 4.0 MtCO2. The energy consumption and emissions from supermarkets varies widely and can depend on many factors such as the type and size of the store, business and merchandising practices and refrigeration and environmental control systems used. This paper provides energy consumption data of a sample of 2570 retail food stores from a number of major retail food chains in the UK. The sample covers all major store categories from convenience stores to hypermarkets and includes approximately 30% of the total number of stores in the UK having a net sales area more than 280 m2. The data show a wide variability of energy intensity even within stores of the same retail chain. A power law can be used to describe the variation of the average electrical energy intensity of the stores in the sample with sales area. If the electrical intensity of the stores above the average is reduced to the average by energy conservation measures, annual energy savings of the order of 10% or 840 GWh can be achieved representing 355,000 tonnes annual reduction in CO2 emissions. The paper also discusses the major energy consuming processes in retail food stores and identifies opportunities for energy savings.

A Market Analysis of Different Retail Store Categories in Shanghai from the Viewpoint of Consumer Behaviors

A Market Analysis of Different Retail Store Categories in Shanghai from the Viewpoint of Consumer Behaviors

An Exploratory Study on Entertaining Apparel Shopping Experiences of College Students

This study explores the perceptions of fashion consumers on entertaining shopping experiences and investigates the factors important to the creation of these experiences. A convenient sample of 100 was used for the exploratory survey. Respondents were asked to complete open-ended questions (e.g., describe a recent store shopping trip that you remember as being pleasurable and entertaining) on a standardized form. A total of 97 questionnaires were completed and used for further analysis. Six entertaining shopping factors were identified: store-related factors were merchandise, service, the store environment, and events; customer-related factors were customer resources and social aspects. Five non-entertaining shopping factors were identified: the store-related factors were merchandise, service, and the store environment factor; customer-related factors included customer resources and social aspects. A survey with a convenient sample of 200 college students was administered to examine the importance of entertaining and non-entertaining factors. The merchandise factor (which includes products assortments and price-related items) were rated as the most important part of the entertaining store-shopping experience, followed by service factors in the store category, and customer resources in the customer category.

Electrophysiological correlates of high-level perception during spatial navigation

We studied the electrophysiological basis of object recognition by recording scalp electroencephalograms while participants played a virtual-reality taxi driver game. Participants searched for passengers and stores during virtual navigation in simulated towns. We compared oscillatory brain activity in response to store views that were targets or nontargets (during store search) or neutral (during passenger search). Even though store category was solely defined by task context (rather than by sensory cues), frontal electrophysiological activity in the low frequency bands (primarily in the [4-8 Hz] band) reliably distinguished between the target, nontarget, and neutral store views. These results implicate low-frequency oscillatory brain activity in frontal regions as an important variable in the study of the cognitive processes involved in object recognition, categorization, and other forms of high-level perception.

Does brand equity vary between department stores and clothing stores? Results of an empirical investigation

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine whether retailer brand equity levels vary between department store and specialty clothing store categories.Design/methodology/approachRetailer brand equity is conceptualized in this paper as a four‐dimensional construct comprising retailer awareness, retailer associations, retailer perceived quality and retailer loyalty. Categorization theory is used to explain the differences in retailer equity across the two different store categories. A doubly multivariate design is incorporated in a structured questionnaire used to collect data via mall‐intercepts in an Australian state capital city.FindingsResults suggest that retailer brand equity varies significantly between department store and specialty store categories. Department store brands yielded significantly higher ratings for all the retailer brand equity dimensions than specialty store brands.Originality/valueResearchers have argued that retailers possess brand equity. However, extant research does not provide any specific guidance in relation to the question of whether retailer brand equity levels vary from one store category to another. The present research fills an important gap by demonstrating that retailer brand equity levels vary significantly between department store and specialty clothing store categories.

台北市における消費者の日常の購買行動特性

台北市における消費者の日常の購買行動特性

The diminishing market for local food stores: A case for collective action?

A number of European countries have launched policy and planning guidelines with a more restrictive stance toward out-of-town establishments in grocery retailing. Two possible justifications for these decisions are the risk that social dilemmas influence the household's choice of which stores to use, and that many consumers would favor a different situation. In order to find if there are any efficiency problems in this field of inquiry, a study was conducted that combined a cost evaluation with a demand analysis for different store categories in grocery retailing. Results of the study, discussed in this paper, imply that the actual situation in grocery retailing in the districts studied accommodates the preferences of a minority who prefers to make the most of their grocery shopping in out-of-town establishments, while the large demand for high-quality local stores can not be realized due to social conditions and spatially dispersed preference structures among residents. The large stores have the effect of diminishing the market for smaller local stores in residential areas. Planners should take a more active role to prevent the dominance of out-of-town grocery retailers.

Rural shoppers: who gets their apparel dollars?

Traditional competition across apparel store types reflects the dynamics of market positioning in practice. Previous research found that apparel related purchases accounted for over half of the money rural consumers spent out of town. Research on apparel shopping intentions according to store types helps identify to what extent different retail formats compete with each other for customers and enables rural retailers to improve their positioning strategies. Results describe apparel shopping behaviour, in rural population, relative to store type and variables influencing consumers’ shopping intentions. Factors influencing consumers’ shopping choices among different apparel retail formats are identified. Descriptive statistics indicated most apparel shoppers frequented independently owned stores and cross‐shop among retail formats. When store categories were created, data revealed that the retail format category department, discount, and chain stores attracted more customers than the other retail format categories.

Analysis of cross category dependence in market basket selection

Market basket choice is a decision process in which a consumer selects items from a number of product categories on the same shopping trip. The key feature of market basket choice is the interdependence in demand relationships across the items in the final basket. This research develops a new approach to the specification of market basket models that allows a choice model for a basket of goods to be constructed using a set of “local” conditional choice models corresponding to each item in the basket. The approach yields a parsimonious market basket model that allows for any type of demand relationship across product categories (complementarity, independence, or substitution) and can be estimated using simple modifications of standard multinomial logit software. We analyze the choice of four grocery store categories that exhibit common cross-category brand names for both national brands and private labels. Results indicate that cross-category price elasticities are small. We argue that store traffic patterns may be more important than consumer-level demand interdependence in forecasting market basket choice.

Effects of a city ordinance regulating smoking in restaurants and retail stores.

The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of a city smoking ordinance on local businesses. Representatives from 61 randomly selected restaurants and retail stores in Flagstaff, Arizona were interviewed to determine their perceptions of the ordinance's effect on their business. Eighty-seven percent of the respondents were business owners or managers. Gross sales data 12 months prior to and 12 months after enactment of the ordinance were also collected for two categories of retail stores. The vast majority of restaurant and store respondents believed that the ordinance had no effect on their business. Gross sales increased an average of 16 to 25.8 percent per store during the year following prohibition of smoking in retail stores. This study did not support the belief that city smoking ordinances have a negative effect on local businesses.