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Dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Master's Degree in Technology: Marketing, Durban University of Technology, 2009. / Store layout is an important factor affecting consumer behaviour and a critical determinant towards the creation of store image. Well designed layouts are extremely important because they strongly influence in-store traffic patterns, shopping atmosphere, shopping behaviour, and operational efficiency (Vrechopoulos et al., 2004: 13). When an inconsistency occurs, some consumers will abandon that establishment in search of another one which offers fast, convenient and better services (Andersen, 1997: 118). Taking a more strategic approach to store layout can reap big rewards by boosting sales, increasing customer loyalty and ultimately increasing turnover (Clark, 2003: 42). The overall aim of the study was to ascertain if independent convenience stores in Kwa Mashu are aware of the impact of store layout on purchasing patterns of consumers. In order to accomplish the objectives of the study, a quantitative study was conducted at the convenience stores at Kwa Mashu by means of self-administered questionnaires. A sample of 400 respondents was asked questions pertaining to the study. The respondents were selected through non-probability sampling within which convenience sampling was applied. Conclusions and recommendations were thereafter drawn from the literature and the findings of the study. The results of this study show that consumers experience problems with store layout. It was found that appearance of the store, merchandise display, store atmosphere, instore service and accessibility are the major causes of this discomfort. Therefore, it is recommended that convenience retail owners in Kwa Mashu attend to those areas and see to it that necessary strategies are implemented to help customers where there is a need.

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Franchising has been widely accepted as an effective way to conduct and expand businesses. However, a franchise system is not a guarantee of success in the market. A successful franchise system should rely on a close and strong franchising relationship. Franchising is an important relationship management business. Franchising arrangements normally last for a number of years, so the franchisor and franchisee in the arrangement relationship are usually motivated to cooperate with each other. In addition, highly loyal franchisees may be obtained through a successful long-term franchising relationship. Over the last few decades, there has been a tremendous wave of interest in franchising relationships. However, little research has been conducted to determine the reasons for long-term franchising relationships. As a result, this study focuses on the important elements that might lead to a successful long-term franchising relationship. This study attempts to examine empirically three essential constructs (relationship quality, cooperation and customer loyalty), which might lead to successful long-term franchising relationships between franchisees and franchisors among the convenience stores in Taiwan. Mailed questionnaires were utilised to collect the research data. A total of 500 surveys were mailed randomly to the manager/supervisor of convenience stores’ franchisees among the four main franchisors (7-ELEVEN, Family, Hi-Life and OK) in Taiwan. The final sample size is 120, yielding a response rate of 24 per cent. The results show that relationship quality positively influences the cooperative relationships between franchisors and franchisees. Relationship quality is also positively correlated with franchisees’ loyalty. Additionally, the results indicate that the cooperative relationships between franchisors and franchisees are significantly associated with franchisees’ loyalty.

Store image and customer satisfaction become increasingly important factors in modern retailing - a market characterized by fast growth and intense competition. 7-11, Taiwan; Family-Mart and Hi-Life are already present as the top three in Taiwan retail market. This development will demand even more focus on the relationship between store image and customer satisfaction in order to stay in business and even more to create some new coalitions for future market. Therefore, chain convenience stores have to find a new way how to stand firm under this intense competition. The only way is to strengthen customers' perception through store image and provide the various services and products to satisfy customers' demands than increase customer satisfaction / Thesis (DBusinessAdministration)--University of South Australia, 2005

Store image and customer satisfaction become increasingly important factors in modern retailing - a market characterized by fast growth and intense competition. 7-11, Taiwan; Family-Mart and Hi-Life are already present as the top three in Taiwan retail market. This development will demand even more focus on the relationship between store image and customer satisfaction in order to stay in business and even more to create some new coalitions for future market. Therefore, chain convenience stores have to find a new way how to stand firm under this intense competition. The only way is to strengthen customers' perception through store image and provide the various services and products to satisfy customers' demands than increase customer satisfaction / Thesis (DBusinessAdministration)--University of South Australia, 2005

Store image and customer satisfaction become increasingly important factors in modern retailing - a market characterized by fast growth and intense competition. 7-11, Taiwan; Family-Mart and Hi-Life are already present as the top three in Taiwan retail market. This development will demand even more focus on the relationship between store image and customer satisfaction in order to stay in business and even more to create some new coalitions for future market. Therefore, chain convenience stores have to find a new way how to stand firm under this intense competition. The only way is to strengthen customers' perception through store image and provide the various services and products to satisfy customers' demands than increase customer satisfaction / Thesis (DBusinessAdministration)--University of South Australia, 2005

Thesis (Ph.D.) - Carleton University, 2006. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 205-208). Also available in electronic format on the Internet.