• Journal of Global Scholars of Marketing Science
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.113-145
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• 2008

Marketing for the distribution industry is making an ongoing progress in the changes of customers, the competitive environment, and the internal marketing environment. Integrated marketing communication activities are required for the enhancement of efficiency in the market.oriented activities. In this study, IMC is defined as "a notion that a market oriented business integrated marketing communication means, conducting and evaluating marketing activities with consistent messages in order to communicate with customers based on databases." In this study, an IMC planning model for the improvement of marketing efficiency in the distribution industry was derived from a pilot study. This model may be broken down into the following phases: IMC goals setting, situational analysis (customer analysis, competition analysis and company analysis), customer data analysis, contact management, budgeting, the establishment of an IMC strategy, the IMC mix and execution, an evaluation system, and feedback. In consideration of the characteristics of the distribution industry, this study was accompanied by a vocational study on IMC means employed by, in particular, department stores and other distributors such as: advertising, sales promotion, sales promotion advertising, direct marketing, public relations, personal selling, the Internet, mobile, visual merchandising, words of mouth. In addition, this study also covered the correlation among variables such as IMC activities of distributors, the process of forming customer's brand attitudes, brand loyalty and repurchase intention. This research would enhance the utilization of IMC. The analysis on customer's brand attitudes toward the IMC activities of distributors requires the simultaneous consideration of how they are linked to purchase as well as their attitudes toward both distributors and stores. The formation of brand loyalty and repurchase intention is related to the integration of marketing communication and the maintenance of consistency in contents, which requires integrated brand communication (IBC) strategies. IBC is a concept of using IMC means to manage the brand in a continuing and consistent manner and measuring their effect, which is a process to establish enterprise.level brand identity and maximize brand loyalty and repurchase intention by integrating IMC means. For an empirical analysis in this study, an online questionnaire survey was conducted among those department store customers from 20's to 50's who reside either in the Seoul and Gyeonggi areas and have made purchase at department stores. In this study, the research model consisted of four theoretical variables: IMC activities, IMC attitudes, brand loyalty, and repurchase intention, on which variables a pilot study was conducted. A number of hypotheses were constructed on the relations between IMC activities and IMC attitudes, between IMC attitudes and repurchase intention, and between brand loyalty and repurchase intention. The test of the hypotheses may be summarized as follows: Firstly, the test of the hypothesis concerning the relation between IMC attitudes and IMC activities - advertising, sales promotion, direct marketing, public relations, personal selling, the Web, mobile, visual merchandising, and word of mouth - indicates that advertising, sales promotion, direct marketing, public relations, personal selling, mobile, visual merchandising, and word of mouth have significant impact on IMC activities. In addition to the result similar to those of previous studies that such marketing communication means as word of mouth, advertising, personal selling and sales promotion, in particular, play very important roles, a notable finding of this study is that visual merchandising performed by department stores is shown to have very significant impact on IMC activities. On a separate note, it is also noteworthy that Internet marketing activities engaged by department stores are not shown to have significant impact on IMC attitudes. Secondly, the test of the hypothesis on the relation between IMC attitudes and brand loyalty attests that IMC attitudes for the distribution industry significantly affect brand loyalty. Thirdly, the test of the hypothesis concerning the relation between IMC attitudes and repurchase intention confirms that IMC attitudes for the distribution industry significantly affect repurchase intention. Fourthly, the test of the hypothesis concerning the relation between brand loyalty and repurchase intention indicates that brand loyalty significantly affect repurchase intention. A comprehensive view of these findings points to the conclusion that the IMC activities for the distribution industry do affect IMC attitudes, brand loyalty, and repurchase intention.

• The International Journal of Costume Culture
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.31-42
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• 1999

The category killer that has been rapidly growing mainly in advanced countries since early 1990's, is a mew distribution model which aims for obtaining market controlling power by surpassing competing businesses in a specific area of products. The domestic situation of category killers is very different from that of advanced ones abroad since it has just been introduced into the Korean market. At the moment, there are only 10 or so companies operating in the market : Geopyung's , Taeheng's , Midopa's , of Sinsegye Department store, adn of Yerim International. The purpose of this study is to examine problems of domestic companies in the present market by analysing the operation status of category killers in domestic markets as well as foreign ones, and to suggest a counter-strategy of category killers for the distribution environment of the 21st century to improve the competitiveness of Korean distribution industry. The competitiveness of category killers lies above all in products lines. Category killers are equipped with the greatest number of products lines among those of competing businesses due to maximized product selections in an limited range. Another source of competitiveness may be found in balanced strategy positioning. That is to say, category killers are in a position where they can adjust policies towards any of the three purposes while aiming at them altogether : prices of discount stores, products range of specialty stores, and customer service level of department stores. It is also necessary for efficient store operation to use information technology such as electronic data interchange (EDI), electronic pose system(EPOS) and electronic funds transfer (EFTPOS). As for the cost structure, category killers can gain an advantage over other business since operating cost of various sections can be saved. There are, however, certain risks that category killers with strong competitiveness may influence on other businesses a great deal and even facilitate their decline. Yet it seems that the growth of category killers will be more viciously restrained by continuous challenges from other businesses. The distribution industry is supposed to develop through such competition and restraint.

• Korean Journal of Human Ecology
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.269-284
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• 2012

The main purpose of this study was to investigate factors affecting performance of casual wear franchise stores including franchiser support and social network between owners/managers. The study included the franchise stores of 55 casual wear brands located in Seoul, Incheon and Gyeonggi-do. In each store, one manager, owner or staff member with management responsibility was asked to fill out a questionnaire. A total of 184 questionnaires were collected with 165 used in the final analysis. The results showed that franchiser support consisted of educational support, marketing support and customer support. Path analysis indicated that only the educational support had a significant influence on the franchiser-franchise relationship, and in turn, the franchiser-franchise relationship positively influenced customer performance. Marketing support did not have a significant influence on the franchiser-franchise relationship, but did demonstrate a direct influence on customer performance. Social networks positively influenced customer performance, and there was significant a correlation between regions and social networks on customer performance. Sales performance was significantly influenced by customer performance.

• Fashion & Textile Research Journal
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.205-212
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• 2004

The purposes of this study was to exploit the differences on recognition for the service provided between salespeople and customers who have purchased fashion apparels and garments at the department stores, and to suggest the educational direction of salespeople in order to enhance competitiveness and to increase customers' satisfaction. Data were obtained from 297 apparel salespeople working at 6 department stores and 285 customers of department stores in Daegu. Statistics used for data analysis were frequency, mean, t-test, ANOVA, and regression analyses. The important factors which affected the purchase of fashion products, in order of importance, were information ability, credibility and service quality of salespeople. But the service quality recognized by customers was lower than that by salespeople. It can be said the salespeople have to make every effort that customers feel comfortable and certain for the service provided. There were significant difference on the service provided by salespeople, as well as service quality recognized by customers in accordance with gender, marital status, age, level of education, and annual fashion apparel expenses.

• Industrial Engineering and Management Systems
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.318-323
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• 2016

In the current study, factors affecting cheese brands products in grocery stores were evaluated with an emphasis on diversity. The sample data were collected from Noushad and Pegah Milk Industry in 2015 and data were extracted, reviewed, and analyzed from 435 grocery stores in Mashhad using seemingly unrelated regression model and particle swarm optimization algorithm. Results showed that optimum amount of Kalleh product diversity is higher than other competitors in the market, and Kalleh UF diversity is 100 to 250 grams, and Kalleh UF diversity with weight of 300 to 500 grams is more than other modes of diversity, and Kalleh brand must remove tin cheese from the market. Sabah Brand also should eliminate its glass and creamy diversity from market, UF diversity is mostly welcomed in market.

• Land and Housing Review
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.55-71
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• 2022

Recently, the domestic department store industry is growing into a complex shopping cultural space, which is advanced and differentiated by changes in consumption patterns. In addition, competition is intensifying across 70 places operated by five large companies. This study investigates the determinants of the visits to department stores using the big data concept's automatic vehicle access system (pos) and proposes how to strengthen the competitiveness of the department store industry. We use a negative binomial regression test to predict the frequency of visits to 67 branches, except for three branches whose annual sales were incomplete due to the new opening in 2021. The results show that the demand for visiting department stores is positively associated with airport, terminal, and train stations, land areas, parking lots, VIP lounge numbers, luxury store ratio, F&B store numbers, non-commercial areas, and hotels. We suggest four strategies to enhance the competitiveness of domestic department stores. First, department store consumers have a high preference for luxury brands. Therefore, department stores need to form their own overseas buyer teams to discover and attract new luxury brands and attract customers who have a high demand for luxury brands. In addition, to attract consumers with high purchasing power and loyalty, it is necessary to provide more differentiated products and services for VIP customers than before. Second, it is desirable to focus on transportation hub areas such as train stations, airports, and terminals in Gyeonggi and Incheon. Third, department stores should attract tenants who can satisfy customers, given that key tenants are an important component of advanced shopping centers for department stores. Finally, the department store, a top-end shopping center, should be developed as a space with differentiated shopping, culture, dining out, and leisure services, such as "The Hyundai", which opened in 2021, to ensure future growth potential.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles
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• v.35 no.5
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• pp.587-600
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• 2011

This study presents the strategic directions for Korean multi-brand fashion stores by running in-depth industry research and market analysis. Over 20 professionals were selected from Korean multi-brand fashion stores for this study and in-depth interviews were conducted to evaluate related subjects. The results of the study were as follows. First, Korean multi-brand fashion stores could be classified into three criteria: operating ownership, merchandise mix, and store identity. Second, operating ownership criterion was chosen for further investigations of strategies and directions of the multi-brand fashion stores. The operating ownership criterion consists of three types; department store types, specialty store types, and boutique types. Each type deploys different buying practice, organizational strategies, and distribution channels. Lastly, the suggested strategic directions for each type are summarized as follows. The 'department store type' should utilize its strong direct buying capabilities and acquisition of merchandising can be more effectively managed. The store should utilize its strong buying power as a tool to develop new private brands (PBs). For 'specialty store type', two key factors have been derived: market share expansion and positioning themselves to become a new distribution channel. To respond to these factors, the store needs to be perceived as a brand then diversify its business. Strengthening its brand will allow it to expand into a new distribution channel and also enable a strategic partnership with its competitor brands. The factors influencing 'boutique type' is personalization and uniqueness. With an emphasis on the uniqueness of products and merchandising it will be able to implement the role as a personal shopper and stylist to provide a very personalized service to its customers.

• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.13 no.11
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• pp.47-58
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• 2015

Purpose - This study aims to seek determinants of department store sales commission rates under consignment contracts based on transaction cost theory, the power-dependence view, and the resource-based view. A consignment contract is a unique contract where the retailer, over a given period, takes possession of goods owned by a supplier, promotes the sales of these goods, and receives a profit share from their sales. Under this contract, the supplier owns the goods until they are sold. In department stores in South Korea, over 70% of overall sales comes through consignment contracts. In other words, this is the most popular contract agreement between large retailers and vendors in South Korea. Consignment contracts yield high profits to department stores with minimal sales uncertainty, stock cost, and marketing investment. Many suppliers believe the consignment contract commission rates are too high. However, department stores disagree. They state that the commissions are not high as they generate new value for the suppliers by accumulating up-to-date merchandise and supporting various marketing programs on their behalf. Recently, consignment contracts have been critically examined and scrutinized by politicians, mass media, and the public of Korea. This study further intends to derive implications reflecting both buyer and seller perspectives as well as offer insights to policy makers in making appropriate decisions. Research design, data, and methodology - To verify the proposed research model and test hypotheses, the authors selected 164 suppliers, which currently have relationships with department stores. This study carefully investigated the reliability, content validity, convergent validity, and discriminant validity of the proposed model. The data were analyzed using SPSS 18.0 and AMOS structural equation modeling program Results - For the transaction cost theory and the power-dependence view, the results indicated that product diversity and demand volatility had a positive impact on the sales dependence on a department store. Dependence in turn had a positive effect on the sales commission under the consignment contract. Based on the resource-based view, the department store's marketing capability, the supplier's perception toward merchandising, and supporting activities could enhance the department store's channel leadership in the buyer-seller relationship. Subsequently, the channel leadership had a positive effect on the sales commission. However, product complexity had no relationship with department store dependence. Conclusions - This is the first empirical research that investigates the determinants of sales commissions under consignment contracts in the domestic retail industry. This study reveals several theoretical and practical implications for both marketing scholars and marketers. In terms of theoretical implication, this study integrated and enlarged certain theoretical background, such as transaction cost theory, the power-dependence view, and the resource-based view, to explain the determinants of sales commissions under consignment contracts that include sales revenue. From a business management viewpoint, this research offers useful insights for policy makers by applying two different perspectives, both the manufacturer and the retailer, in terms of the sales commission issue under a consignment contract.

• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.15 no.8
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• pp.55-64
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• 2017

Purpose - PB products at convenience stores take up about 20% of all products, and strategies for differentiation from other companies and brand image building are very important. This study would investigate the strategy for differentiating PB products and successful brand building strategy, focusing on BGF Retail that is operating 'CU', the leader in the convenience store industry in Korea. Research design, data, and methodology - This study would attempt to make an exploratory approach to PB products limited to those in convenience stores. As a research subject, this study chose BGF Retail, the operator of CU, which is the leader in the convenience store industry in Korea and chose the case study method in order to examine the strategy for differentiating PB products in convenience stores more in depth. For this purpose, this study collected materials such as papers, newspaper articles and various reports on convenience store-related PB products and conducted an in-depth study including more practical contents through an interview with CU workers. Results - CU pursued the diversity of PB products and has had the diversity of products, more than 120 kinds. It founded a product research institute and has been in charge of the differentiation strategy from planning products to launching them. Changing the target layer of consumers to those in middle age of the 40s-50s, it succeeded in the strategy expanding the consumer class. In the long run, despite it changed the name of the company, it has built a successful image, and both revenue and operating profit have continuously grown up. Conclusions - In results, CU has reset the changing main target population, and the product research institute succeeded in the innovation of products, reflecting new trends the customers want. Through this study, the practical implications could be provided for competitors.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Costume
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• v.51 no.2
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• pp.53-64
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• 2001

The purpose of this study is to create the program for efficient inventory management and reduction, investigating the present conditions and factors of the inventory throughout current apparel industry. The research method applied in this study is to survey 92 domestic companies which were randomly selected with respect to the kinds of goods produced : men′s wear, women′s wear, and unisex wear. The research can be summarized as follows : 1. The seasonal stock rate of current apparel industry was 28.75%, and the rate of men′s wear companies was higher than that of women′s and unisex wear companies. 19.43% of stock cost reflection rate was applied, and the stack cost of men′s and women′s wear companies was higher than that of unisex wear companies. 2. Periodic bargain sale was the most frequently used way of stock clearance, and "uniform price sale"and outlet stores were the second and the third irrespectively. Unisex wear companies appeared to be more enthusiastic in stock clearance than the companies belonging to the other two categories. The main places for the stock clearance were department stores, outlet stores and enterprises specialized in the stock clearance. 3. QR production was proved to be the most commonly adjusted method of stock reduction, and the emphasis on development of new design and the utilization of stock management system through computer network were the next, While unisex wear companies had established the positive policies, men′s wear companies took lukewarm altitudes in every aspect. The companies selling on an order were 18.64%, and unisex wear companies showed the higher rate. The lead-time after QR production was 10.91 days, and it seemed to take more time for men′s wear companies than for women′s and unisex wear companies. The rate of the chance in stock was proved to decrease by 12.94%, and there was found no meaningful difference among the three categories of apparel companies.