Abstract This paper compares and contrasts online shopping with traditional shopping. The paper discusses the similarities and contrasts the difference of each type of shopping. It contends that in spite of its advantages, online shopping has still drawbacks in terms of accessibility, security issue and look-and-feel feature of shopping and that is why online shopping falls behind traditional market systems.
From the Paper "Watson defines online shopping as the use of computer technology to purchase products from retailers and/or stores ..."
Abstract This paper examines and analyzes the role of the shopping mall in modern American life using five readings on the topic. The paper looks at reasons for the shift from Main Street, America to the large shopping mall, citing the creation of a special place and the artificial sense of community as possible factors. The paper also looks at the issue of community versus commerce as well as how malls help fill the emotional needs of shoppers.
From the Paper "For many years the center of retail commerce in the United States was Main Street-the central street in most small towns. Main Street was also the metaphor for small town community life. Parades, festivals picnics, town meetings and social interaction happened in the hustle and bustle of Main Street, as individuals came together to shop, conduct their civic affairs and enjoy their leisure time. In the post World War II era, Main Street evolved into suburbia where sprawling bedroom..."
Abstract This paper examines the concept of global marketing using the success of the Body Shop as its prime example. Global marketing is compared to international marketing. The history of the Body Shop is described also in terms of their approach to social responsibility.
From the Paper "Global marketing is the means by which the international market potential can be tapped. Global marketing uses a single marketing scheme to sell products worldwide. International marketing on the other hand is a marketing program is tailored to suit the needs of each individual country. Global Marketing expands the horizons of a company by allowing the products manufactured by that company to be sold world wide thereby increasing sales revenue and improving cost efficiency."
Abstract This paper discusses franchising. The paper examines the business of the Body Shop. The paper suggest methods for conducting additional research.
From the Paper "Franchising offers entrepreneurs the opportunity to start a new business without all of the risks of beginning a company on one's own. With a franchise relationship, the franchisor shares risk with the franchisee or the franchisor has an interest in working to ensure the success of the franchisee and marketing support is typically one of the most important areas of assistance that franchisees receive from their franchisors. The challenge to would-be franchisees is to find ..."
Abstract Evaluates the franchise environment at the Body Shop, and methodology for conducting additional research. Challenges to franchises. Market support. Asian market.
From the Paper Evaluation of Franchise Opportunities with the Body Shop Introduction Background of the Problem Franchising offers entrepreneurs the opportunity to start a newbusiness without all of the risks of beginning a company on one's own With a franchise relationship the franchisee shares risk with thefranchisor the franchisor has an interest in working to ensure the successof the franchisee and marketing support is typically one of the mostimportant areas of assistance that franchisees receive from theirfranchisors The challenge to would-be franchisees is to find
Tags: Body shop, literature review. franchise, Asian, Market
Abstract This paper offers a brief business plan for a small sports autograph and card shop, including an a website for selling the same merchandise and providing information about the sports collectibles market.
From the Paper "This business will operate a retail store selling sports autographs memorabilia and trading cards. In addition the company will have an online Web site for selling the same merchandise and for providing information about the sports collectibles market..."
Tags: small business plan, sports autograph & card shop, marketing plan
Abstract This paper discusses the market opportunities for biodegradable shopping bags in Nova Scotia. It analyses the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) of biodegradable bags, as well as reusable bags and plastic bags, in order to identify the key internal and external factors that need to be taken into consideration when analyzing where the biggest market opportunities lie. The paper includes the complete text of the proposed Bill 390 (which will prohibit the distribution of non-biodegradable plastic bags), as well as presentation slides for the information in the paper.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Definition
Current Market Opportunities in Nova Scotia
Biodegradable Bag Manufacturers in Nova Scotia
SWOT Analysis for Biodegradable Bags
SWOT Analysis for Reusable Bags
SWOT Analysis for Plastic Bags
Laws and International Trends that Could Initiate a Market Shift
What is the State of the Debate in Canada?
Bans and International Trends
Conclusions
Recommendations
Appendices
From the Paper "Competition from reusable bags is another very real threat to the market for biodegradable bags since there is a risk that "with the sale of reusable bags, consumers could wean themselves off plastic bags altogether." As was mentioned in the Weaknesses section of this report, reusable bags are environmentally preferable to all disposable bag alternatives, including biodegradable bags; in addition, evidence suggests that reusable bags are actually becoming trendy while plastic bags are becoming unfashionable. A designer cloth bag proudly emblazoned with the words "I'm not a plastic bag" sold out the day it was released at Holt Renfrew stores across Canada and "those lucky enough to snag the $18 bag can now sell it on eBay for more than $150." Therefore, although biodegradable bags are different from conventional plastic bags, their similar appearance may decrease their social acceptability if these trends continue. Furthermore, "major lobby groups [such] as the Canadian Plastics Industry Association, the Canadian Council of Grocery Distributors and the Retail Council of Canada promote reduction and recycling over [biodegradable] plastic bags." "
Abstract This paper conducts a semiotic analysis of the two movies, "You've Got Mail" and "Shop Around the Corner". The author finds that the main plots movies are similar, but there are important differences wit in the cinematography, themes and characterization. The paper highlights the differences and then proves why the older version was far more appealing than the newer one.
From the Paper "You"ve Got Mail? is the remake of 1940 classic "Shop Around the Corner". While the main plot is the same there are certain semiotic differences, which should be studied closely in order to see which version is the better one. I have seen both movies and liked the original version better not only because of it being a classic but also because there are certain important features which puts the older version a lot more above the 1990s remake."
Abstract The paper explores the literature to determine whether online shopping has advantages over traditional methods and what the factors are that influence a customer's willingness to shop online. The paper also identifies the security risks and problems associated with online shopping. The paper shows how, although Internet shopping has reached new heights, there remains a segment of the worldwide population that is reluctant to shop online, largely due to security and privacy concerns.
Outline:
Introduction
Advantages of Online Shopping Factors Influencing Whether or not a Consumer Shops Online
Disadvantages of Online Shopping Risks & Problems Associated with Shopping Online
Conclusion
From the Paper "In the past few decades, the use of the Internet as a primary means of shopping has soared on a global level. International businesses rely heavily on the Internet, which has come to serve as a bridge between cultures and countries. The availability of Internet shopping has dramatically changed the ways companies do business. From online customer service to remote diagnostics, the World Wide Web offers businesses tools that enhance production, sales, customer satisfaction and profits, as a result. The Internet has created the world of e-commerce, where companies use Internet-enabled technologies to exchange goods, services or information and to deliver value to customers in entirely new ways."
Abstract The paper examines the factors and elements that are related to customer satisfaction. The paper focuses on the differential data relating to gender and age differences in customer satisfaction. The paper reveals how many factors impact the satisfaction of customers including the shopping mall design, location, stores availability, entertainment availability and availability of places to rest and for children to play. The paper also discusses pricing, stock, environment, configuration, whether the store has online Internet shopping and the culinary offerings of the shopping mall.
Outline:
Bigger "Mega' Centers Customer-Preferred
Branding and Image are One-in-the-Same
Lack of Effective Planning Leads to Irrational Development Patterns
Teens, Preferences and Satisfaction Attributes of Shopping Malls
Gender-Focused Research and Customer Satisfaction Variables
Successful Pricing-Strategies
Store Design and Customer Satisfaction
Internet Shopping and the Impact on Traditional Store Shopping Design of Shopping Mall (Location and Design Factors)
Summary of Review of Literature
From the Paper "A press release in 2005 related that "in the next two years the total retain spending in UAE is expected to grow to AED 35bn (US$9.5bn) from the present level AED 26bn (US$7bn) or a growth rate of 35%." (Dubai Women's College, 2006) Furthermore the Dubai shopping centers have grown from 2 only one decade ago to approximately 35 shopping centers and ten of them stated to "fall under the category of "Mega" centers, hosting almost every major brand label around the world... [with a reported] retail space...estimated at 2 million square feet...[which incidentally] is "one of the highest per capita availability in the world.""
Abstract This work reports a study conducted relating to customer satisfaction levels at the Marina Mall. This article conducts the study through the instrument of a survey/questionnaire which asks 300 respondents, 150 male and 150 female, questions relating to different aspects of the mall in the areas of design, service, atmosphere, quality, selection, variety, products, and sales people, as well as parking and time preferences for visiting the mall. This research is a qualitative and quantitative nature exploring the preferences of respondent/consumers to a variety of questions concerning the various elements of the retail establishment that the review of literature in this study reveals as 'key' considerations for consumers related to retail shopping and entertainment or 'mall' establishments. Findings in this study include gender differences in the types of shops, food establishments, entertainment, etc. however, the Marina Shopping Mall is rated by the respondent/consumers participating in this study as having satisfied their expectations in most areas and totaling a majority percentage as well.
Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
Definition of the Problem
Bigger "Mega' Centers Customer-Preferred
Branding and Image are One-in-the-Same
Lack of Effective Planning Leads to Irrational Development Patterns
Teens, Preferences and Satisfaction Attributes of Shopping Malls
Gender-Focused Research and Customer Satisfaction Variables
Successful Pricing-Strategies
Store Design and Customer Satisfaction
Internet Shopping and the Impact on Traditional Store Shopping Design of Shopping Mall (Location and Design Factors)
Summary of Review of Literature
Methodology
Instrument of Study
Data Collection and Analysis
Questions of the Study
Overview of Survey/Questionnaire
Data Analysis
Data Analysis, Findings & Conclusion
Findings of the Study
Conclusion
Recommendations for Further Research
From the Paper "There is a considerable body of existing literature reporting studies that had as the main focus the consumer's preference of retail format. However, among this body of work limited examples of research exists that incorporate the role that demographics play in relation to choice of format in retail business. Location has been the focus of previous study as have patterns of product purchase, the potential for business at specific retail sites as well customer satisfaction and loyalty. This study has utilized an exploratory approach and has as its aim in part to characterize six major age cohort groups in terms of their preferences for retail formats."
"This study further divides these six groups into two major categories of male and female with each group containing three separate age groups. Through data analysis of these groupings by gender this study aims to understand the preference of the average consumer in relation to the Marina Shopping Mall."
Abstract The paper discusses shopping online and explains that the method of communication for exchange has become simpler through the fastest method of exchange presently available - electronic communication.
The paper relates that the nature of the economy is changing and in the new situation it is becoming important for companies who want to be leaders in the economy to master multi-channel marketing.The paper discusses the structure, advantages and disadvantages of multi-channel marketing. The paper concludes that online shopping has fared better than conventional shopping even in a conservative market like England. Thus there is potential in electronic marketing when it is used as a part of multi-channel marketing and used in a manner to protect the organization's profitability.
Contents:
Executive Summary
Introduction
Structure of the Electronic Marketing Channel:
Advantages of Electronic Marketing Channel
Disadvantages of Electronic Marketing Channel
The Combination of Online and Retail Shopping - the Multi-Channel Marketing Environment
The Future of Online Shopping Conclusion and Recommendation
From the Paper "With the advent of modern computers, electronic marketing has gained tremendous advantage which is being boosted further through the facility of the Internet now spreading out to be within the common man's grasp. Like all other media, the average man also views the computer, combined with the Internet as a medium through which he can gain a lot of information, and this attitude has come through the general use that the computer is put to, especially electronic mail. At the same time, there have been efforts to sell items to the average man through the computer since it is relatively easy and inexpensive to use as a medium."
This paper performs a SWOT analysis and reviews the internal and external environments of The Body Shop International, a cosmetic company that has a mandate to support social marketing.
Abstract This paper explains that, in addition to making a profit, The Body Shop International gears its cosmetics business activities towards supporting community trade, defending human rights, activating self-esteem, trying to protect the planet, fighting against animal testing and supporting its own charity called The Body Shop Foundation. The author points out that, after a period of slowed growth in the 1990s and increased competition, The Body Shop established a new strategy of increased investment in marketing and promotion at the store level. The paper reveals that the industry growth is occurring in Africa and Asia where The Body Shop has a huge market share; however, changes in the political, economic or social climate in these countries will affect the Body Shop's overall demand since some of these countries have volatile environments.
Table of Contents
Internal Environment
Business History and Operations
Business Concept and Mission Statement
Functional Products/Services
Product Marketing
Sales/Profit Profiles
External Environment
Industry: Major Competitors
Competitors
SWOT Analysis
Strengths
Weaknesses
Opportunities
Threats
From the Paper "The three major competitors are Alliance Boots, Bath and Body Works, and Estee Lauder. Alliance Boots is a British based company with approximately seventeen percent (17%) market share of the British market. It is the largest pharmacy chain in Europe and is a serious competitor in the cosmetic market for The Body Shop. Bath and Body Works is a subsidiary of intimate brands and enjoys a one point nine percent (1.9%) share of the bath and shower market in the United States. The company is a competitor to the Body Shop since its sells natural body and hair care products as well as personal care products and fragrances."
Abstract This paper explores the qualities of femininity as expressed through shopping in respect to Erika D. Rappaport's book "Shopping for Pleasure: Women in the Making of London's West End". The theme of this paper is that shopping allowed women to have a realm of social influence that was separate from their male counterpart and this was a positive solution for women seeking independence in the male- dominated pleasure city of Victorian London.
