Product Procurement: A Comparison of Taiwanese and US Retail Companies

The buying function of Taiwanese and US retailers differs in several areas. The consingment method of selling is very prevalent in Taiwan but rarely used in the US. Taiwanense retail buyers were found to have less buying and retail experience than their US counterparts. However, neither buying nor retail experience were found to be significantly retaled to taiwanese buyers' attitudes about product procurement. Significant differences were identified between Taiwanese and US retail buyers' attitudes about country of origin and perceived value of imported merchandise. Taiwanese buyers were found to be more likely to rely on country of origin as an information cue than their US counterparts. On the other hand, as compared to Taiwanese buyers, US buyers were found more likely to percieve foreign apparel as having value than domestically manufactured products.     

Attitudes of Louisiana apparel manufacturers towards computer technology

Current literature has suggested that there is a reluctance on the part of the domestic apparel industry to adopt advanced computer technology. This study was designed to investigate the attitudes of Louisiana apparel manufacturers towards computer technology. An attitude questionnaire was mailed to all identified apparel manufacturers in the state. The results indicated that the apparel industry in the state of Louisiana is comprised of many small, privately owned companies. A large array of products in a variety of size ranges is produced in the state. Statistical analyses indicated that there were some differences between attitudes of apparel manufacturers and contractors. In general, contractors were not as aware of the availability and transferability of advanced technology for the apparel industry as manufacturers. Manufacturers and contractors who had some formal training with CAD/CAM systems had more positive attitudes toward the competitiveness of the industry with imported products. It is recommended that the apparel industry in the state explore the technological options available to modernize for a more competitive future.     

Consumers' and retailers' practices and attitudes towards energy-efficient clothing

The purpose of this study was to compare the extent to which consumers and retailers consider energy efficiency in evaluating and selecting indoor sportswear. Little research has been conducted in which retail buyers are subjects; no published research has focused on a comparison of consumers and merchants in regard to their attitudes towards a specific product. The value of such research lies in determining whether a particular consumer need is being met. The results of the present study revealed that retail buyers were less concerned about energy-efficient clothing than were consumers. Significant differences were found between the two groups for four of the nine variables studied. In all cases, consumers gave greater consideration to the energy efficiency of indoor sportswear than retail buyers believed. Further investigation of differences in consumers' and retailers' attitudes and practices is needed.     

Retail buyer segmentation based on the use of assortment decision factors

The purpose of this study is to provide detailed information about apparel retail buyers' buying behaviors based on their use of assortment decision factors. After interviews with five retail buyers and merchandisers, surveys were conducted in Seoul, South Korea for this exploratory study. Apparel retail buyers, merchandisers, and retail store owners, who are involved in assortment planning and buying, participated in the survey (N=378). Results of factor analysis created seven assortment decision factor groups. Based on the factor groups, four cluster groups were the best cluster result: (1) Least Factor Use Buyers, (2) Traditional Factor Use Buyers, (3) Consumer-Oriented Buyers, and (4) Most Factor Use Buyers. Because this study used convenience and snowball sampling methods in one country, the findings cannot be generalized to the general population of apparel retail buyers and merchandisers. However, the study provides researchers with planning factors and cluster information for retail buying behavior. The results offer insight to buyers for their decision-making by organizing assortment decision factors from the most to the least important, especially for younger buyers, who need guidance about assortment planning. Although assortment planning and trade-off decisions are known to be extremely important to retail success (e.g., Kok et al., 2008), no previous study identified a typology of retail buyers on the basis of their consideration of assortment decision factors. This study adds new information and confirms the application of traditional assortment decision factors from 1980s and 1990s to post-2008 era.     

Buyer Attitudes and the Continuity of Manufacturer/Retailer Relationships

Abstract

This research focuses on the delisting (or unbuying) of products and what in the attitude of the buyer might lead to a delisting of all the supplier's products, thereby ending the relationship. A del-isted product is defined here as one which was still being sold by other retailers. The decision to delist therefore involves a purposive action by the retail buyer. Using confirmatory analysis of a model of delisting behaviour, both cognitive and affective components of buyers' attitudes were found to correlate with the ending of the relationship by the retail buyer. Of the antecedent factors, frequency of contact was found to be the most salient. The practical and theoretical implications are discussed.     

An integrated attitude model of self-service technologies: evidence from online stock trading systems brokers

This study develops an integrated causal path analysis, based on both category-based affect theory and the technology acceptance model (TAM), to identify the antecedents of consumers' attitudes toward self-service technologies. Using online stock trading systems as an example (N?=?267), this study employs structural equation modeling to confirm the research structure. The results reveal that consumers' attitudes toward self-service technologies depend on their attitude toward technologies and attitude toward self-services, in support of category-based affect theory. Further, computer self-efficacy and network information literacy positively influence attitude toward technologies, and both perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness positively influence attitude toward self-service technologies, which were proposed in the two theories, were also found. Therefore, this study suggests that integrated attitude model of the category-based affect and TAM can be applied to properly explain the attitude forming toward self-service technologies, and can be fruitful for future research on the diffusion of Internet-based technological systems.     

Determinants of Consumer Attitudes and Purchase Intentions With Regard to Genetically Modified Food – Results of a Cross-National Survey

Previous research has shown consumers to be highly sceptical towards genetic modification in food production. So far, however, little research has tried to explain how consumers form attitudes and make decisions with regard to genetically modified foods. The paper presents the results of a survey which was carried out in Denmark, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom to investigate the formation of consumer attitudes towards genetic modification in food production and of purchase decisions with regard to genetically modified yoghurt and beer. Altogether, 2031 consumers were interviewed in the four countries.Results show that attitude formation and decision-making are more comparable among Danish, German, and British consumers than with Italian consumers. Italian consumers turned out to be significantly less negative towards genetic modification in foods than particularly Danish and German consumers. Across countries, the attitude towards genetic modification in food production was deeply embedded in more general attitudes held by the consumers, in particular attitude towards nature and attitude towards technology. These general attitudes were found to influence perceived risks and benefits of the technology. Purchase decisions with regard to the two product examples were almost exclusively determined by attitudes towards purchasing the products. These were, in turn, significantly influenced by the overall attitude towards genetic modification in food production through their effects on beliefs held by consumers regarding the quality and trustworthiness of the products.The results suggest that attitudes towards genetically modified foods are quite strong, despite their lack of basis in actual product experience. Likewise, the strong relation of product-specific attitudes to the attitude towards using genetic modification in food production suggests that at present consumers reject the technology overall rather than evaluate products on a case-by-case basis. This situation may, however, be changed by a possible increased availability of genetically modified food products on the consumer market.     

Slotting Allowances in China: Perspectives of a Large Manufacturer Versus a Large Retailer in the China Grocery Market

ABSTRACT

Slotting allowances and contractual marketing agreements pervade the retail environment in the United States. They represent a profit center for large retailers who exercise market power and represent a cost center for large manufacturers. Many manufacturers have alleged that they are “held captive” to procure prime retail space. Despite the influx of retailers and manufacturers based in the United States, the deployment of slotting allowances in China is less prevalent but does pervade the grocery sector. The purpose of this study is therefore to explore the attitudes of large Western manufacturers and retailers toward the issue of slotting allowances in the China grocery market through a qualitative study. In-depth interviews were conducted with key decision-makers from Coca-Cola (manufacturer) and Carrefour (retail hypermarket) to critically explore their attitudes toward slotting allowances. The interviews reveal principal differences grounded in cultural norms.     

The Implications of Mismatching Organizational Decision-making and Communication Structures within US Retail Firms: the Role of Scanner Data

Scanner data processed in an efficient manner can provide retail organizations with a powerful managerial tool that can be used to support corporate buyers' merchandising decisions, manage inventory, provide retail sales support, and evaluate individual store performance. In the light of such potential, we examine how the distribution of scanner-generated information interacts with the locus of decision-making authority and affects the relationship between corporate buyers and store managers. We suggest that to avoid potential intra-firm conflicts between the corporate and store levels, the communication structure within an organization should be matched with a decision-making structure that shares a similar level of decentralization.     

The Effects of Ad Irritation on Brand Attitudes

Abstract

Brand attitude has been proposed to be an antecedent to purchase intentions. However, very few studies have specifically focused on ad irritation as an antecedent to attitude towards the brand. This paper examines the effect of ad irritation on brand attitudes and if the effect of ad irritation is independent of ad credibility, attitude towards the advertiser, attitude towards advertising, and ad-induced feelings. The results indicated that ad irritation was not significant in predicting brand attitudes. Respondents' prior brand attitude, ad credibility, ad-induced feelings and attitude towards the advertiser were significant predictors of brand attitudes. Based on the results, several managerial implications were derived regarding the usefulness of ad irritation in changing brand attitudes.     

Buying Behavior of Western European Food Retailers

Abstract

The aim of this study has been to analyze important aspects of buying behavior of food retailers, i.e., trade buyers' evaluation of product and vendor attributes, based on a number of background variables, when choosing a new supplier of an already well-known product category. The study encompassed the retailers' buying behavior for pork, fish and cheese products. By conducting a conjoint analysis in sixteen Western European countries (15 'old' EU Countries (except Luxemburg), plus Norway and Austria), it is demonstrated that the traditional four Ps are losing ground to some previously neglected attributes, and that it is possible to generalise retailers' buying behavior for different food products across countries, retail organizations, and buyers.     

Electronic Marketplace: A Distinct Platform for Business-to-Business (B-to-B) Procurement

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine whether buyers perceive different electronic marketplaces (EMs) as distinct types of procurement platforms. More specifically, it empirically investigates to what extent professional buyers expect different benefits from different EM types and perceive different barriers associated with their usage.

Methodology: A Web-based survey of purchasing professionals in the United States was conducted with 359 responses received. A multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was performed to determine if there are significant differences between EM types with respect to expected benefits (market aggregation and inter-firm collaboration) and perceived barriers (financial risks and trust barriers).

Findings: The results show buyers' expectations of benefits differ significantly between public EMs (i.e., third-party exchanges and industry-sponsored marketplaces) and private EMs (i.e., private trading networks), and between neutral EMs (i.e., third-party exchanges) and biased EMs (i.e., private trading networks and industry-sponsored marketplaces). Likewise, their perception of barriers differs significantly between public and private EMs.

Research limitations/implications: The research confirmed empirically that EMs are a distinct platform for business-to-business procurement. Nevertheless, by examining EMs from business buyers' perspective, this study necessarily limits itself to purchasing-related issues.

Practical implications: By providing insights into buyers' perceptions, our findings can help managers focus their promotional efforts aimed at potential firms that would like to use EM for procurement by emphasizing specific benefits or addressing specific perceived barriers based on the type of EM they manage.

Originality/value: This study fills a void in academic literature on EMs that currently contains few empirical studies with respect to EM types. Its main contribution is in establishing empirically that EMs do not constitute a single, homogeneous marketspace but are instead comprised of distinct types that offer users specific benefits and expose them to certain risks.     

Deposit AI as the “invisible hand” to make the resale easier: A moderated mediation model

While existing works pay little attention to price setters and the application of artificial intelligence (AI) agents in second-hand trading, the current research examines whether, and how, price setter (AI VS. seller)affects buyers' willingness to pay (WTP)in the case of second-hand trading on P2P platform. 25 interviews and 3 online studies have been conducted to demonstrate the results: (i) compared with goods priced by sellers, buyers are more willing to pay for goods priced by platform AI (Studies 1&2), (ii) buyers' perceived objectivity mediates the relationship between price setter and buyers' WTP (Study 2), (iii) perceived reductionistic of AI eliminates the effect of price setter on WTP (Study 3), and (iv) augmented intelligence (vs. AI)can have equal effect on buyers’ WTP (Study 4). These findings offer considerable implications for practitioners on how to build an AI pricing agent that is superior to humans on P2P second-hand trading platforms while ensuring the well-being of platform traders.     

The impact of customer awareness of manufacturer name disclosure on retail brand attitudes and loyalty in Korea

This paper explores the impact of exposing the name of the manufacturer on a retail brand product upon national brand loyalty, retail brand loyalty and store loyalty, It does so by exploring customer attitudes towards retail brands in South Korea, where there is a legal requirement for retail brands to portray the manufacturer׳s name. For international retailers entering markets where such disclosure is a legal requirement an understanding of the implications of this for retail brand management is essential. The findings suggest that in the Korean case revealing the name of the manufacturer who supplies the retail brand on the product packaging has a positive influence on attitudes towards retail brands, although it did not mitigate the perceived risks held by customers towards retail brand products in general.     

Modeling the determinants of consumers' attitudes toward online group buying: Do risks and trusts matters?

The aim of this research is to investigate the determinants of consumers' attitude towards online group buying (OGB). Furthermore, this study compares male and female shoppers based on their purchasing behavior in OGB. Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) approach supported by Smart-PLS 2.0 was used for data analysis as it avoids biases in the parameter estimation in regression analysis. A PLS-SEM approach revealed that website trustworthiness was the strongest predictor of consumers’ attitude towards OGB. Consumers noted that the site of initiator appeals to be more trustworthy than other sites and delivers every promise made. Indeed, they felt trusted for their group buying on the Internet when clear legal privacy statements including guarantees are available on the websites. They were assured that initiator's protective measures for online payment are secured. The reliability and validity of the measurement items used and collection of data via survey questionnaires clearly confirmed the robustness of the research methodology applied which led to the creation of reliable and valid discoveries. Online retail managers should improve their transaction security mechanisms and Internet technology to dwindle consumers' perceived risks in terms of financial, product and time risks, strengthen their trusts, and grow online trading confidence when executing OGB. With sufficient knowledge of network group-buying platform, customers would develop more trust to the security of online group-buying platform which lessen the risk cost thereafter. The viable quantitative empirical results transport new and substantial ideas into the marketing model as it systematically and precisely investigates the significant factors and adds to the emergent works around consumer OGB behavior.     

A Relationship Governance Perspective of Organizational Buyers' Supplier Choice Decisions

Although the transaction cost analysis (TCA) has long been used by marketing and management scholars to study organizational buyers' make-or-buy decisions, it sheds limited light on their choice behavior beyond the make-or-buy trade-off. In the meantime, many organizational purchase decisions are structured around which independent supplier to buy from, rather than a typical make-or-buy decision. This study extends existing research on TCA by applying this theoretical framework to explore why organizational buyers make purchases from among independent suppliers. The article posits that (1) two forms of relationship governance—buyer trust and market (i.e., the relative dependence between the buyer and supplier)—help explain the differences in buyer decision-making uncertainty involving independent suppliers, which further influences the buyers' propensity to purchase; and that (2) trust further influences the buyers' propensity to purchase due to its effect on customer perceived value. The empirical study based on organizational purchasing decisions lends support to the predictions of the relationship governance theory.     

Analysis of the adoption of customer facing InStore technologies in retail SMEs

Brick and mortar stores are suffering the dramatic revolution of the retail sector. Customer facing in-store technologies (CFIST) are a key component of the inevitable transformation of retail stores; yet the reasons to adopt such technologies by business owners may be little known. Based on a TOE and TAM inspired framework, this study analyses the drivers of such decision by small and medium size enterprises using a survey methodology. The results show that the attitude towards technology is the strongest predictor of the intention to adopt CFIST, highlighting the role of the top management in technology decisions. This conclusion has important implications for practitioners. This research is the first to address the adoption of CFIST by SMEs and therefore set the path for further studies about the impact and adoption of in-store technology in SMEs.     

An Empirical Study of Business-to-Business Electronic Marketplace Usage: The Impact of Buyers' E-Readiness

This study addresses critical questions regarding the extent of business-to-business electronic marketplace usage for purchasing, and the degree and impact of buyers' e-readiness on the range of electronic marketplace usage. The data from a Web-based survey of 359 purchasing professionals in the United States suggests that buyers with more experience in using information technology, the Internet to facilitate purchasing, and information systems for enhancing supply chain management would more likely use electronic marketplaces for purchasing. This study has significant theoretical implications because it confirms the important role of e-readiness in the electronic marketplace usage model. The practical implications of this study are also discussed.     

Do environmental attitudes and food technology neophobia affect perceptions of the benefits of nanotechnology?

In recent years, a significant amount of research has focussed on the analysis of consumers' aversion to new technologies in food production and processing. At the same time, research has shown that environmental attitudes may be related to purchasing behaviour of consumers. This paper presents the result of an investigation into Canadian attitudes towards nanotechnology, in general, and in applications in the food industry. The relationship between the food technology neophobia scale, environmental attitudes and nanotechnology is examined. The results suggest that food technology neophobia is significant in explaining attitudes towards nanotechnology, in general, and for food packaging and foods. Environmental attitudes are important in explaining respondents' attitudes towards nanotechnology in general but not in explaining attitudes towards nanotechnology in food packaging or food applications. Survey respondents' views of the role of science and technology in society (makes society worse or better off) are a more important determinant of attitudes towards nanotechnology than whether they had heard of nanotechnology prior to the survey.