Economics of Post Office Networks: Strategic Issues and the Impact on Mail Demand

The paper analyzes recent restructurings of post office networks. Based on these findings an on a time-series estimation of the impact of Swiss Post’s recent realignment of its network on overall mail demand we derive three generic strategies for the long term alignment of Post office networks.post office network, restructuring, mail demand

An international comparison in the general food trade: cases of structural change

The paper considers general trends of structural change in terms of averages in the general food trade. It gives an international comparison of trends concerning average shop size, number of shops per 1,000 inhabitants, the share of independents and concentration. On the basis of the evidence, three stages are proposed for the development of retail structure

HAPPENINGS IN UNITED STATES FOOD DISTRIBUTION

This article is based on an address delivered by Mr. Applebaum at Vevey, Switzerland before representatives of the Nestle' organization. It presents a comprehensive insight into the conduct of the food business in the United States and profiles important trends of current significance.Agribusiness,

Investigating shopping experience and fulfilment in omnichannel retailing : a proposed comparative study in Romania and UK of Generation Y consumers

Paper delivered at the 21st Logistics Research Network annual conference 2016, 7th-9th September 2016, Hull. Abstract Purpose: This paper presents a literature review and proposed research agenda to examine whether Romanian retailers are more inclined than UK retailers to reach out to young consumers, i.e. Generation Y through omnichannel retailing to improve their shopping experiences and also determine the impact of this strategy on logistical and fulfilment activities. Research approach: This paper is based on a literature review in three key areas: omnichannel retailing, young consumers’ attitudes and fulfilment and the propensity of online buying behaviour in an emerging market (Romania) versus a more developed economy (UK). As there are few studies related to these aspects, the paper attempts to highlight the best options retailers have for both marketing and online fulfilment when addressing/entering new markets that are very attractive but where cultural background are more different than their traditional markets. Findings and Originality: The literature review suggests there is an opportunity to explore two main relationships: i) marketing and fulfilment for online consumers and omnichannel retailing efforts, and ii) consumers’ propensity to purchase online in an emerging market versus a developed economy. Research impact: This paper suggests some research concepts and ideas to investigate the online fulfilment and buying behaviour of younger generations of consumers in both Romania and the UK. The scope of the proposed agenda will include young consumers’ purchase behaviours’ as regards omnichannel retailing, and logistical fulfilment in an emerging market versus a developed economy including different cultural backgrounds. Practical impact: The paper provides some direction for practitioners on assessing proper market development strategies on an emerging international context, taking into consideration different cultural implications and patterns, as well as focussing on buying propensity of different generations when active in omnichannel retailing. However, the suggested research concepts and ideas would provide a more holistic approach towards a better overall performance of retailers

The Industrial and Social Dynamics of Retailing, and Effects of Opening Hours

This paper reconstructs the long-term development of retailing, including industrial, economic and social antecedents and consequences. Among other things, it includes innovation in the form of the emergence and diffusion of successive novel types of shop (including self-service), relations between large and small firms in innovation and diffusion, change of demand conditions, institutional change concerning the opening time of shops, increase of scale and concentration, and social effects. For the analysis of the process and costs of retailing, use is made of queuing theory rather than customary production functions.Retailing;industry structure;innovation and diffusion;shop opening hours;queuing theory

How digital influences how we shop around the world

This report analyses how shoppers use online connected devices (computers, mobile phones and tablets) to aid or even complete their household grocery shopping. One-third of the world’s population is online, an increase of 528 percent over the past 10 years*. While Internet penetration rates vary by geographic region; North America (79%), Australia/Oceania (68%), Europe (61%), Latin America (40%), Middle East (36%), Asia (26%) and Africa (14%), they continue to climb steadily—especially in the developing countries of the world. Connected devices, such as computers, mobile phones and tablets have become a way of life for many, but shoppers are digitally engaged to varying degrees depending on the products they buy. While e-commerce activity for some consumer-packaged goods (CPG) products—especially perishable categories where freshness counts—may not be as transformative as other non-CPG industries such as books, music and travel, online grocery purchasing power is growing. Digital’s influence on grocery shopping is on the rise Online shopping intentions for food and beverage categories increased 44% in two years: 6-in-10 global respondents used the Internet for grocery shopping research Nearly half (49%)of respondents purchased a product online Globally, 46% used social media to help make purchase decisions 37% purchased from online-only stores most frequently But what types of online activities do consumers engage in most? How much time is spent on these activities? What are future spending intentions, which websites are preferred, and what payment methods are favored? New findings from a Nielsen online survey of respondents from 56 countries around the world provide insight into digital influences on grocery shopping behavior. This report offers considerations for marketers and guiding principles to help build successful online strategies

Immigrant Entrepreneurs Creating Jobs and Strengthening the U.S. Economy in Growing Industries

The focus of this report evolved from a 2010 conference at Babson College on "Immigrant Entrepreneurship in Massachusetts" sponsored by The Immigrant Learning Center, Inc. (ILC) from which two key ideas emerged. One is that there is an "immigrant entrepreneurship ecology" that includes immigrant neighborhood storefront businesses; immigrant high-tech and health science entrepreneurs; immigrant non-tech growth businesses; and immigrant transnational businesses. A second idea was that these growing, non-tech industries (including transportation, food and building services) have not attracted much attention. Interestingly, these sectors can be crucial to the expansion of the green economy. Within this context, The ILC decided to look at these three sectors in Massachusetts as well as in New York and Pennsylvania.Moreover, the report dramatically illustrates how immigrant entrepreneurs look for niches in underserved markets. For example, vans and other alternatives to mass transit serve unmet transportation needs in urban areas. Food intended to be a "taste of home" for compatriots in local restaurants and grocery stores becomes popular and influences the eating habits of other Americans. Workers who enter industries like landscaping or cleaning because they don't require much English gain experience and see opportunities to start their own companies. Businesses like these add value to American life by expanding the economy rather than taking away from native businesses