Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Retail trade areas'

The number of public markets in the United States increased from more than 300 in the 1970s to more than 8,600 by 2016. This increase in markets is related to changes in food production, localism and the local food systems movement, socioeconomic changes, cultural changes, and perceptions of embeddedness. Research on the underlying conditions for the success of public markets is scant in the United States, and especially in the USDA Southwest Region. This study provides analysis of public market locations as compared with non-market locations by drive-time trade areas during a 20-year period, 1996 and 2016, to gain further insights into factors leading to their success. The results from logit regression analyses and simulations of socioeconomic, college-town status, and climate-grid classifications find an increased likelihood of public markets with population, education, college town status, and some climate-grid locations. Median income, surprisingly, has an inverse relationship with public market success. Qualitative data and a literature review point to three types of embeddedness that motivate customers to attend public markets. This study concludes that "local nontradable consumer goods" tied to place are offered at these "nontradable consumption amenities." These amenities are "third places" that promote social interaction and become important places of community, farmer support, and commerce across the Southwest Region.

Insbesondere seit den 1990er Jahren ist international eine wachsende Bedeutung der Transiträume Tankstelle, Flughafen und Bahnhof als Einzelhandels- und Dienstleistungsstandorte zu beobachten. Vielfältige Gründe sowohl auf standortendogener als auch auf standortexogener Seite sind dafür verantwortlich. Nach einer vergleichenden Analyse der drei Transiträume auf allgemeiner Ebene wendet sich die Betrachtung der praktischen Umsetzung der Einzelhandelsansiedlung an den Standorten zu. Für die Flughäfen und Tankstellen geschieht dies mittels einer Literaturauswertung. Der Einzelhandelsstandort Bahnhof wird dagegen im Rahmen einer eigenen empirischen Studie im Großraum Berlin einer speziellen Prüfung unterzogen. Den Ausgangspunkt stellt ein deduktives Modell zum Versorgungsstandort Bahnhof dar, das die wichtigsten Einflussgrößen nennt und zueinander in Beziehung setzt. Ziel des Modells ist es, die Entwicklung eines Bahnhofs zu einem erfolgreichen Versorgungsstandort zu erleichtern. Außerdem hilft es, die Effekte der Bahnhofskommerzialisierung auf Standortcharakter und städtischen Raum abzuschätzen. Der Modellentwurf wird mit Hilfe einer Bestandsaufnahme auf Bahnhofs- und Angebotsseite und einer Besucherbefragung überprüft und inhaltlich konkretisiert, so dass schließlich ein verifiziertes Modell zum Versorgungsstandort Bahnhof vorliegt, das mit empirischen Daten und Planungshilfen untermauert ist und zur Anwendung bereitsteht.
Since the 1990s there has been a growing significance of transit areas like gas stations, airports and railway stations as retail locations. This development is caused by various reasons. Having compared the three types of transit areas in general the thesis illustrates how the setting-up of retail in transit areas is put into practice. The shopping areas of airports and gas stations are presented on the basis of a literature review. The retail in railway stations is analysed by own research. Starting point of the study is a deductive model describing the railway station in its function as retail location. It shows the key elements of the retail system and their relations to each other. The model aims at facilitating the development of profitable shopping areas within railway stations and it helps assess the effects of the commercial using on the location''s character and its surroundings. To check and fill up the model with empirical data own surveys (inventory, interviews) have been carried out in the metropolitan area of Berlin. Eventually a verified model describing the railway station in its function as retail location exists. It is supported by empirical data and planning aids and ready for application.

Esta Tesis centra la atención en la aplicación que los SIG pueden tener en diferentes campos de la economía como las empresas minoristas o los centros tecnológicos intensivos en conocimiento. Los SIG pueden definirse como el conjunto de herramientas para recoger, almacenar, transformar y mostrar los datos espaciales para un conjunto particular de propósitos (Burrough, 1988). Por su parte, Barredo (1996) precisa que los SIG son sistemas digitales que, a través de un conjunto de herramientas de hardware y de software, permiten el análisis y manipulación de datos geográficos proporcionando una modelación de la realidad. Por una parte, en el sector minorista, la apertura de un nuevo local es un factor crítico ya que comporta una serie de riesgos monetarios y de imagen muy elevados para la empresa. Por ello, resulta clave realizar un correcto análisis de la localización para las nuevas aperturas (Hernández & Bennison, 2000). El uso de los SIG ha facilitado la comprensión de la información geográfica para los gerentes que carecen de conocimientos técnicos, ayudándoles, por tanto, a tomar decisiones difíciles y de gran envergadura (Ozimec et al., 2010). Además, los SIG son capaces de gestionar la información cartográfica con datos alfanuméricos. Por ello, los SIG se están convirtiendo en una herramienta indispensable para la toma de decisiones sobre la localización de establecimientos (Mendes & Themido, 2004). Por otra parte, los centros tecnológicos, cuando se conciben como proveedores de servicios avanzados para permitir la innovación (COTEC, 2003), también pueden ser considerados ¿minoristas¿ cuyo producto son los servicios intensivos en conocimiento o knowledge intensive business services (KIS). Por lo tanto, el concepto de trade areas también se puede aplicar a los centros tecnológicos en cuanto a su ubicación y el diseño de sus estrategias, entre otros aspectos. Así, diferentes autores destacan la importancia de la proximidad geográfica de los centros de tecnología para que puedan ofrecer un servicio eficaz y apoyar a las empresas (Barrio & García-Quevedo, 2005; Tödtling & Kaufmann, 2001). Por ello, en la investigación que se llevará a cabo en esta Tesis, también se aplicarán técnicas GIS a los centros tecnológicos, en un intento de mejorar el conocimiento sobre los determinantes de la distribución espacial entre las empresas asociadas a un centro tecnológico.
Roig Tierno, H. (2013). Análisis de áreas comerciales mediante técnicas SIG: Aplicación a la distribución comercial y centros tecnológicos [Tesis doctoral no publicada]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/32832
TESIS

This study employs three ordinary least squares regression equations to analyze retail grocery store prices. The grocery stores studied were from the Tucson metropolitan area. The price data collected consisted of a typical market basket purchased in this market. Different price categories were analyzed in order to determine the relevance of interstore comparisons between two different brand categories, national brand and cheapest brand categories. Grocery prices for the two brands were tested to determine if the organization of retail grocery stores (chain and independents), location of the store, store neighborhood average income, and size (in square feet) of the grocery store affected price.

Die historischen Stadtzentren (Downtowns) ländlicher Kleinstädte in den USA unterlagen in den letzten Jahrzehnten des 20. Jahrhunderts einem allgemeinen ökonomischen Niedergang und verloren ihre ursprünglich zentrale Funktion, primäre Einzelhandelsstandorte einer Stadt und ihres Umlands zu sein. Ursachen dafür sind vor allem in der Entstehung attraktiver Einzelhandelsstandorte am Stadtrand zu suchen. Ein genereller ökonomischer Aufschwung der Stadtzentren konnte trotz vielfältiger Bemühungen um eine Revitalisierung bisher nicht erreicht werden. Allerdings bestehen Anzeichen eines in erster Linie qualitativen Wandels und einer Spezialisierung ihrer Einzelhandelsfunktion. Auf der Grundlage des Forschungsstands wird in der vorliegenden Arbeit der Einzelhandel in Stadtzentren ländlicher Kleinstädte untersucht. Dadurch soll der in der Literatur angedeutete, aber weder vertiefend beschriebene noch beurteilte Wandel umfassend charakterisiert werden. Folgende Ziel- und Aufgabenstellungen sind damit verbunden: Erstens sollen der Einzelhandel in den Stadtzentren beschrieben und Typen des Einzelhandels abgeleitet werden. Zweitens geht es um die Kennzeichnung von Einflussfaktoren der Entwicklung unter Herausstellung des Wirkens von Stakeholdern. Drittens sollen Schlussfolgerungen zum funktionalen und strukturellen Wandel der Stadtzentren gezogen werden. Im Besonderen wird die Entwicklung des Arts and Crafts Einzelhandels berücksichtigt, der ein im weiteren Sinne kunsthandwerklich orientiertes Warensortiment mit dekorativem Charakter vorhält. Aus Voruntersuchungen kann von einer hohen Bedeutung dieses Einzelhandelssegments ausgegangen werden. Die konzeptionellen Grundlagen dieser Arbeit werden durch die Diskussion standorttheoretischer Ansätze sowie durch die Analyse der Literatur zur Entwicklung des Einzelhandels und der Stadtzentren in den USA gelegt. Daraus werden Annahmen zur Entwicklung des Einzelhandels und der Stadtzentren als Ausgangspunkte der empirischen Untersuchung abgeleitet. Diese besteht aus drei Teilen. Erstens wird eine auf ganz Ohio bezogene Untersuchung zur Lage des Einzelhandels in ländlichen Kleinstädten durchgeführt. Zweitens geht es um die Analyse des Downtown-Einzelhandels in ausgewählten Städten Ohios. Drittens werden im Rahmen von Fallstudien die Strukturen und Einflussfaktoren der Entwicklung zweier Stadtzentren untersucht. Die Methoden der Datenerhebung umfassen Kartierungen, leitfadengestützte Experteninterviews, teilstandardisierte Befragungen von Händlern sowie Dokumenten- und Datenanalysen. Im Hinblick auf den Downtown-Einzelhandel ist festzuhalten, dass (1) kleine Betriebsformen vorherrschen und Filialen von Mehrbetriebsunternehmen weitgehend fehlen, (2) Anzeichen der weiteren Ausdünnung traditionell in Downtown ansässiger Branchen bestehen, (3) zahlreiche Kleinstbetriebe mit geringwertigem Warensortiment (marginal business) vorkommen, (4) der Anteil des spezialisierten Einzelhandels hoch, aber ein weiteres Wachstum unsicher ist und (5) sich der Arts and Crafts Einzelhandel in den Stadtzentren konzentriert. Aus der Untersuchung von mehr als 100 Betrieben werden neun Typen des Einzelhandels in den Stadtzentren abgeleitet. Die Typenbildung erfolgt zunächst anhand der Sortimentsbreite sowie der Zugehörigkeit zum Arts and Crafts bzw. sonstigen Einzelhandel. Darüber hinaus werden Merkmale des Qualitätsniveaus (Low Quality Stores), der Absatzwege (Delivery Stores), der ökonomischen Rationalität (Self-Realization Stores) und der Betriebsgröße (Downtown Anchor Stores) als Vergleichsdimensionen herangezogen. Im Resultat der Untersuchung von Einflussfaktoren der Einzelhandelsentwicklung können als grundlegend benannt werden: (1) die entscheidende Bedeutung lokaler Faktoren, (2) die bestimmende Funktion des Wettbewerbs als Barriere der Entwicklung, (3) die hohe Bedeutung von Kostenfaktoren und der Kostenminimierung, (4) die grundsätzliche Präferenz der Konsumenten für Standorte mit größerer Angebotsvielfalt und (5) die dezidierte Rolle von Stakeholdern. Die letzte Aussage wird durch die Beschreibung und Beurteilung besonderer Entwicklungsfaktoren weiter untersetzt. Dazu zählen die Tätigkeit von Downtown-Managern, das Wirken privater Investoren sowie das Engagement der kommunalen Politik und Verwaltung für die Entwicklung der Stadtzentren. Schlussfolgerungen zum strukturellen und funktionalen Wandel der Stadtzentren als Einzelhandelsstandorte betreffen (1) die Gefahr der wirtschaftlichen Marginalisierung der Stadtzentren, (2) die Bestätigung einer fortgeschrittenen Standortspezialisierung, (3) die Funktion des Stadtzentrums als „Experimentierfeld“ für den nicht-filialisierten Einzelhandel mit lokalem Ursprung, (4) die Ausrichtung physischer Strukturen an historischen Vorbildern und (5) die weitgehende Stabilität soziokultureller Funktionen von Downtown. Die Untersuchungsergebnisse zu Einzelhandelstypen und Einflussfaktoren werden schließlich aufgegriffen, um stabilisierende und destabilisierende Effekte für die Standortentwicklung zu beurteilen
Historic town centers (downtowns) of rural small cities in the U.S. underwent a process of economic downgrading in the later decades of the 20th century. In consequence, they lost their originally central function as being the primary retail location of a small town and its surroundings. Reasons for this development, particularly, can be found in the emergence of attractive shopping centers at the suburban edge. In spite of manifold revitalization activities, a true and overall economic recovery of downtown cannot be stated. However, there are signs of further change in downtown, mainly linked to qualitative transitions and to the specialization of its retail functions. On the basis of the current state of research this dissertation aims at a comprehensive analysis of downtown retail in rural small cities. Potential developments and changes that have only been mentioned in the literature will be characterized in detail. Three objectives and tasks are connected to this statement: First, the downtown retail shall be described in detail and types of retail businesses shall be derived. Second, impact factors shall be identified, specifically considering impacts of stakeholder activities. Third, conclusions shall be drawn with regard to the functional and structural change of downtown as a retail location. Special attention of this dissertation is connected to the emergence and possible growth of arts and crafts retail businesses selling goods with mainly decorative character. This interest originates from previous research, naming the importance of arts and crafts retail as a possible growth segment of downtown retail. The conceptual foundation of this dissertation contains a discussion on location theory as well as analyses of empiric and further theoretic studies on the development of retail and downtowns in the U.S. In a preliminary conclusion, assumptions are drawn as starting points for the empiric part of this study. The empiric research contains: first, a survey on the location of retail businesses in rural and exurban small cities throughout Ohio; second, an analysis of downtown retail in several chosen small cities in Ohio; and third, an examination of detailed case studies on the structures and development factors of two Ohio small city downtowns. Methods of data collection contain mapping, expert interviews, semi-structured surveys of retail businesses, and data analysis. From the characterization of downtown retail it can be concluded that there are: (1) high percentages of small retail formats in downtown and almost no chain stores, (2) clear indications of further decreasing “traditional” downtown trade-lines, (3) high percentages of very small “marginal businesses” with assortments of lower value, (4) high percentages of specialized retail stores but without considerable signs of further growth, and (5) concentrations of arts and crafts shops in downtown. Furthermore, nine different types of downtown retail businesses can be derived from an investigation of more than 100 stores. For this purpose, downtown businesses are rated by the range of products they offer and by their belonging to arts and crafts or other retail sectors. In addition, further dimensions lead to special types of downtown retail considering specific characteristics of retail stores such as the quality level (“low quality store”), the means of distribution (“delivery store”), questions of economic rationality (“self-realization store”) and the size of a store (“downtown anchor store”). The analysis of impact factors identifies the importance of: (1) local factors against non-local factors causing differences among downtowns, (2) competition as a barrier for downtown retail development, (3) cost factors and the minimization of costs for downtown stores, (4) the consumers’ general preferences for larger locations with a wider range of supplies, and of (5) stakeholder activities as being decisive for downtown development. The latter fact receives further attention in this research by assessing specific constellations of stakeholder activities. Among them are the effects of downtown manager action, the impact of private investors, and the commitment of local administration and politics to downtown. Conclusions on the structural and functional change of downtown as commercial location pertain to (1) the danger of marginalization of downtown’s economic role, (2) the affirmation of an advanced specialization of downtown locations, (3) the incubator or laboratory function of downtown for locally-based retail, (4) the orientation of physical structures towards historic ideals, and (5) the widely stable situation of socio-cultural functions of downtown. Finally, the types of downtown retail and impact factors that have been generated in this dissertation are subject to further assessments. They are rated with regard to potential effects on the stabilization or destabilization of downtown’s role as a commercial location

Thesis (MTech (Business Administration))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2018.
This study examines and identifies evidence of employees’ perception of their supervisors’ influence on role stress, performance and job satisfaction. This study provides an opportunity to understand how the extent of influence is impacted by the elements of role stress: ambiguity and conflict, performance and job satisfaction. Evidence of employees’ perception was elicited using a quantitative survey instrument and administered to 300 respondents from participating stores. The responses were analysed using the Statistical package SPSS (version 19). The study found evidence of influence on elements of role stress (significant – ambiguity, but not-significant – conflict): with both job satisfaction and performance (significant). These findings contribute to the understanding of the perceived supervisor’s influence over role stress, job satisfaction and performance. The study concludes that although there is evidence of supervisor’s influence on role stress, performance and job satisfaction, the influence on role stress is balanced significantly between ambiguity and conflict compared to job satisfaction and performance. The role of employees is depending on the employees social and economic context and could determine ambiguity and conflict level without a supervisor. It would be incumbent on the supervisors to moderate their supervisory function according to the employee’s role and responsibility for an improved performance and satisfaction outcome.

Die historischen Stadtzentren (Downtowns) ländlicher Kleinstädte in den USA unterlagen in den letzten Jahrzehnten des 20. Jahrhunderts einem allgemeinen ökonomischen Niedergang und verloren ihre ursprünglich zentrale Funktion, primäre Einzelhandelsstandorte einer Stadt und ihres Umlands zu sein. Ursachen dafür sind vor allem in der Entstehung attraktiver Einzelhandelsstandorte am Stadtrand zu suchen. Ein genereller ökonomischer Aufschwung der Stadtzentren konnte trotz vielfältiger Bemühungen um eine Revitalisierung bisher nicht erreicht werden. Allerdings bestehen Anzeichen eines in erster Linie qualitativen Wandels und einer Spezialisierung ihrer Einzelhandelsfunktion. Auf der Grundlage des Forschungsstands wird in der vorliegenden Arbeit der Einzelhandel in Stadtzentren ländlicher Kleinstädte untersucht. Dadurch soll der in der Literatur angedeutete, aber weder vertiefend beschriebene noch beurteilte Wandel umfassend charakterisiert werden. Folgende Ziel- und Aufgabenstellungen sind damit verbunden: Erstens sollen der Einzelhandel in den Stadtzentren beschrieben und Typen des Einzelhandels abgeleitet werden. Zweitens geht es um die Kennzeichnung von Einflussfaktoren der Entwicklung unter Herausstellung des Wirkens von Stakeholdern. Drittens sollen Schlussfolgerungen zum funktionalen und strukturellen Wandel der Stadtzentren gezogen werden. Im Besonderen wird die Entwicklung des Arts and Crafts Einzelhandels berücksichtigt, der ein im weiteren Sinne kunsthandwerklich orientiertes Warensortiment mit dekorativem Charakter vorhält. Aus Voruntersuchungen kann von einer hohen Bedeutung dieses Einzelhandelssegments ausgegangen werden. Die konzeptionellen Grundlagen dieser Arbeit werden durch die Diskussion standorttheoretischer Ansätze sowie durch die Analyse der Literatur zur Entwicklung des Einzelhandels und der Stadtzentren in den USA gelegt. Daraus werden Annahmen zur Entwicklung des Einzelhandels und der Stadtzentren als Ausgangspunkte der empirischen Untersuchung abgeleitet. Diese besteht aus drei Teilen. Erstens wird eine auf ganz Ohio bezogene Untersuchung zur Lage des Einzelhandels in ländlichen Kleinstädten durchgeführt. Zweitens geht es um die Analyse des Downtown-Einzelhandels in ausgewählten Städten Ohios. Drittens werden im Rahmen von Fallstudien die Strukturen und Einflussfaktoren der Entwicklung zweier Stadtzentren untersucht. Die Methoden der Datenerhebung umfassen Kartierungen, leitfadengestützte Experteninterviews, teilstandardisierte Befragungen von Händlern sowie Dokumenten- und Datenanalysen. Im Hinblick auf den Downtown-Einzelhandel ist festzuhalten, dass (1) kleine Betriebsformen vorherrschen und Filialen von Mehrbetriebsunternehmen weitgehend fehlen, (2) Anzeichen der weiteren Ausdünnung traditionell in Downtown ansässiger Branchen bestehen, (3) zahlreiche Kleinstbetriebe mit geringwertigem Warensortiment (marginal business) vorkommen, (4) der Anteil des spezialisierten Einzelhandels hoch, aber ein weiteres Wachstum unsicher ist und (5) sich der Arts and Crafts Einzelhandel in den Stadtzentren konzentriert. Aus der Untersuchung von mehr als 100 Betrieben werden neun Typen des Einzelhandels in den Stadtzentren abgeleitet. Die Typenbildung erfolgt zunächst anhand der Sortimentsbreite sowie der Zugehörigkeit zum Arts and Crafts bzw. sonstigen Einzelhandel. Darüber hinaus werden Merkmale des Qualitätsniveaus (Low Quality Stores), der Absatzwege (Delivery Stores), der ökonomischen Rationalität (Self-Realization Stores) und der Betriebsgröße (Downtown Anchor Stores) als Vergleichsdimensionen herangezogen. Im Resultat der Untersuchung von Einflussfaktoren der Einzelhandelsentwicklung können als grundlegend benannt werden: (1) die entscheidende Bedeutung lokaler Faktoren, (2) die bestimmende Funktion des Wettbewerbs als Barriere der Entwicklung, (3) die hohe Bedeutung von Kostenfaktoren und der Kostenminimierung, (4) die grundsätzliche Präferenz der Konsumenten für Standorte mit größerer Angebotsvielfalt und (5) die dezidierte Rolle von Stakeholdern. Die letzte Aussage wird durch die Beschreibung und Beurteilung besonderer Entwicklungsfaktoren weiter untersetzt. Dazu zählen die Tätigkeit von Downtown-Managern, das Wirken privater Investoren sowie das Engagement der kommunalen Politik und Verwaltung für die Entwicklung der Stadtzentren. Schlussfolgerungen zum strukturellen und funktionalen Wandel der Stadtzentren als Einzelhandelsstandorte betreffen (1) die Gefahr der wirtschaftlichen Marginalisierung der Stadtzentren, (2) die Bestätigung einer fortgeschrittenen Standortspezialisierung, (3) die Funktion des Stadtzentrums als „Experimentierfeld“ für den nicht-filialisierten Einzelhandel mit lokalem Ursprung, (4) die Ausrichtung physischer Strukturen an historischen Vorbildern und (5) die weitgehende Stabilität soziokultureller Funktionen von Downtown. Die Untersuchungsergebnisse zu Einzelhandelstypen und Einflussfaktoren werden schließlich aufgegriffen, um stabilisierende und destabilisierende Effekte für die Standortentwicklung zu beurteilen.
Historic town centers (downtowns) of rural small cities in the U.S. underwent a process of economic downgrading in the later decades of the 20th century. In consequence, they lost their originally central function as being the primary retail location of a small town and its surroundings. Reasons for this development, particularly, can be found in the emergence of attractive shopping centers at the suburban edge. In spite of manifold revitalization activities, a true and overall economic recovery of downtown cannot be stated. However, there are signs of further change in downtown, mainly linked to qualitative transitions and to the specialization of its retail functions. On the basis of the current state of research this dissertation aims at a comprehensive analysis of downtown retail in rural small cities. Potential developments and changes that have only been mentioned in the literature will be characterized in detail. Three objectives and tasks are connected to this statement: First, the downtown retail shall be described in detail and types of retail businesses shall be derived. Second, impact factors shall be identified, specifically considering impacts of stakeholder activities. Third, conclusions shall be drawn with regard to the functional and structural change of downtown as a retail location. Special attention of this dissertation is connected to the emergence and possible growth of arts and crafts retail businesses selling goods with mainly decorative character. This interest originates from previous research, naming the importance of arts and crafts retail as a possible growth segment of downtown retail. The conceptual foundation of this dissertation contains a discussion on location theory as well as analyses of empiric and further theoretic studies on the development of retail and downtowns in the U.S. In a preliminary conclusion, assumptions are drawn as starting points for the empiric part of this study. The empiric research contains: first, a survey on the location of retail businesses in rural and exurban small cities throughout Ohio; second, an analysis of downtown retail in several chosen small cities in Ohio; and third, an examination of detailed case studies on the structures and development factors of two Ohio small city downtowns. Methods of data collection contain mapping, expert interviews, semi-structured surveys of retail businesses, and data analysis. From the characterization of downtown retail it can be concluded that there are: (1) high percentages of small retail formats in downtown and almost no chain stores, (2) clear indications of further decreasing “traditional” downtown trade-lines, (3) high percentages of very small “marginal businesses” with assortments of lower value, (4) high percentages of specialized retail stores but without considerable signs of further growth, and (5) concentrations of arts and crafts shops in downtown. Furthermore, nine different types of downtown retail businesses can be derived from an investigation of more than 100 stores. For this purpose, downtown businesses are rated by the range of products they offer and by their belonging to arts and crafts or other retail sectors. In addition, further dimensions lead to special types of downtown retail considering specific characteristics of retail stores such as the quality level (“low quality store”), the means of distribution (“delivery store”), questions of economic rationality (“self-realization store”) and the size of a store (“downtown anchor store”). The analysis of impact factors identifies the importance of: (1) local factors against non-local factors causing differences among downtowns, (2) competition as a barrier for downtown retail development, (3) cost factors and the minimization of costs for downtown stores, (4) the consumers’ general preferences for larger locations with a wider range of supplies, and of (5) stakeholder activities as being decisive for downtown development. The latter fact receives further attention in this research by assessing specific constellations of stakeholder activities. Among them are the effects of downtown manager action, the impact of private investors, and the commitment of local administration and politics to downtown. Conclusions on the structural and functional change of downtown as commercial location pertain to (1) the danger of marginalization of downtown’s economic role, (2) the affirmation of an advanced specialization of downtown locations, (3) the incubator or laboratory function of downtown for locally-based retail, (4) the orientation of physical structures towards historic ideals, and (5) the widely stable situation of socio-cultural functions of downtown. Finally, the types of downtown retail and impact factors that have been generated in this dissertation are subject to further assessments. They are rated with regard to potential effects on the stabilization or destabilization of downtown’s role as a commercial location.

This paper examines the effects of Ikea store establishment in Kalmar and Karlstad on the trade and retail inside the two cities, and as well on the trade and retail in the close neighboring municipalities and in further peripheral municipalities in both regions. After the establishment of Ikea store, Kalmar and Karlstad have experienced significant growth in trade and retail. The question, however, is how big this growth is in both cities? And how different locations on different distances from Ikea have been affected? What impact there was on different segments of the retail? How different business branches have been affected? How large the catchment area for the emerging new large-scale retail locations is? These questions, in addition to few others, are investigated in this paper. The thesis starts with an introduction chapter containing a background of the topic, problem description, the investigated questions, the purpose, and the outline of the paper. The next chapter includes the frame of reference which consists of literature review and theoretical framework about the external shopping centers and their impact on retail and regional trade development. It includes also information gathered from previous studies technical reports and other available sources about the subject. The third chapter includes description for the methods used to collect the primary and secondary data needed for the purpose of this study. Then the empirical framework which demonstrates the results of the conducted research followed by analysis and concluded in discussion and conclusion. Mixed methods are used as research strategy in this thesis, and the method to conduct the research is based on telephone interviews for the primary (qualitative) data, and documents and desk research for the secondary (quantitative) data. The gathered data is analyzed and designed in a way that allows the usage of comparative analysis technique to present the findings and draw conclusions. The results showed that new established Ikea retail store outside the city boundaries results with many effects on the city center and on the neighboring municipalities as well. The city center seems not to be affected negatively, but on the contrary positive effects were witnessed in both regions, these positive effects are linked to the increase inflow of customers from the external retail area which is known as spillover effect. III On the other hand, the neighboring towns and municipalities are more negatively affected especially with the trade of con-convenience goods as the consumers in these towns and municipalities start to go to the area of Ikea and the large external retail center to do their purchasing, the substitution effect is then said to be occurred. Moreover, the further far municipalities do not seem to be significantly affected by the establishment of Ikea. These effects whether positive or negative could be monitored by looking to few trade parameters such as the turnover, the sales index, and the consumers’ expenditure, these parameters can be very useful to measure the developments and changes in the trade and retail in a given place.

Thesis( MTech( Marketing Management)) -- Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2011
South Africa’s retail sector is competitive, and is characterized by a tough and uncertain business environment (Barlow, 2002:21). Amidst such challenges, Dotson and Patton (1992:15-28) found that retailers do not deliver desired services to their customers. To ensure competitive survival, retailers should differentiate themselves and continuously seek ways to maximize the value that they offer to their customers (Parikh, 2006:45-55). Service quality has been identified by Berry (1986:1-9) as the most basic strategy for retailers to create competitive advantages and to improve customers’ shopping experience. This study focuses on determining consumer perceptions of service quality of large clothing retailers within the Cape Metropolitan area, with the aim of identifying areas for improvement, as well as service quality determinants, which are most important to consumers.Secondary objectives include: to establish consumer expectations in terms of service quality determinants; to establish, which areas of service quality require improvement; to provide recommendations to improve service quality based on findings from the study, and to compare consumer perceptions of service quality amongst ad hoc shoppers against those who have accounts (credit facilities) at various retail stores. Quantitative research was conducted by means of face-to-face survey research, and includes results from 120 questionnaires. Interviews, which took the form of store intercepts, were conducted outside the entrance of selected retail stores, and took place during the last week of March. Stores were selected through random multi-stage sampling, while respondents were selected through a systematic sampling process. A descriptive research design was used. The content of the questionnaire was developed based on Dabolkar, Thorpe and Rentz’s (1996:3-16) RSQS structure, which captures the dimensions of service quality in retail stores. Data was analyzed by using SPSS software, and was presented numerically by making use of charts. The major findings of the study relates to levels of consumer satisfaction with the existing levels of service quality delivered by large clothing retailers within the Cape Metropolitan area for ad-hoc shoppers, as well as account holders. The findings of this study could bring about new strategies for the improvement of service quality among large clothing retailers in the Cape Metropolitan area. These strategies will contribute towards creating a competitive advantage through the use of service quality, and will ultimately contribute towards the long-term success of large clothing retailers within the Cape Metropolitan area.

Franchising has become a proven and acceptable method of distributing products and services for both domestic and foreign markets. The pressures on franchisors to search for foreign markets have led to heightened interest in international franchising. According to Franchising in the Economy (1990), restaurants of all types rank number one, followed by business aids and services. Therefore, the restaurant industry leads the domain of business in international franchising. The primary objective of this study was to develop a model based on experts' opinion for the selection of different franchising methods to be used as a guideline for restaurant companies that plan to franchise internationally. Environmental factors that affect international franchising in the Pan Pacific region are identified. The major methods used in franchising are: 1. direct franchising, 2. master franchise agreements, and 3. joint venture agreements. The recommendation of the most popular franchising methods for singapore, Korea, Thailand, and Malaysia are studied.
Ph. D.

The object of this Master´s Thesis is proposal of shopping centre´s marketing strategy. Theoretic part deals with the issue of a retail trade and marketing planning. Current state analysis are made in practical part, which is the main resource for shopping centre´s marketing strategy proposal and second floor remodeling.

The problem this study addresses is the key factors which have played an important role in the growth of small Indian retailers situated in some of the previous Group Areas of Pietermaritzburg. More particularly, the intention was to examine what role marketing played in this growth. The main reason for undertaking this study is that it seems that many small Indian retailers appeared to have exhibited growth despite having been affected by Apartheid and other problems commonly associated with being small. This study is unique in that it studies growth ie. a positive phenomenon amidst difficult situations ie. Apartheid and problems that are inherent in being small. This problem is explored by firstly analysing literature on the history of small Indian retailers in South Africa with the intention of identifying possible factors which may have played an important role in their growth. Stemming from this exploratory study into the history of small Indian trade in South Africa were the following factors which seemed to have played an important role in their growth: a. business experience and skills, b. hard work and support especially from family members, c. good knowledge of the needs of Indian customers, d. superior service, e. competitive prices, f. keeping overheads low, g. adequate capital possessed particularly by small Passenger Indian retailers, h. effectively identifying and exploiting opportunities. Secondly, the literature was once again explored to ascertain and examine factors which have been known to play an important role in business and more specifically small business growth. Having examined the literature, it was found that such growth factors could be grouped under six broad headings viz. Personal, Marketing, Financial, Technical, Management, and General. Relating what seemed to have played an important role historically in South Africa in the growth of small Indian retailers to what has been known to play an important role in small business growth generally, it was found that there were a number of common associations. Hence, this allowed for the generation of the following hypotheses: The growth of small Indian retailers in some of the previous Group Areas of Pietermaritzburg was because of: Hypothesis I (HI) - Personal Factors, Hypothesis 2 (H2) - Financial Factors, Hypothesis 3 (H3) - Marketing Factors, Hypothesis 4 (H4) - Management Factors, Hypothesis 5 (H5) - Technical Factors, Hypothesis 6 (H6) - General Factors. A survey was conducted in two areas which were part of the previous Group Areas of Pietermaritzburg and are often referred to as the 'hub' of Indian retailer activity in Pietermaritzburg with a high concentration of small Indian retailers. The areas in question were the 'bottom end of town' which included all those businesses in Church Street between East and Retief Streets; the other area included businesses in Old Greytown Road between Naidoo and Allandale Roads. A total of 67 small retailers were interviewed who survived for at least three years, were in business during the Apartheid era, and exhibited some form of growth during this period. Cluster/area samples were chosen on the basis of convenience and judgement to suit the financial and time constraints of the study; and elements were included in the sample randomly but in proportion to the size of their clusters/areas in the total cluster/area population. The 67 businesses studied were classified as low, medium, and high growth using Hatten's (1997) and Walker's (1988) growth models. There were 31 low growth, 32 medium growth, and 4 high growth businesses. The most important factors in this study were found to be in order of importance: personal, financial, marketing, management, and technical. In addition, the results of the qualitative study revealed that Culture and Religion, Group Areas, and past business experience also played an important role in business growth, in this study. The 'top ten' sub factors in this study were found to be: Honesty, Hard Work, Commitment, Involvement, Common Sense, A belief in Superior Quality and Service, Learning from Failure, Knowledge of Business and Market, Adequate Capital, Price. In testing the hypotheses, using the Chi-squared test, it was found that there were significant relationships between business growth and personal, financial, marketing, management, and technical factors, at the 95% confidence level. For all factors, using the Chi-squared test, significant differences, and high frequency counts were apparent at levels of importance thus suggesting that all factors studied were at least important in the growth of small Indian retailers situated in some of the previous Group Areas of Pietermaritzburg. The results of this study may be useful to: a. prospective small business people wanting to increase their chances of growth, b. those small businesses that want to increase their growth, c. those small businesses experiencing growth problems, d. small business operators from disadvantaged backgrounds, e. organisations involved in small business development, support, and training. The limitations of this study include: a. the lack of a pre-prepared sampling frame, b. unique results which may not be applicable to other small businesses, c. lack of literature on small business growth and the history of Indian trade in South Africa, d. inapplicability of the chi-square test for businesses in the high growth category due to a small cell size, e. restricted response from the Likert scale measurement used.
Thesis (M.Comm.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 1999.

One of the most significant changes within capitalist nations during the late twentieth century is the transition of the capitalist mode of production from Fordism to Post-Fordism. Changes in macro-economic market conditions, production processes and labour processes are part of the transition. These changes are felt not only at the level of the aggregate economy, economic sectors, firms and labour markets. They have an impact on the employment relationship and the way workers make their livelihoods. This dissertation provides empirical evidence of labour market flexibility in the clothing manufacturing and the clothing retail sectors and demonstrates that the number of hours worked and wages earned have implications for the livelihoods of workers. The research was undertaken in a clothing manufacturer and clothing retailer situated outside of Durban. The clothing manufacturer is located within an industrial area in Tongaat and the clothing retailer is located within a regional shopping centre in Westville.
Thesis (M.Soc.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2012.

Summaries in English and Afrikaans
Key terms in English and Afrikaans
Titles in English and Afrikaans
The first fully enclosed, airconditioned shopping mall in a black township in South Africa opened in 1979 in Umlazi, outside Durban. The provincial development corporation (Ithala) spearheaded emerging market shopping centre development in KwaZulu-Natal to the extent that, with the involvement of the private sector, substantial knowledge and experience have been gained in shopping centre development in emerging markets over the past two decades. The study focuses on black shopping patterns and household income and expenditure in townships and rural areas in KwaZulu-Natal. The assessments include: • empirical trade areas; • geodemographics and geographic information systems (GIS); • buying power modelling; • market share estimates; • retail hierarchies; • viability and feasibility studies; • centre design (including taxi rank developments); • informal trading; and • tenant mix; location; financing and research strategies. The study formulates a universal buying power model for KwaZulu-Natal that transcends ethnic and geographic classifications, to enhance, with the aid of computer technology and census information, the accuracy and cost effectiveness of viability and feasibility studies in shopping centre development. An Integrated Commercial Assessment Model (ICAM) is formulated whereby demographic data of a trade area and financial feasibility parameters are integrated to assess the viability of a shopping centre. The study concludes that although there are many unique features associated with shopping centres in emerging market locations, the fundamental principles that apply all over the world in shopping centre development, also apply to emerging markets in KwaZulu-Natal. Relatively low disposable incomes limit the sustainable size of the emerging market shopping centre. Shopping centre locations are linked to the interdependence on public transportation by emerging market patrons. Factors conducive for shopping centre development, such as high private vehicle ownership, high disposable income, willing retailers, effective town planning and state assistance, have not yet reached levels that would benefit the widespread development of shopping centres in townships. Emerging market shopping centre developments in the central business districts of rural towns, however, have been generally very successful and are setting the benchmarks in South
Die opening van die eerste ingeslote winkelsentrum met sentrale lugreeling in 'n swart woonbuurt in Suid-Afrika, het in 1979 in Umlazi (buite Durban) plaasgevind. Die provinsiale ontwikkelingskorporasie (Ithala) het aan die spits van winkelsentrum ontwikkeling in opkomende markte in KwaZulu-Natal gestaan. Die toetrede van die privaatsektor tot die mark het verder ook substansieel bygedra tot kennis en ondervinding in winkelsentrumontwikkeling oor twee dekades in opkomende markte. Hierdie studie fokus op swart kooppatrone en huisgesin inkomste and uitgawes in swart woonbuurtes en landelike gebiede in KwaZulu-Natal. Die ondersoeke sluit die volgende in: • empiriese handelsgebiede; • geodemografie en geografiese inligtingstelsels (GIS); • koopkrag modellering; • markaandeel skatting; • kleinhandel hierargie; • lewensvatbaarheid en uitvoerbaarheid studies; • sentrum ontwerp (ingesluit taxi staanplek ontwikkelings); • informele handel; en • huurdersamestelling, ligging, finansiering en navorsingsstrategie. Die studie formuleer 'n universele koopkrag model vir KwaZulu-Natal wat etniese en geografiese klassifikasies oorskry en met die hulp van 'n rekenaar en sensus inligting, die akkuraatheid en koste effektiwiteit van lewensvatbaarheid en uitvoerbaarheid studies in winkelsentrum ontwikkeling, moontlik maak. 'n Geintegreerde kommersiele evalueringsmodel (GKEM) is geformuleer waarmee demografiese data van 'n handelsgebied en finansiele data geintegreer word on die lewensvatbaarheid van 'n winkelsentrum te evalueer. Die studie kom tot die gevolgtrekking dat, ongeag die baie unieke eienskappe van winkelsentrums in opkomende markte, die fundamentele reels wat reg oor die wereld met winkelsentrumontwikkeling toegepas word, ook vir die opkomende markte van KwaZulu-Natal geld. Relatief lae besteebare inkomstes beperk die drakrag grootte van winkelsentrums in opkomende markte. Winkelsentrumliggings word verbind met die interafhanklikheid van publieke vervoer van die marksegment. F aktore gunstig vir winkelsentrumontwikkeling soos hoe privaat motorbesit, hoe besteebare inkomste, gewillige kleinhandelaars, effektiewe stadsbeplanning en staatsondersteuning het nog nie vlakke bereik wat die grootskaalse ontwikkeling van winkelsentrums in swart woonbuurtes bevoordeel nie. Winkelsentrumontwikkeling in die sentrale sakegebiede van landelike dorpe is wel, in die algemeen, suksesvol en stel tans die standaard vir winkelsentrumontwikkeling vir opkomende markte in Suid Africa
Geography and Environmental Studies
D.Litt. et Phil. (Geography)

Summaries in English and Afrikaans
The first fully enclosed, airconditioned shopping mall in a black township in South Africa opened in 1979 in Umlazi, outside Durban. The provincial development corporation (lthala) spearheaded emerging market shopping centre development in KwaZulu-Natal to the extent that, with the involvement of the private sector, substantial knowledge and experience have been gained in shopping centre development in emerging markets over the past two decades. The study focuses on black shopping patterns and household income and expenditure in townships and rural areas in KwaZulu-Natal. The assessments include: • empirical trade areas; • geodemographics and geographic infonnation systems (GIS); • buying power modelling; • market share estimates; • retail hierarchies; • viability and feasibility studies; • centre design (including taxi rank developments); • informal trading; and • tenant mix; location; financing and research strategies. The study fonnulates a universal buying power model for KwaZulu-Natal that transcends ethnic and geographic classifications, to enhance, with the aid of computer technology and census information, the accuracy and cost effectiveness of viability and feasibility studies in shopping centre development. An IntegJ.-ated Commercial Assessment Model (JCAM) is formulated whereby demographic data of a trade area and financial feasibility parameters are integrated to assess the viability of a shopping centre. The study concludes that although there are many unique features associated with shopping centres in emerging market locations, the :fundamental principles that apply all over the world in shopping centre development, also apply to emerg1ng markets in KwaZulu-Natal. Relatively low disposable incomes limit the sustainable size of the emerging market shopping centre. Shopping centre locations are linked to the interdependence on public transportation by emerging market patrons. Factors conducive fo-r shopping centre development, such as high private vehicle ownership, high disposable income, willing retailers, effective town planning and state assistance, have not yet reached levels that would benefit the widespread development of shopping centres in townships. Emerging market shopping centre developments in the central business districts of rural towns, however, have been generally very successful and are setting the benchmarks in South Africa.
Die opening van die eerste ingeslote winkelsentrum met sentrale lugreeling in 'n swart woonbuurt in Suid-Afrika, het in 1979 in Umlazi (buite Durban) plaasgevind. Die provinsiale ontwikkelingskorporasie (Ithala) het aan die spits van winkelsentrum ontwikkeling in opkomende markte in KwaZulu-Natal gestaan. Die toetrede van die privaatsektor tot die mark het verder ook substansieel bygedra tot kennnis en ondervinding in winkelsentrumontwikkeling oor twee dekades in opkomende markte. Hierdie studie fokus op swart kooppatrone en huisgesin inkomste and uitgawes in swart woonbuurtes en landelike gebiede in KwaZulu-Natal. Die ondersoeke sluit die volgende in: • empiriese handelsgebiede; • geodemografie en geografiese inligtingstelsels (GIS); • koopkrag modellering; • markaandeel skatting; • kleinhandel hierargie; • lewensvatbaarheid en uitvoerbaarheid studies; • sentrum ontwerp (ingesluit taxi staanplek ontwikkelings); • informele handel; en huurdersamestelling, ligging. finansiering en navorsingsstrategie. Die studie formuleer 'n universele koopkrag model vir KwaZulu-Natal wat etniese en geografiese klassifikasies oorskry en met die hulp van 'n rekenaar en sensus inligling, die akkuraatheid en koste effektiwiteit van lewensvatbaarheid en uitvoerbaarheid studies in winkelsentrum ontwikkeling, moontlik maak. 'n Geintegreerde kommersiele evalueringsmodel (GKEM) is geformuleer waarmee demografiese data van 'n handelsgebied en finansiele data geintegreer word om die lewensvatbaarbeid van 'n winkelsentmm te evalueer. Die studie kom tot die gevolgtrekking dat, ongeag die baie unieke eienskappe van winkelsentrums in opkomende markte, die fundamentele reels wat reg oor die wereld met winkelsentrumontwikkeling toegepas word, ook vir die opkomende markte van KwaZulu-Natal geld. Relatief lae besteebare inkomstes beperk die drakrag grootte van winkelsentmms in opkomende markte. Winkelsentrumliggings word verbind met die interafhanklikheid van publieke vervoer van die marksegment. Faktore gunstig vir winkelsentrumontwikkeling soos hoe privaatmotorbesit, hoe besteebare inkomste, gewi1lige kleinhandelaars, effektiewe stadsbeplanning en staatsondersteuning het nog nie vlakke bereik wat die grootskaalse ontwikkeling van winkelsentrums in swart woonbuurtes bevoordeel nie. Winkelsentrumontwikkeling in die sentrale sakegebiede van landelike dorpe is wel, in die algemeen, suksesvol en stel tans die standaard vir winkelsentrumontwikkeling vir opkomende markte in Suid Africa.
Geography
D. Litt. et Phil. (Geography)

Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Management Sciences: Marketing, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2016.
Customer service has been identified as a crucial aspect of the retail mix that can pose great significance in the creation of a store image. The modern retail sector has become highly competitive, with consumers demanding exceptional service that surpasses the expectations of service such that, comprehensive service strategies remain crucial for retailers to succeed (Timm, 2008:110). Furthermore, the increasing sameness of merchandise among supermarkets has induced retail giants in South Africa to rely on offering high quality service to remain competitive and build some source of differentiation (Beneke et al., 2012:173). Comprehensive service strategies are a requirement for retailers to remain competitive as they positively influence consumer perception of service that ultimately creates a store image (Harris 2010:17). Failure of service delivered to meet or exceed consumer expectation results in negative perception among consumers and customers end up deserting that particular retailer in search of better service elsewhere (Johnston and Marshall 2010:173). The main aim of this study was to determine the influence of customer service on consumer buying behaviour at selected supermarkets within the greater Durban area. To accomplish the objectives of this study, a quantitative study was conducted in the form of a descriptive survey. A sample of 400 respondents was questioned. Self- administered questionnaires were distributed amongst participants. Non-probability sampling was used in selecting respondents in the greater Durban area. Reviewed literature and findings of the study made the basis for conclusions and recommendations of this study. Results of this study indicate the following: • There is a positive perception towards service delivery in most Durban supermarkets and the majority of respondents indicated their willingness to continue visiting specific stores and recommend them to others. • There is a relationship between customer service and consumer buying behaviour. It is therefore recommended that supermarket management continue to uphold service quality as it not only ensures customer retention but also generates positive attitudes towards the stores.
M

ABI has a sophisticated and effective distribution fleet which delivers canned and bottled non alcoholic beverages to 12000 wholesale and retail outlets in the Durban Metropole and to 46000 outlets nationally. Delivery is normally executed once per week, 48 hours after a separate order is taken by an account manager. In the more rural or "emerging market" areas traditional retail outlets such as supermarkets and superettes are scarce and reliance is made on spaza and house shops. Cash flow and storage space is limited. The sales and distribution calls are expensive, relative to the size order that the spaza would place. Spaza shop owners rely on distributors or collect from wholesalers. These outlets often run out of stock. Sales revenue is thus not maximized. Outlet development is marginal. The writer embarked on a research project to develop a sustainable and cost effective Sales and Distribution model in order to address these constraints in the Emerging Market territories of ABI Durban. Traditional theory turns to channel distribution as a means to effectively reaching an entire retail market. Levels are thus added to the distribution channel. The research however showed that service levels are sometimes compromised. The model that was developed returns ABI to DSD (direct service delivery) via specially designed vehicles and combines the function of "preseller" and "delivery merchandiser" on a dedicated route. Although a marginal increase in cost per case has been experienced, deliveries are direct to store, at least twice per week. Sales growth in these routes have been in excess of 85% while the total Umlazi area grows at 13%. Customer service levels, as surveyed, are exceptional. Although the model was specifically designed by ABI Durban for use in Durban, the concept has been adopted as a best practice and is being "rolled out" across the business. By the end of 2005, 10% of ABl's fleet nationally will function as MOTD (Merchandiser Order Taker Driver) routes. Additional vehicles have been ordered for delivery during the period July 2005 to September 2005 in order for this to be achieved. This model has assisted ABI in achieving its goal of maximizing DSD and lifting service levels to its customers (retailers). Revenue has increased significantly along with volume in these areas. Invariably MOTD acts as a significant barrier to competitor entry in those geographic areas where it is utilized. The Merchandiser Order Taker Driver (MOTD) model is successful and has potential for wider use, even in more developed markets.
Thesis (MBA)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2005.

A dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of the Witwatersrand, in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Building.
With changing supply and demand economic conditions which may be unfavourable, it is imperative that investors time redevelopment of a property asset in order to maximise profitability. When correlating the relationship between capital values and vacancy rates of super regional shopping in South Africa between the years 2003 – 2012 there is a positive correlation, meaning that investors are not adequately timing the redevelopment of super regional shopping centres in order to maximum profitability. This research utilizes multi-stage real options to time redevelopment of shopping centres in order to maximise profits, through the analysis of supply and demand economic variables; and the Black-Scholes Model. The research methodology of the study ensured that the research results utilized were thoroughly investigated and tested through reliability and validity testing measures; and that the data collected was harvested from credible and reputable databases such as the Investment Property Databank Limited, Statistics South Africa and the City of Johannesburg.

Thesis (M.Tech.: Marketing)-Dept. of Marketing, Durban University of Technology, 2006 xiii, 140 leaves
Retailing in South Africa is one of the most challenging and competitive sectors. The South African retail business environment is seemingly becoming tough and uncertain, with intense competition from both domestic and international companies. South Africa has a varied and fascinating retailing landscape. A feature that retailers need to understand is the different demographics of the South African population and consumers from different races; this resulted in inadequate shopping facilities in the black townships and an oversupply in the traditionally white areas. Gaining access to new markets in South Africa is one of the challenges facing the retail sector. The purpose of this study is to evaluate customer service at Pick’ n Pay stores in selected shopping malls within the greater Durban area. It examines the opinions and perceptions of customers from selected shopping centres.

Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements of the Master’s Degree in Marketing, Durban University of Technology, 2017.
As a result of weaker bargaining power, consumers are often exploited or treated unfairly in the business arena. Whilst consumer abuse is a global problem, South African consumers are more vulnerable due to various socio-economic conditions that affect their ability to negotiate equally in the marketplace. Factors such as poverty and illiteracy contribute to consumer abuse and is perpetuated by the discrimination which was inherent in the apartheid era. Accordingly, the Consumer Protection Act, 2008 (CPA) was promulgated to promote the respect for consumer rights, create awareness, enhance consumer protection and eliminate unfair and dishonest business practices which were prevalent at the time. This study aims to investigate the implications of consumer rights for service delivery within the retail sector. The main objective of this research was to explore the levels of awareness of consumer rights and to identify consumers’ expectations and perceptions of service delivery in relation to the CPA. The research design was quantitative in nature. A questionnaire was designed to assess the levels of awareness of rights and consumers’ expectations and perceptions of the service delivered by retailers, in relation to the service quality dimensions. Using convenience sampling, data was obtained from 337 respondents in the greater Durban area. Data was analysed using SPSS version 24.0 and interpreted using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings of the gap analysis revealed that the respondents’ perceptions of service quality was consistently lower than their expectations, in respect of several dimensions of service quality. These negative gaps indicate that the level of the delivered service had fallen below the respondents’ expectations of service quality amongst retailers. This implies that respondents’ were dissatisfied with business compliance with provisions of the CPA. Businesses are hence encouraged to take steps to ensure legal compliance, thereby enhancing customer satisfaction and attaining higher levels of service excellence.
M

A empresa “Home4us, Lda.”, sociedade por quotas fundada em Maio de 2007, com sede na Urbanização da Portela de Sacavém, na Rua Vasco Santana, número 5, 8º direito, tem actualmente duas sócias. Microempresa, cuja área de actividade se insere no comércio a retalhos de artigos de decoração e pequenos equipamentos para o lar, possui actualmente apenas um estabelecimento retalhista, localizado no Centro Comercial da Portela de Sacavém. Devido ao sucesso deste estabelecimento, as sócias ponderaram iniciar a expansão da empresa, através da abertura de um novo estabelecimento comercial numa zona limítrofe da Portela de Sacavém, o Parque das Nações. Para analisar a viabilidade deste eventual novo estabelecimento, foi realizado um estudo relativo à localização do novo espaço comercial, seguido de uma análise ao ambiente externo e ambiente interno da empresa e de um estudo de mercado primário que teve como objectivo não só a caracterização dos potenciais clientes, como também a definição da tipologia dos produtos adquiridos pelos mesmos e que aspectos os mesmos valorizam num estabelecimento de decoração e pequenos equipamentos para lar. Posteriormente, a realização da análise SWOT dinâmica, permitiu a obtenção de uma visão geral tanto a nível interno como a nível externo do sector de actividade da empresa, definindose assim os objectivos e a estratégia a serem implementadas. Por último, foi analisada a viabilidade económicofinanceira da empresa, de modo a se verificar se o projecto de expansão produziria fluxos financeiros positivos, objectivo essencial para uma empresa com fins lucrativos.
The company “Home4us, Lda”, a private company limited by shares founded in May 2007, with headquarters at Portela de Sacavém Urbanization, Vasco Santana Street, number 5, 8 th right, has currently two partners. A retail trade microenterprise of home furnishings and small equipments for home, with one retail outlet, located at Portela de Sacavém Shopping Center. Due to the success of this retail outlet, the partners are considering to start the company’s expansion, by opening a new retail outlet in a boundary zone of Portela de Sacavém, called Parque das Nações. To analyse the viability of this new retail outlet, it was conducted a study about the new retail outlet location, followed by an analysis of the company’s external environment and company’s internal environment and a primary research to qualify potential customers, the type of products they purchased and what aspects they value in a retail outlet of home furnishings and small equipments for home. The dynamic SWOT analysis, conducted in a second phase, produced an internal and external overview of the company’s sector of activity, defining thereby the company’s goals and the strategy to be implemented. Finally, it was analysed the company’s economic and financial viability, in order to check if the expansion project would produce positive cash flows, essential requirement of a forprofit company.

Submitted in fulfilment of the requirement for the Masters Degree of Technology: Public Relations Management, Durban University of Technology, 2013.
In South Africa, the competition between shopping centres has increased significantly over the years due to the increase in the number of shopping centres and the changing shopping behaviour. The success of any shopping centre depends on the revenue generated by customers who frequent the mall to make purchases or use the services of the retail/entertainment outlets. To attract customers to shopping centres, management has to ensure that malls are effectively promoted to relevant stakeholders. Communication is important in any promotional, public relations or marketing activity and should be effective, persuasive and managed in a formal and structured way which fits into the overall goals of the mall. Shopping centre management may use a number of communication tools such as (and are not limited to) advertising, sales promotions, public relations, personal selling and sponsorship. However, do these strategies play a role in generating revenue to promote the overall success of a shopping centre? This dissertation, therefore, sets out to identify and examine the communication tools used by shopping centre managers within the greater Durban area in South Africa. It does so by interviewing marketing managers and the tenant mix of five competitive shopping centres within the greater Durban area in South Africa. Data will be collected from the respondents through questionnaires and an interview schedule. One of the significant results emerging from this study is that the function of tenant relations; promotions; publicity; and public relations plays an integral part in the effective functioning of a shopping centre.