<p>People in Sweden have become more aware and interested in environmental issues. This has led to an increased demand for environmental friendly food products. Previously the price often determined if a customer bought the product or not. During the recent years internet has become a more widely used media than ever before. This has led to that inter-net is one of the important tools to gather information and knowledge, among other things environmental issues.</p><p>With such aspects in mind the authors found it interesting to investigate if companies could use internet as a marketing tool for environmental friendly products. Therefore the purpose of this thesis is to:</p><p>investigate if and how companies display environmental friendliness in their marketing strategy and how it is presented on their company webpage’s.</p><p>In order to fulfil the purpose five general dealer’s home and webpage’s were examined. As a supplementing research one store for each of the five general dealers were visited and ex-amined.</p><p>The used theoretical framework is focused on value and green marketing. How to create a specific value is often the core when formulating and creating a strategy for a company. Green marketing is such marketing that include environmental concerns in the marketing offers. The sales of ecological food has increased and according to SCB (2006) represented 6 Billions in revenue between 2004 and 2005. The literature indicates that green marketing have to change and become more like conventional marketing, in order to reach the larger consumer segments. As a supplement to this theory, a section with home and webpage de-sign and chromatics are added.</p><p>The analysis and conclusion showed that there were some differences in how the re-searched companies used green marketing. Two of the companies used their webpage’s and displayed environmental awareness, while two had a clear focus on price. One company had a health focus. It was also found that there are differences between the messages and information on the home and webpage’s, compared to the findings in the stores. What also was found was that green marketing not only should target the already green consumers, but instead aim at the larger consumer segment. To do this green marketing should become more like conventional marketing and not only focus on the product, but also other value factors. The findings also suggest that the companies could use their home and webpage’s to a higher extent than they do today.</p>

The overall research objective is motivated by two simultaneous developments. On the one hand, due to globalization and fast changing markets, organizations face increasing pressure to stay competitive and to survive in these fast changing environments. To innovate, organizations rely on recruiting and developing their workforce. As the individual is the source of innovation, an ever increasing emphasis is placed upon individual innovativeness and in particular in the investigation of sources of individual innovativeness. Leaders are essential in the promotion of employees´ innovativeness and leadership is proposed as one of the most influential predictors of individual innovativeness. In the view of innovation pressure and demographic changes, it is important for organizations to shed light on their young professionals, especially on their young professionals’ innovativeness, as they are the future workforce. This is especially important for leaders who aim to support the innovativeness of their young professionals. Nevertheless, the importance of young professionals’ innovativeness in the retail industry is still underestimated. Hence, organizations and especially leaders may benefit greatly from being aware of their young professionals’ innovativeness as one possibility to face the challenges of innovation pressure.

The rapid growth of the internet and e-commerce provide new opportunities for China’s retailers, and a new battle for China’s retail industry has begun. The purpose of this research is to explore the barriers and factors for achieving successful e-tailing in China’s retail industry. Some past studies have investigated the success of e-commerce in the western context. This study aims to partially fill the gap created by the lack of research into e-commerce in the Asian context, by investigating successful e-tailing in China’s retail industry, and is based on a case study of the Shanghai Brilliance Group. Therefore, the research question is ‘How can successful e-tailing in China’s retail industry be achieved?’ Accordingly, three research issues are addressed:Research issue 1: How is e-tailing being used in the Shanghai Brilliance Group?Research issue 2: What are the barriers to the implementation of e-tailing in theShanghai Brilliance Group?Research issue 3: What are the factors for achieving successful e-tailing in theShanghai Brilliance Group?To investigate the research question and the three research issues, the following approaches were applied. Firstly, three parent disciplines were reviewed, namely, ecommerce, retail in China, and e-tailing success factors, in order to generate the research gap and a theoretical model. A theoretical model was developed, which included six factors and their variables. These six factors are: senior management factors, organisational factors, e-commerce strategies, external factors, consumer factors, and ecommerce system measurements. Secondly, the primary data for this research were collected from interviews (16 in-depth interviews and 3 focus group interviews) and a survey questionnaire (200 valid questionnaires).The findings for the first research issue showed that e-commerce is poorly implemented in the Shanghai Brilliance Group and its subsidiaries, but that e-commerce in the supermarket subsidiaries is more advanced than in the department stores. Only one department store is offering online shopping to their customers, while both supermarket subsidiaries offer online shopping. The rest of the department stores only use websites for advertising and promotion, or for limited customer service, such as award point checking. Moreover, only the Oriental Shopping Centre and Lian Hua Supermarket have specific teams or an out-sourced company controlling their e-commerce project. This shows that e-commerce is not being taken seriously in the Shanghai Brilliance Group to date.In relation to the second research issue, a total of nineteen barriers were identified from the interview data. Those barriers can be divided into two categories, namely, external barriers and internal barriers. Most of those barriers are consistent with those mentioned in the literature. However, some new barriers emerged from the data analysis process, including the mission of the organisation, and high profit objectives.The findings in relation to research issue 3 identified other important factors of e-tailing, besides those barriers answered in research issue 2. Most of the success factors reviewed in the literature were confirmed by the collected data and in addition, some new variables were explored. Overall, six groups of factors and 64 variables were addressed in this research as success factors for e-tailing. This included 57 out of the 59 variables which were previously mentioned in the literature and seven emergent variables.This research has made a contribution to both the theory and practice of e-tailing.Through qualitative analysis, this research not only identifies the important factors of e-tailing, but also generates a comprehensive model to guide the implementation of e-tailing by China’s retailers, especially the Shanghai Brilliance Group. Furthermore, this is the first study to investigate successful e-tailing in China’s retail industry. Accordingly, the proposed framework of this study provides a foundation for future research.

The rapid growth of the internet and e-commerce provide new opportunities for China’s retailers, and a new battle for China’s retail industry has begun. The purpose of this research is to explore the barriers and factors for achieving successful e-tailing in China’s retail industry. Some past studies have investigated the success of e-commerce in the western context. This study aims to partially fill the gap created by the lack of research into e-commerce in the Asian context, by investigating successful e-tailing in China’s retail industry, and is based on a case study of the Shanghai Brilliance Group. Therefore, the research question is ‘How can successful e-tailing in China’s retail industry be achieved?’ Accordingly, three research issues are addressed:Research issue 1: How is e-tailing being used in the Shanghai Brilliance Group?Research issue 2: What are the barriers to the implementation of e-tailing in theShanghai Brilliance Group?Research issue 3: What are the factors for achieving successful e-tailing in theShanghai Brilliance Group?To investigate the research question and the three research issues, the following approaches were applied. Firstly, three parent disciplines were reviewed, namely, ecommerce, retail in China, and e-tailing success factors, in order to generate the research gap and a theoretical model. A theoretical model was developed, which included six factors and their variables. These six factors are: senior management factors, organisational factors, e-commerce strategies, external factors, consumer factors, and ecommerce system measurements. Secondly, the primary data for this research were collected from interviews (16 in-depth interviews and 3 focus group interviews) and a survey questionnaire (200 valid questionnaires).The findings for the first research issue showed that e-commerce is poorly implemented in the Shanghai Brilliance Group and its subsidiaries, but that e-commerce in the supermarket subsidiaries is more advanced than in the department stores. Only one department store is offering online shopping to their customers, while both supermarket subsidiaries offer online shopping. The rest of the department stores only use websites for advertising and promotion, or for limited customer service, such as award point checking. Moreover, only the Oriental Shopping Centre and Lian Hua Supermarket have specific teams or an out-sourced company controlling their e-commerce project. This shows that e-commerce is not being taken seriously in the Shanghai Brilliance Group to date.In relation to the second research issue, a total of nineteen barriers were identified from the interview data. Those barriers can be divided into two categories, namely, external barriers and internal barriers. Most of those barriers are consistent with those mentioned in the literature. However, some new barriers emerged from the data analysis process, including the mission of the organisation, and high profit objectives.The findings in relation to research issue 3 identified other important factors of e-tailing, besides those barriers answered in research issue 2. Most of the success factors reviewed in the literature were confirmed by the collected data and in addition, some new variables were explored. Overall, six groups of factors and 64 variables were addressed in this research as success factors for e-tailing. This included 57 out of the 59 variables which were previously mentioned in the literature and seven emergent variables.This research has made a contribution to both the theory and practice of e-tailing.Through qualitative analysis, this research not only identifies the important factors of e-tailing, but also generates a comprehensive model to guide the implementation of e-tailing by China’s retailers, especially the Shanghai Brilliance Group. Furthermore, this is the first study to investigate successful e-tailing in China’s retail industry. Accordingly, the proposed framework of this study provides a foundation for future research.

A divulgação sobre a existência de resíduos de agrotóxicos em alimentos vem tomando espaço no Brasil, incrementando a parcela de consumidores que procura alimentos mais seguros no mercado. Nesse contexto, os objetivos desta pesquisa foram identificar os segmentos de consumidores mais suscetíveis ao consumo de frutas, legumes e verduras (FLVs) com resíduos de agrotóxicos no Brasil e avaliar como os gestores do setor varejista vêm explorando as oportunidades emergentes relacionadas à dinâmica dessa demanda. Inicialmente, um estudo quantitativo explorou dados de 18 FLVs e de seis categorias de rendimentos familiares, com o objetivo de verificar o consumo de alimentos potencialmente contaminados por resíduos de agrotóxicos, conforme as classes socioeconômicas brasileiras no ano de 2009. Isso se deu a partir de dados de consumo de produtos alimentícios fornecidos pelo IBGE e de resíduos de pesticidas em alimentos publicados pela Anvisa. Aos resultados preliminares, foram acrescentados dados das estratégias do mercado varejista na oferta de FLVs mais inócuos. Para essa etapa, foi utilizada uma metodologia de pesquisa do tipo qualitativa, na qual 10 especialistas no tema de pesquisa foram questionados sobre como esse setor explora o mercado de frutas e hortaliças seguras em relação a essa contaminação. Os resultados encontrados na primeira fase do trabalho indicaram que os brasileiros de classes econômicas mais elevadas estão mais expostos ao consumo de resíduos de agrotóxicos presentes em FLVs. Muitas dessas substâncias são potencialmente danosas à saúde, incluindo características carcinogênicas em seus efeitos crônicos. Na segunda etapa, os agentes consultados evidenciaram a predominância da oferta de FLVs orgânicos pelo varejo brasileiro como uma alternativa pertinente, com menor risco de contaminação com resíduos de agrotóxicos. Porém, a ênfase no baixo preço dos alimentos ofertados pode restringir a oferta de FLVs orgânicos. Além disso, houve pouca e nenhuma referência dos especialistas, respectivamente, à certificação de FLVs pelo sistema de produção integrada e ao sistema de agricultura de precisão como alternativas viáveis para a oferta de FLVs seguros em relação a resíduos de agrotóxicos. Esses resultados são contrastantes com o contexto fiscalizador que vem se desenvolvendo sobre o varejo por parte das autoridades, em vista de oferta de alimentos seguros, o que oportunizaria um ambiente favorável à expansão do varejo de FLVs seguros do ponto de vista dos contaminantes agroquímicos. / The disclosure of the existence of pesticide residues in food has gained space in Brazil, thus increasing the number of consumers who seek for safer food in the market. In such context, this research aimed at identifying the segments of consumers who are more likely to consume fruits and vegetables with pesticide residues in Brazil, and assessing the way that retail managers have explored the opportunities emerging from such demand. A quantitative study initially surveyed data about 18 fruits and vegetables and six categories of family income, aiming at verifying the consumption of food partially contaminated with pesticide residues, according to the Brazilian socioeconomic classification in 2009. This was based on both IBGE data about food consumption and Anvisa data about pesticide residues found in food. Data about retail strategies to offer more innocuous fruits and vegetables were then added to those preliminary results. At this stage, a qualitative methodology was adopted, and 10 experts were questioned about the ways that this sector has explored the market of safe fruits and vegetables considering such contamination. The results found in the first phase of this work pointed out that upper class Brazilians have been more exposed to the consumption of pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables. A number of such chemicals are potentially harmful to health, including carcinogenic characteristics among their chronic effects. At the second stage, the agents consulted evidenced the prevalence of the offer of organic fruits and vegetables by the Brazilian retail industry as a pertinent alternative, with lower risk of contamination with pesticide residues. However, the emphasis on the low price of food may limit the offer of organic fruits and vegetables. Furthermore, there was little and none reference by the experts concerning fruit and vegetable certification provided, respectively, by the integrated production system and the precision agriculture system as viable alternatives to offering safe fruits and vegetables in terms of pesticides residues. Such results are in contrast to the control that has been developed by authorities over retail to offer safe food, which would favor the expansion of safe fruit and vegetable retail regarding chemical contaminants.

Developments in digital marketing are putting pressure on companies to keep up in the rapidly changing market environment. To do so, companies must take proactive steps in identifying new strategies to optimize their customers’ experiences in a digital era of increasing customer demands for online solutions. Among the most promising technological developments is the growth of Augmented Reality (AR) applications. While the future of augmented reality is relatively unknown, its unique attributes of bridging the digital and physical world have gotten investors excited. Yet, the knowledge of how to utilize AR’s unique attributes in marketing strategies is still limited, and the discussion on how to get the restless new generation to accept this emerging technology is accelerating. Within the retail industry, IKEA is considered a pioneer in deploying augmented reality in their customer experience. This project is a case study on IKEA’s implementation of augmented reality, a source of inspiration for future deployment strategies. The research data consists of interviews with respondents from both IKEA and IKEA’s innovation lab SPACE10, representing the industry practitioners, and two focus groups representing the low- and high-involvements customer perspectives. Supported by both theoretical and case study findings, this study develops a conceptual framework for AR deployment within the retail industry. The framework highlights the main elements to consider for an effective deployment of AR within a retail context. Firstly, companies should identify which customer values the AR program aims to provide, evaluate whether or not the AR technology is more effective than traditional methods for the intended value creation and thereafter design the program objectives accordingly. Secondly, the deployment stage consists of three entangled dimensions that are intertwined with a customer feedback loop. The three dimensions represent AR deployment success factors, and they are: (1) User experience (2) Utilizing unique attributes and (3) Strategy coherence.

A divulgação sobre a existência de resíduos de agrotóxicos em alimentos vem tomando espaço no Brasil, incrementando a parcela de consumidores que procura alimentos mais seguros no mercado. Nesse contexto, os objetivos desta pesquisa foram identificar os segmentos de consumidores mais suscetíveis ao consumo de frutas, legumes e verduras (FLVs) com resíduos de agrotóxicos no Brasil e avaliar como os gestores do setor varejista vêm explorando as oportunidades emergentes relacionadas à dinâmica dessa demanda. Inicialmente, um estudo quantitativo explorou dados de 18 FLVs e de seis categorias de rendimentos familiares, com o objetivo de verificar o consumo de alimentos potencialmente contaminados por resíduos de agrotóxicos, conforme as classes socioeconômicas brasileiras no ano de 2009. Isso se deu a partir de dados de consumo de produtos alimentícios fornecidos pelo IBGE e de resíduos de pesticidas em alimentos publicados pela Anvisa. Aos resultados preliminares, foram acrescentados dados das estratégias do mercado varejista na oferta de FLVs mais inócuos. Para essa etapa, foi utilizada uma metodologia de pesquisa do tipo qualitativa, na qual 10 especialistas no tema de pesquisa foram questionados sobre como esse setor explora o mercado de frutas e hortaliças seguras em relação a essa contaminação. Os resultados encontrados na primeira fase do trabalho indicaram que os brasileiros de classes econômicas mais elevadas estão mais expostos ao consumo de resíduos de agrotóxicos presentes em FLVs. Muitas dessas substâncias são potencialmente danosas à saúde, incluindo características carcinogênicas em seus efeitos crônicos. Na segunda etapa, os agentes consultados evidenciaram a predominância da oferta de FLVs orgânicos pelo varejo brasileiro como uma alternativa pertinente, com menor risco de contaminação com resíduos de agrotóxicos. Porém, a ênfase no baixo preço dos alimentos ofertados pode restringir a oferta de FLVs orgânicos. Além disso, houve pouca e nenhuma referência dos especialistas, respectivamente, à certificação de FLVs pelo sistema de produção integrada e ao sistema de agricultura de precisão como alternativas viáveis para a oferta de FLVs seguros em relação a resíduos de agrotóxicos. Esses resultados são contrastantes com o contexto fiscalizador que vem se desenvolvendo sobre o varejo por parte das autoridades, em vista de oferta de alimentos seguros, o que oportunizaria um ambiente favorável à expansão do varejo de FLVs seguros do ponto de vista dos contaminantes agroquímicos. / The disclosure of the existence of pesticide residues in food has gained space in Brazil, thus increasing the number of consumers who seek for safer food in the market. In such context, this research aimed at identifying the segments of consumers who are more likely to consume fruits and vegetables with pesticide residues in Brazil, and assessing the way that retail managers have explored the opportunities emerging from such demand. A quantitative study initially surveyed data about 18 fruits and vegetables and six categories of family income, aiming at verifying the consumption of food partially contaminated with pesticide residues, according to the Brazilian socioeconomic classification in 2009. This was based on both IBGE data about food consumption and Anvisa data about pesticide residues found in food. Data about retail strategies to offer more innocuous fruits and vegetables were then added to those preliminary results. At this stage, a qualitative methodology was adopted, and 10 experts were questioned about the ways that this sector has explored the market of safe fruits and vegetables considering such contamination. The results found in the first phase of this work pointed out that upper class Brazilians have been more exposed to the consumption of pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables. A number of such chemicals are potentially harmful to health, including carcinogenic characteristics among their chronic effects. At the second stage, the agents consulted evidenced the prevalence of the offer of organic fruits and vegetables by the Brazilian retail industry as a pertinent alternative, with lower risk of contamination with pesticide residues. However, the emphasis on the low price of food may limit the offer of organic fruits and vegetables. Furthermore, there was little and none reference by the experts concerning fruit and vegetable certification provided, respectively, by the integrated production system and the precision agriculture system as viable alternatives to offering safe fruits and vegetables in terms of pesticides residues. Such results are in contrast to the control that has been developed by authorities over retail to offer safe food, which would favor the expansion of safe fruit and vegetable retail regarding chemical contaminants.

A divulgação sobre a existência de resíduos de agrotóxicos em alimentos vem tomando espaço no Brasil, incrementando a parcela de consumidores que procura alimentos mais seguros no mercado. Nesse contexto, os objetivos desta pesquisa foram identificar os segmentos de consumidores mais suscetíveis ao consumo de frutas, legumes e verduras (FLVs) com resíduos de agrotóxicos no Brasil e avaliar como os gestores do setor varejista vêm explorando as oportunidades emergentes relacionadas à dinâmica dessa demanda. Inicialmente, um estudo quantitativo explorou dados de 18 FLVs e de seis categorias de rendimentos familiares, com o objetivo de verificar o consumo de alimentos potencialmente contaminados por resíduos de agrotóxicos, conforme as classes socioeconômicas brasileiras no ano de 2009. Isso se deu a partir de dados de consumo de produtos alimentícios fornecidos pelo IBGE e de resíduos de pesticidas em alimentos publicados pela Anvisa. Aos resultados preliminares, foram acrescentados dados das estratégias do mercado varejista na oferta de FLVs mais inócuos. Para essa etapa, foi utilizada uma metodologia de pesquisa do tipo qualitativa, na qual 10 especialistas no tema de pesquisa foram questionados sobre como esse setor explora o mercado de frutas e hortaliças seguras em relação a essa contaminação. Os resultados encontrados na primeira fase do trabalho indicaram que os brasileiros de classes econômicas mais elevadas estão mais expostos ao consumo de resíduos de agrotóxicos presentes em FLVs. Muitas dessas substâncias são potencialmente danosas à saúde, incluindo características carcinogênicas em seus efeitos crônicos. Na segunda etapa, os agentes consultados evidenciaram a predominância da oferta de FLVs orgânicos pelo varejo brasileiro como uma alternativa pertinente, com menor risco de contaminação com resíduos de agrotóxicos. Porém, a ênfase no baixo preço dos alimentos ofertados pode restringir a oferta de FLVs orgânicos. Além disso, houve pouca e nenhuma referência dos especialistas, respectivamente, à certificação de FLVs pelo sistema de produção integrada e ao sistema de agricultura de precisão como alternativas viáveis para a oferta de FLVs seguros em relação a resíduos de agrotóxicos. Esses resultados são contrastantes com o contexto fiscalizador que vem se desenvolvendo sobre o varejo por parte das autoridades, em vista de oferta de alimentos seguros, o que oportunizaria um ambiente favorável à expansão do varejo de FLVs seguros do ponto de vista dos contaminantes agroquímicos. / The disclosure of the existence of pesticide residues in food has gained space in Brazil, thus increasing the number of consumers who seek for safer food in the market. In such context, this research aimed at identifying the segments of consumers who are more likely to consume fruits and vegetables with pesticide residues in Brazil, and assessing the way that retail managers have explored the opportunities emerging from such demand. A quantitative study initially surveyed data about 18 fruits and vegetables and six categories of family income, aiming at verifying the consumption of food partially contaminated with pesticide residues, according to the Brazilian socioeconomic classification in 2009. This was based on both IBGE data about food consumption and Anvisa data about pesticide residues found in food. Data about retail strategies to offer more innocuous fruits and vegetables were then added to those preliminary results. At this stage, a qualitative methodology was adopted, and 10 experts were questioned about the ways that this sector has explored the market of safe fruits and vegetables considering such contamination. The results found in the first phase of this work pointed out that upper class Brazilians have been more exposed to the consumption of pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables. A number of such chemicals are potentially harmful to health, including carcinogenic characteristics among their chronic effects. At the second stage, the agents consulted evidenced the prevalence of the offer of organic fruits and vegetables by the Brazilian retail industry as a pertinent alternative, with lower risk of contamination with pesticide residues. However, the emphasis on the low price of food may limit the offer of organic fruits and vegetables. Furthermore, there was little and none reference by the experts concerning fruit and vegetable certification provided, respectively, by the integrated production system and the precision agriculture system as viable alternatives to offering safe fruits and vegetables in terms of pesticides residues. Such results are in contrast to the control that has been developed by authorities over retail to offer safe food, which would favor the expansion of safe fruit and vegetable retail regarding chemical contaminants.

The thesis attempts to analyze the international business strategy of the company C&A and its search of growth opportunities for the context of Bulgaria. The study relates to international business issues and successively provides a comprehensive overview of potential in the retail industry in Bulgaria as well as critical analysis on the interest of the company to internationalize its activity on the market. The thesis brings sufficient baseline whether to enter the market and how to be successful there.

Background: The convergence of payment behaviours can contribute to the diffusion of new payment technologies and thus economic performance. There is evidence that the electrification of the retail payment system promotes the performance of the banking sector and economic growth. The retail payment market is a prime example of a two-sided market where new payment instruments need to reach a critical mass of users to become viable and grow further (Martikainen, Schmiedel &amp; Takalo, 2015). Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to analyse Bitcoin, as a payment method, and review the models already used to shed more light on its further potential adoption by retailers. We apply the DOI theory and review the TAM model to determine the underlying characteristics of Bitcoin that will enable further adoption or rejection among retailers. Method: We conduct a case study on Bitrefill AB which offers a rich method for investigating and researching. With the process of interpretation in context, we make inference from the case of Bitrefill in connecting with events and experiences of other retailers (Expedia, Alibaba, Overstock and CheapAir). Conclusion: According to the results, the adoption of Bitcoin relies heavily on positive relative advantages to other payment methods, compatibility and simplicity of its use while negative characteristics that pull it back from being adopted include the complexities in understanding the technology behind it, damaging outcomes varying from the expected.