This research is focus on how store image affects perceived risks and purchase intention in different private label brand (PLB) products. Because of 7-Eleven¡¦s positive store image and diverse product categories, this research takes 7-Eleven as the example to explore the difference among its PLB products. The conclusions as follow¡G 1. Positive store image is a necessary condition to develop PLBs. 2. Product category is a success factor to PLBs. 3. Consumers perceive different perceived risks when facing different products. According to the conclusion, suggestions are as bellow¡G 1. Keep maintaining and improving store image. 2. Focus on the products which are highly-related to the store image. 3. Managing perceived risk as a marketing strategy in diverse PLB product categories.

The main purpose of this research is to discuss about the different positioning strategies of shopping centers with a case study of the Core Pacific City Living Mall (¨ÊµØ«°), including its managerial mission and marketing positioning. The structure of the analysis starts with the discussion about the definition of ¡§Living Mall¡¨. Is there any difference between shopping centers and department stores? The article is based on the development trends of the macro economy, consumer purchasing power, and the Core Pacific City Living Mall¡¦s current situation, strength and weakness of the related strategies, market positioning, competitor analysis, and other relative comparisons. It also includes a total strategic planning by evaluating the business strategic goal and managerial mission of the Core Pacific City Living Mall in the Greater Taipei area. First of all, the external and internal environments and the competitors¡¦ positioning strategies are evaluated, in order to find out the opportunity and treat for the Core Pacific City Living Mall. The strength and weakness of the organization in the developing phase can also be found. Secondly, the strategic planning, including strategic thinking and the fundamental competitive strategies are then formed. Finally, the strategy can be executed through the opertions of the business area, the conditions of the stores, consumers and marketing plans. Based on these, the positioning strategy of the shopping center can be seen.

Abstract Background The food retail business is characterized by fierce competition between a few large actors and low switching costs for consumers due to the similar offerings of the stores. In an oligopolistic market struc- ture like this it is critical for stores to create a loyal customer base in order to gain a competitive advantage. This is achieved through gen- erating customer satisfaction, which is an outcome of a positive evaluation of the store image. In the market of Jönköping there is one hypermarket, Ica Maxi, which enjoys a dominating market position over its two closest competitors, Coop Forum and City Gross, which must mean that more consumers chose to make their grocery shopping at this particular store. Therefore it is interesting to investigate the store image perceptions that the consumers of Jönköping hold of these three hypermarkets, and whether there is large difference be- tween them.  Purpose The main purpose of this thesis is to find out and measure how consumers in Jönköping perceive the store images of the three hyper- markets operating in the city, and what importance the different parts of the retail mix weighs on the consumers choice in what store to frequent. Further it aims to analyze the findings from the study in order to investigate if there are any differences in the store image perceptions, and if they might help explain a part of the dominating position Ica Maxi holds on the market.  Method Since store image is already a well defined concept within the marketing literature, it was most suitable to conduct a quantitative rather than a qualitative study. This was implemented through a questionnaire that was distributed to three separate samples, one per investigated hypermarket. The data collected was then processed mainly through One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), which allowed for comparisons between the three samples.  Conclusion The consumers of Jönköping ranked the influence of the store image dimensions on their choice of hypermarket as following; (1) mer- chandise, (2) customer service, (3) reputation, (4) location, (5) price, (6) store layout and design, and (7) advertising and promotion. The perceptions held of the stores images were different between the stores. Ica Maxi was shown to have the most positive store image, closely followed by City Gross, and Coop Forum had a significantly less favorable image than both its competitors. The difference between Ica Maxi and Coop Forum does explain why the stores have such different market shares. However, there was not a large enough difference in Ica Maxi’s and City Gross’ scores to justify the market share gap between them solely based on store image.

Branding has become increasingly important in order to distinguish a brand from numerous competitors in the fashion industry. An effective way to differentiate the brand from others has shown to be through the brand image, which is why managers should work on sustaining a positive brand image. Managing brand image through different sales channels has become even more important due to the rise of multi-channels. The integration and effort of offline and online channels can result in both enhanced purchase intention and brand image. Previous literature has shown how purchase intention can be derived from the level of congruity between the consumer’s self-image and the brand’s image. Despite this, most previous research is conducted from a company perspective, why this research intends to provide theoretical contributions from a consumer perspective. This is particularly important for fashion brands, as for the ever-changing and highly competitive characteristics of the fashion market. Furthermore, an understanding of consumers’ perception of brand image in different sales channels has been missing in previous research. Therefore, the aim of this research is to investigate how consumers perceive brand image of multi-channel fashion companies for the purpose of providing insight into how brand image should be managed through different channels. Using a qualitative perspective, this explorative research conducts ten semi-structured interviews with women and men between the ages of 18 and 63, that are experienced within fashion consumption in online and offline channels. Analysis of the research findings indicates that there are 13 attributes that consumers consider as most prominent for brand image; six offline attributes and seven online attributes. For the offline image, it emerges that the surrounding environment, products and collections, price and value, store personnel and service, reputation are prominent attributes. For online, easy access and navigation, design and aesthetics, merchandise description, price and value, communication, services and reputation are prominent. It is also found that interviewees find it highly important that the image is consistent through different channels so that the brand conveys a holistic image.

Maintaining and increasing customer loyalty has become a crucial strategic objective for businesses due to cross-shopping and intensified competition across many industries. In the realm of grocery retailing, the necessity for retailers to invest resources towards fostering customer loyalty has reached unprecedented levels, primarily due to the proliferation of shopping formats accessible to customers. Hard discounters are among those store formats. They are stores that offer basic goods and daily necessities at the lowest prices possible while maintaining high-quality standards. Due to the tough economic times, consumers are becoming more price-oriented which makes them switch some of their shopping to hard discounters and when they do, they learn that quality, assortment, and service are actually better than expected which leads to them remaining loyal to the store when good economic times return. However, to be able to achieve and maintain loyalty, stores must first create store satisfaction. And that store satisfaction is in turn based on other factors, such as store attributes and the store's physical environment. Nevertheless, existing marketing research offers limited assistance to retail managers when it comes to maintaining loyalty for hard discounters. Therefore, the purpose of this thesis is to analyze which store image attributes can create store loyalty in a store environment for hard discounters within the Swedish grocery market. This study intends to explore the relationship between store attributes, store image, store satisfaction, and store loyalty within hard discounters. Towards filling this gap, a conceptual model considering the effects of store image attributes on store satisfaction and store loyalty is proposed. Data was collected from a survey of 151 Swedish shoppers at hard discounters. The data was then analyzed using IBM SPSS. when analyzing the data, the results show that the store attributes atmosphere and price had the biggest impact on store satisfaction, followed by assortment and personnel which exerts a moderately positive impact on store satisfaction. However, service did not exert a positive influence on store satisfaction. Ultimately, store satisfaction exerts a strong positive effect on store loyalty to hard discounters. In conclusion, the results indicate that there is a relationship between store image attributes, store satisfaction, and store loyalty for hard discounters in the Swedish grocery market.

O setor varejista vem passando por profundas mudanças com o intuito de se adequar a uma realidade cada vez mais competitiva, e os serviços vêm ocupando lugares de destaque por sua contribuição no processo de agregar valores aos consumidores. A satisfação dos consumidores em relação a esses serviços também é fundamental para que os varejistas alcancem suas realizações. Assim, torna-se essencial entender como certos conceitos como a qualidade do serviço e a imagem da loja influenciam na formação da satisfação desses consumidores. Embora existam muitas pesquisas relacionadas a esses conceitos, pouco se tem estudado sobre a relação entre eles. Esses estudos se tornam ainda mais raros quando inseridos no contexto dos serviços automotivos ainda que este represente um setor em desenvolvimento. A importância do setor automotivo e dos relacionamentos entre os conceitos acima mencionados foram estímulos para o objetivo deste trabalho que foi analisar o papel da qualidade do serviço e da imagem da loja na satisfação dos consumidores de serviços automotivos. Para que esse objetivo pudesse ser alcançado, foram realizadas revisões da literatura sobre a qualidade dos serviços, a imagem da loja, a satisfação dos consumidores, o setor automobilístico no Brasil e a relação entre a satisfação dos consumidores, a qualidade dos serviços e a imagem da loja. A pesquisa de campo foi realizada em duas etapas: num primeiro momento, foram coletados dados através da aplicação de questionários enviados por correio eletrônico e também aplicados a estudantes de graduação. Para a confirmação desses dados, realizou-se um grupo focado com consumidores de serviços automotivos. Os resultados obtidos demonstraram que, além dos aspectos da qualidade do serviço, os aspectos relacionados à imagem da loja também desempenham um importante papel na formação da satisfação dos consumidores de serviços automotivos. / The retail store has been going through deep changes in order to fit into a reality which is becoming more and more competitive, and the services have been more important to add value to consumers. Consumer satisfaction related to these services is also fundamental for retailers to reach their goals. Therefore, it is essential to understand how certain concepts such as service quality and retail store image influence consumer satisfaction building. Even though there are many researches related to these concepts, there are few studies about their relationship. These studies are even more rare when it comes to the automotive service context, yet it is a developing sector. The importance of the automotive sector and the relationship between the concepts mentioned before led to the objective of this dissertation which is to analyze the service quality role and the retail store image role in the process of consumers satisfaction building related to automotive services. In order to achieve this goal, a literature review about service quality, store retail image, consumer satisfaction, the automotive sector in Brazil, and the relationship among consumer satisfaction, service quality, and retail store image was made. The research was divided in two steps: questionnaires were both sent by E-mail and also answered by undergraduate students. To confirm these data, a focused group of automotive service consumers was formed. The results showed that not only the service quality aspect but also the retail store image aspects have an important role in the process of building consumers satisfaction related to automotive services.

Aim: The purpose of this study is to identify factors that can attract customers to buy online and help the grocers to improve their online grocery services to retain and obtain customers. Design/Methodology/Approach: A qualitative method was used, based on triangulation methodology including observation and interviews of manager and employees. Quantitative data was collected by handing out questionnaire to 204 potential customers and 30 existing customers. Findings: The study shows that product and service quality, time saving and convenience, web page layout, customers’ trust in grocers (service providers), store image and advertising are the important factors that customers consider when they decide to use online grocer service. E- grocers also need to consider these factors when they start online grocery service. Suggestions for Future Research: An extensive study with large population sample and co- operation from other companies can help to generalize the results. Future studies can be extended to include drive-in and shared reception box service method, and consider the cost for the customers in e-grocery sector.

Magister Commercii - MCom / This study aimed to shed insight on how store image influences customer perception. Everything customers see, hear and experience is linked together and forms their overall perception of a store. The first objective of the study was to analyze whether a relationship exists between the store choice and customers biographical details. The second objective is to identify components of store image that shoppers may consider important in store selection process; how the case company can use this knowledge and develop the business and customer service even further. Eight dimensions of shopping enjoyment are proposed and a 47-item measure was developed to measure 155 consumer perceptions from various malls in the geographical area of Cape Town. Findings indicate that there are no statistically significant relations between store image and consumers demographic factors such as age, gender, level of education, marital status, occupation and income. Furthermore, respondents rated physical characteristics of the store which included factors such as the neatness and cleanliness of the store, its decor, the wideness of the aisles, air-conditioning and lighting as the most important element when making a store choice. The implications of these results are discussed, together with practical and theoretical implications, study limitations, and future research directions.

O setor varejista vem passando por profundas mudanças com o intuito de se adequar a uma realidade cada vez mais competitiva, e os serviços vêm ocupando lugares de destaque por sua contribuição no processo de agregar valores aos consumidores. A satisfação dos consumidores em relação a esses serviços também é fundamental para que os varejistas alcancem suas realizações. Assim, torna-se essencial entender como certos conceitos como a qualidade do serviço e a imagem da loja influenciam na formação da satisfação desses consumidores. Embora existam muitas pesquisas relacionadas a esses conceitos, pouco se tem estudado sobre a relação entre eles. Esses estudos se tornam ainda mais raros quando inseridos no contexto dos serviços automotivos ainda que este represente um setor em desenvolvimento. A importância do setor automotivo e dos relacionamentos entre os conceitos acima mencionados foram estímulos para o objetivo deste trabalho que foi analisar o papel da qualidade do serviço e da imagem da loja na satisfação dos consumidores de serviços automotivos. Para que esse objetivo pudesse ser alcançado, foram realizadas revisões da literatura sobre a qualidade dos serviços, a imagem da loja, a satisfação dos consumidores, o setor automobilístico no Brasil e a relação entre a satisfação dos consumidores, a qualidade dos serviços e a imagem da loja. A pesquisa de campo foi realizada em duas etapas: num primeiro momento, foram coletados dados através da aplicação de questionários enviados por correio eletrônico e também aplicados a estudantes de graduação. Para a confirmação desses dados, realizou-se um grupo focado com consumidores de serviços automotivos. Os resultados obtidos demonstraram que, além dos aspectos da qualidade do serviço, os aspectos relacionados à imagem da loja também desempenham um importante papel na formação da satisfação dos consumidores de serviços automotivos. / The retail store has been going through deep changes in order to fit into a reality which is becoming more and more competitive, and the services have been more important to add value to consumers. Consumer satisfaction related to these services is also fundamental for retailers to reach their goals. Therefore, it is essential to understand how certain concepts such as service quality and retail store image influence consumer satisfaction building. Even though there are many researches related to these concepts, there are few studies about their relationship. These studies are even more rare when it comes to the automotive service context, yet it is a developing sector. The importance of the automotive sector and the relationship between the concepts mentioned before led to the objective of this dissertation which is to analyze the service quality role and the retail store image role in the process of consumers satisfaction building related to automotive services. In order to achieve this goal, a literature review about service quality, store retail image, consumer satisfaction, the automotive sector in Brazil, and the relationship among consumer satisfaction, service quality, and retail store image was made. The research was divided in two steps: questionnaires were both sent by E-mail and also answered by undergraduate students. To confirm these data, a focused group of automotive service consumers was formed. The results showed that not only the service quality aspect but also the retail store image aspects have an important role in the process of building consumers satisfaction related to automotive services.

Thesis (PhD (Consumer Science. Clothing and Textiles))--University of Stellenbosch, 2008. / The current apparel retail environment is marked by intense competitive activity. The key to survival is the implementation of effective differentiation strategies. Corporate and retail branding provides retailers with a powerful tool to differentiate themselves in the marketplace and store image is a vital component of this branding strategy. This exploratory study set out to investigate the underlying theoretical structure of store image. A store image scale was developed for the measurement of the perceived importance of store image. The study adopted a five phase methodology, namely (1) construct definition and domain specification, (2) generation and judging of measurement items, (3) purification of the store image scale, (4) assessing the reliability and validity of the store image scale, and (5) assessing the perceived importance of the dimensions of store image in selected discount and specialty stores through practical implementation of the store image scale. The first two phases of the study resulted in a Model of Store Image delineating the underlying structure of store image which formed the basis for a store image definition, as well as a 232-item store image scale with established content and face validity. Phase 3 comprised two pilot studies that served to purify the store image scale. The first pilot study concluded in a 214-item scale that was deemed too lengthy for practical implementation in the apparel retail environment. The second pilot study resulted in a 55-item store image scale that was deemed acceptable for practical implementation. Correlation analysis provided support for the shortened version of the store image scale. The scale was not representative of all the sub dimensions associated with store image. This was reflected in the Revised Model of Store Image. Phase 4 employed a mall-intercept research method. The sample population (n=534) consisted of apparel consumers, both male and female, between the ages of 20 and 60. They belonged to the black, coloured or white population groups who patronised specific apparel retail outlets. Trained fieldworkers gathered the data at selected discount and specialty apparel stores. Confirmatory factor analysis was performed on the data and results provided support for the reliability of the store image scale. The Atmosphere, Convenience, Institutional, and Promotion dimensions exhibited good model fit. The Facilities and Sales personnel dimensions, as well as the Revised Model of Store Image showed evidence of acceptable model fit. The Merchandise and Service dimensions demonstrated poor fit. Only the Sales personnel dimension showed convergent validity. Support was found for marginal convergent validity of the Atmosphere, Convenience, Facilities, Promotion, and Service dimensions, as well as the Revised Model of Store Image. The Institutional and Merchandise dimensions did not exhibit convergent validity. Apart from the Convenience and Service dimensions, discriminant validity for all dimensions was established. Item analysis identified seven scale items for deletion which could potentially result in better model fit of the individual dimensions as well as the Revised Model of Store Image. The deletion of these items could contribute to increased convergent and discriminant validity. For purposes of Phase 5 the data gathered during Phase 4 was submitted to statistical analysis. Results indicated that discount and specialty apparel store consumers ranked the Atmosphere, Promotion, Merchandise, Institutional, and Sales personnel dimensions similarly in perceived importance. Discount apparel store consumers ranked the Facilities and Convenience dimensions higher, whilst specialty consumers ranked the Service dimension higher. However, the differences in ranking for all dimensions remained relatively small for both store types. Statistical differences in the perceived importance of only two dimensions, namely the Institutional and Service dimensions were found. The study culminated in revised 48-item store image scale. A Final Model of Store Image and definition of store image were proposed as point of departure for future research.. The main implications for retailers were formulated as: 􀂍 The Final Model of Store Image identified the dimensions and sub dimensions of store image. Retailers should manipulate the tangible and intangible store attributes associated with these dimensions and sub dimensions to build a favourable store image. Due to the gestalt nature of store image it is imperative that all store image dimensions are presented in a cohesive and consistent manner. 􀂍 The store image scale will enable retailers to ascertain which dimensions are salient to their target consumers. These dimensions should be incorporated in the retail strategy.