• Journal of Distribution Research
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.25-56
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• 2011

A shifting of marketing paradigms from transaction to relationship has shown in many studies. Although there are many researches about relationship marketing, few of them focuses on relationship marketing combined with retail mix. This study define and measure customer relationship, and find the antecedents and consequences of the customer relationship. For the research, data were collected from 540 persons who are currently customers of five branches of E-mart and Homeplus in Seoul, Korea. Data analysis was performed under the AMOS 6.0. The results are summarized as following; Firstly, the relationship among elements of retail marketing mix and the relationship quality appears significant except communication program. This finding means that communication effect decreases at some point when communication program is excessive. Secondly, the relationship of customer relationship and three factors (frequent shopping intention, up-buying intention and recommend intention) are significant. Thus, this result supports the reasoning why discount stores make an effort to improve customer relationship. Thirdly, the relationship between share of wallet and two factors (frequent shopping intention and recommend intention) appears insignificant. Fourthly, the relationship between share of wallet and up-buying intention is significant. This result implies that up-buying intention is an important factor for discount stores, because up-buying intention is directly linked to financial performance of discount stores. Finally, the direct path between customer relationship and share of wallet is significant relation. For this reason, customer relationship should be managed consistently by discount stores.

• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.89-119
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• 2009

The purpose of this research is showing an appropriate way of maximizing customer service and establishing VOC system by analyzing different voices from complaining customers as well as loyal customers. This research is also aimed at figuring out how companies can implement effective service marketing methods in the field complying with customers' needs and how they can survive in the competition. The range of research is confined to 5 marketing companies and their web-sites on which customers can get logged and directly post their claims. These web-sites showed how those 5 companies cope with customer claims. A questionnaire research was made in A's store to evaluate customer satisfaction. These are conclusions drawn by this research. First, prompt reactions of sincerity to customers' claims contribute to building favorable corporate images. Second, the preference to VOC channels varies with age and sex. Marketers should implement respectively different channels for customers under age 30 and those over age 40. Women have a tendency to prefer instant phone conversations and want to have their claims well listened to. Third, a series of shift in customer trend drives companies into establishing their own interactive VOC systems based on customers' preferences. Customer-oriented management has become a key factor for survival in recent intensely competitive market situation, as the web-based e-commerce market has been rapidly growing accompanied with a dramatic advance of network marketing methods. This research suggests some practical methods to establish a customer-oriented VOC system that can be easily adopted in the field.

• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.85-91
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• 2016

Purpose - Prior research has suggested that consumers typically prefer to have a larger number of options. However, preference of assortment size may depend on how depleted resources in consumers' mind are. Reduced capacity for self-regulation by resource depletion makes people rely on more intuitive and less effortful decision processing. When they are mentally depleted, people are likely to focus on the choice difficulty from large assortment, which leads to preference for the small assortment when they make a decision. It could be an important question potentially how being in a depleted mode through effortful self-regulation will influence on the evaluation of assortment size. To answer this questioner, we hypothesized that being engaged in self-regulation, as compared with not being engaged in self-regulation, will influence on the evaluation of product assortment size such as attractiveness, difficulty of choice, and anticipated regret. Research design, data, and methodology - In this study, we first manipulated self-regulatory resource availability using a self-regulation task (i.e., instructing participants to solve Sudoku puzzle vs. to solve diagram cube by filling any diagrams that they prefer into cube instead of number) and asked to indicate the difficulty of the tasks available to them ("How much difficulty did you feel when you complete the task?") Next, participants were asked to imagine that they were planning to buy a laptop at one of the two stores (small assortment: 6 options vs. large assortment: 30 options), both offering good quality of products. After reading the product descriptions, participants were instructed to consider all the information and choose a store that they would like to shop. Finally we measured the choice difficulty, evaluation of product assortments, and anticipated regret on a 7-point scale. We conducted two-way ANOVA in testing the main hypothesis that depleted consumers will show poorer subsequent self-control than non-depleted consumers when they make a decision in large assortment. Results - Compared with non-depleted participants, depleted participants showed the bigger difference from the degree of choice difficulty and product attractiveness between large and small assortments, but the result revealed only a significant interaction effect of resource depletion and assortment size on choice difficulty. Also depleted participants showed the smaller difference from the degree of anticipated regret between large and small assortments than non-depleted participants. Conclusion - Depleted individuals by a prior task are relatively effortless and intuitive form of choosing products so that they try to avoid making effortful trade-offs among choice difficulty such as large assortment, compare with non-depleted individuals. However, for anticipated regret, non-depleted individuals in small assortment anticipate more regret by excluding or at least restricting the possibility of buying attractive items or another kind of potential items than depleted individuals, regardless less choice difficulty in small option. To sum up, it is important to note that individuals are influenced by self-regulatory resources and their self-regulatory conditions contribute to the overall positive or negative impact of product assortment on choice.

• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.13 no.10
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• pp.93-99
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• 2015

Purpose - It has been argued that the regulations restricting entry and opening hours of General Super Markets and Super Super Markets have not been as effective as expected. In contrast, the win-win item scheme that appeared recently has the advantage that it could raise the effectiveness of the system in that win-win items are in principle resigned on the basis of bilateral agreements. This study analyzes the win-win item agreement made between Homeplus at Hap-jung and small traditional markets to examine the practical effectiveness of the win-win item scheme. While existing literature studying the regulatory effects have concentrated on the restrictions around store entry or opening hours of large retailers, it can be said that there have been few empirical studies on the effect of win-win items agreement with large retailers. Research design, data, and methodology - Homeplus at Hap-jung made a win-win items agreement with nearby small traditional market traders in 2013. In accordance with this voluntary agreement, Homeplus started by limiting its sales to 15 win-win items. The survey was conducted through one-on-one interviews, April 14 to May 2, 2014, by a professional public opinion research agency. The interviews were targeted at small business retailers in the nearby traditional market. We divided the traditional markets near Homeplus at Hap-jung where the win-win item agreement was achieved into two groups, win-win item agreement markets and non win-win item agreement markets, to compare the performance difference between the two groups. Results - To determine the change in sales of the 15 win-win items, we examined the performance difference between the two groups using two criteria (compared with similar items, and compared to sales volume a year ago). The results show that the individual sales of win-win items in the win-win item agreement markets are more likely to increase than in the non win-win item agreement markets. Total sales volume of individual stores in the agreement markets also showed a more significant increase compared to a year ago than those in non win-win item agreement markets. Conclusions - Contrary to the existing retail regulations that have one-sided and uniform characteristics, it can be pointed out that the win-win item scheme has the effect of increasing the success of the system itself because it is done on the basis of mutual agreement between General Super Markets and traditional markets. The empirical results of this study can be said to support this conjecture. For the successful settlement of a win-win items agreement, the following points should be reviewed. First, it requires a great effort from the selection process of win-win items in order to improve the effectiveness of the agreement. Second, the existing General Super Markets customers should be introduced to the traditional markets or small shops to increase the sales of win-win items. Therefore, voluntary effort is essentially required from the traditional markets to engage customers.

• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.11 no.10
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• pp.5-15
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• 2013

Purpose - With the increase in fervor to purchase luxury brands, new social problems have arisen, such as excessive preoccupation with luxury brands and high preference for forged luxury goods. Therefore, the issues related to luxury brands, termed "Luxury Syndrome," have emerged as an area of great interest for researchers and practitioners. However, previous studies neglect to categorize this preference for luxury brands. Therefore, this study aims to identify the different purchasing behaviors of consumers using the types of luxury brands preferences as parameters. Research design, data, and methodology - This study arranges a causal relationship model assuming that purchase behaviors positively (+) affect typified preference for luxury brands and purchase intentions. We administered a questionnaire survey to the purchasers who bought luxury brands from department stores to secure additional data necessary to verify the hypotheses in this study. We then processed the data using SPSS 19.0. We further analyzed the basic data using frequency and descriptive statistical analysis, and verified the measurement tools through feasibility and reliability analyses. Moreover, this study uses multiple regression analysis to verify the hypotheses. Further, this study tests the path effect between luxury brand purchase attitude and purchase behavior, with non-intrinsic preference and intrinsic preference as the mediating variables. Results - Based on the results, the impact of tendencies of conspicuous consumption and self-monitoring on non-intrinsic preference was significantly positive (+), while the impact of tendencies of pursuit of a reference group, conspicuous consumption, and self-monitoring on intrinsic preference and purchase intentions was significantly positive (+). Further, non-intrinsic and intrinsic preferences positively (+) influence purchase intentions and the impact of non-intrinsic preference took an absolute portion. However, the tendency of dependence on brands negatively (-) impacts purchase intentions. The results showed that self-monitoring and conspicuous consumption tendencies have greater effect on purchase intention, which is mediated by non-intrinsic preference. In contrast, reference group following tendency has a greater effect on purchase intention, which is mediated by intrinsic preference. Conclusions - Based on the results, the study verifies that the consumption of luxury brands in Korea has not yet entered the settling period. The tendency for conspicuous consumption and the tendency for pursuit of the reference group were relatively important aspects for the consumers who prefer luxury brands non-intrinsically and intrinsically, respectively. Especially, it was found that the purchase intentions for forged brands originate from the tendency to depend on brands. Based on these findings, this study suggests the measures to develop and mature the luxury brands market, and reinforce marketing performance at the three levels, that is, government, distributors, and manufacturers. The luxury brands manufacturers should devote themselves to the production and design of products to catch the attention of mature consumers of luxury brands. The luxury brands distributors should then raise the level of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) for opinion leaders. Finally, the Government should prepare effective policies for the development of luxury brands and provide a variety of economic support.

• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.10 no.11
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• pp.39-53
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• 2012

Purpose - This study identifies relationships amongst repurchase intentions, brand equity, and preference by applying VMD of fashion retail stores. The results would help coffee shop owners and coffee makers in devising an appropriate strategy for successfully managing coffee shops. Research design, data, methodology - The VMD model of a coffee shop includes harmony, trend, and attractiveness, while brand equity encompasses brand awareness, perceived quality, and brand image. In this study, the VMD factors of coffee shops, brand equity, and brand preference, are shown as independent variables, while repurchase intention is shown as the dependent variable. The study aims to ascertain the extent of the influence configuration factors of a coffee shop have on brand equity, brand preference, and repurchase intention. Regression analysis was used to verify the mediating effects of brand preference on brand equity and repurchase intention. The measurement items were already deemed as reliable and valid in the previous study, but some modifications were made for the purposes of this study. Questionnaires were distributed to 550 consumers on a national scale, and 517 consumers amongst these were finally used as a sample for analysis using the SPSS 17.0 statistical program. Results - First, amongst the VMD configuration factors of a coffee shop, trend, and attractiveness have a positive impact on brand equity (brand awareness, perceived quality, and brand image). Second, brand equity has a positive effect on brand preference. Third, brand preference has a positive effect on repurchase intention. Fourth, brand preference plays the role of a mediator in measuring the impact of brand awareness and brand image on customers' repurchase intentions. Conclusions - The theoretical implications can be summarized as follows. First, this study proposes a theoretical basis that can be adapted to the VMD configuration factors of a coffee shop by identifying the relationship between brand equity and coffee shops. This study applies the VMD factors to the coffee shops and presents a new research model by examining the relationships amongst VMD components of coffee shops: brand equity, brand preference, and repurchase intention. Second, it clearly establishes the relationship between brand equity and brand preference by identifying the mediating effects of brand preference, given that brand equity has a positive impact on repurchase intention. The practical implications are as follows. First, development of brand equity and management can be important components for coffee shops in determining that the VMD configuration factors of coffee shops have an impact on brand equity. Second, amongst the VMD configuration factors, attractiveness and trend have a positive influence on choosing coffee shops, therefore store atmosphere should be attractively designed, while the menu and interiors should complement each other and be reviewed periodically to conform to the latest trend. Third, VMD configuration factors that are confirmed are not easily changed. Fourth, large franchises and foreign companies have strengths in scale, locations, and brand. Fifth, the different ways of campaigning should be compared to those of large franchises and foreign companies in order to increase brand equity using VMD configuration factors.

• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.10 no.5
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• pp.29-36
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• 2012

This paper aims to establish a Fengshui-based marketing model that companies engaged in selling dwelling spaces can utilize to increase their sales. The study is based on an investigation of appraisal statements and analysis techniques used in Fengshui. The Fengshui marketing model can be used for corporate advertising, sales promotions, public relations events, and for framing an overall marketing strategy according to changing consumer demand. As a sales promotion strategy, it can be used to influence consumer psychology and behavior. Although this study is limited to the all-pervasive advertising and marketing of houses by construction companies under installment plans, the Fengshui marketing method can also be used for the sale of store locations, space for product display, and so on. Initially, I analyze living spaces according to traditional Fengshui theory, and subsequently apply the modern method to study topographical space structures and geomagnetism disturbances. I present a standard form for writing the Fengshui appraisal statement based on the objective analytical method of Fengshui. With its shortcomings remedied, the appraisal statement can lead to high-quality advertising and increased valuations because it is based on objective data analysis and systematic evaluation of houses. In brief, I have designed the Fengshui marketing model as a sales promotion technique for the housing industry. I believe this study will contribute to the application of Fengshui in the housing industry's sales promotion efforts through high-quality advertising. Future research should evaluate Fengshui marketing in the housing industry based on case studies. Research questions to be addressed could include how Fengshui marketing has affected installment sales of houses and how Fengshui architectural practices affect general well-being. These studies would help propagate Fengshui marketing by validating its effectiveness. In addition, case studies should be undertaken to consider the practical applications of Fengshui marketing, how it can contribute to maximizing a company's image and profits, and how it can promote customer satisfaction.

• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.93-101
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• 2016

Purpose - As more consumers pursue high quality products at reasonable prices, Korean retail companies are increasing investment in expanding their outlet stores. Despite the growing importance of the outlet business, there has been very little empirical research on consumers' outlet shopping behaviors. This study aimed to investigate the relationships between consumers' perceived product value (performance quality, value for money, and social value) of outlet stores and overall shopping satisfaction and the effect of shopping satisfaction on outlet store loyalty. Research design, data and methodology - The authors developed a structural model in which performance quality, value for money, and social value of products are proposed to affect overall outlet shopping satisfaction, thus increasing customer loyalty. To analyze the research model, data were collected from 88 shoppers at suburban outlets. SPSS 21.0 and AMOS 21.0 were utilized to test the hypotheses. The unidimensionality of each construct was supported from the results of the reliability test with Cronbach's α and confirmatory factor analyses. Correlation analysis was performed and the results warranted the nomological validity of the measures. The fit statistics of the overall model analysis demonstrated an acceptable fit(X²(₁₆₁)=171.651, p=.000; X²/df=1.546; GFI=.821, NFI=.879, TLI=.942, CFI=.953, RMR=.035, RMSEA=.079). Results - The findings are as follows. First, consumers' perceived value of product performance quality had a significant positive effect on overall outlet shopping satisfaction. Consumers, who evaluate performance quality of the product more positively, tend to express stronger satisfaction and happiness about outlet shopping experience. Second, consumers' perceived social value of outlet products influenced their overall satisfaction significantly. Consumers who believe that products of outlet stores enhance self-concepts are more likely to satisfy with outlet shopping experience. However, consumers' perception of outlet products on value for money was not found to significantly influence overall shopping satisfaction. Finally, overall shopping satisfaction had a significant and positive influence on loyalty. Conclusions - While outlet retailers have traditionally focused on promoting competitively priced merchandise, the results of this study suggest that customers' overall satisfaction with outlet shopping is influenced more by the non-price-related product values. In the context of an outlet shopping environment, performance quality and social value of the products were found to be more critical predictors of customer overall satisfaction. Therefore, it would not be efficient for outlet retailers to highlight economic value of their merchandise. Instead, they need to investigate the performance quality of the products regularly and try to deliver quality guaranteed goods to enhance customer satisfaction. Also, outlet retailers should differentiate their businesses by carrying more unique and prestigious brands and emphasize higher social value and symbolic meanings of their products. As competition among outlet retailers are getting fierce, retail companies need to focus on strengthening customer loyalty with a long-term perspective. With a deeper understanding of the relationship between consumers' perceived product values and shopping satisfaction, outlet retailers will be able to develop customer loyalty strategies effectively and to achieve competitive advantage.

• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.12 no.8
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• pp.43-54
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• 2014

Purpose - This study was based on a theoretical consideration of the structural relationship between the support and control of the franchisor and the satisfaction and strategic response (voice, loyalty, exit, neglect) of the franchisee. First, based on the preceding research, this study systematically organized the type of support and control of the franchisor. Second, the study examined the effects of a franchisor's support and control on the expectancy disconfirmation between affiliated franchisees' expectations before a franchise agreement and performance after operating an affiliated store. Third, the study looked into the effects of expectancy disconfirmation relating to a franchisor's support and control on an affiliated franchisees' general satisfaction. Fourth, this study examined the influence of the general satisfaction of a franchisee on affiliated franchisees' response strategies. Research design, data, and methodology - In this study, the population comprised the nation's franchisors, and the sample comprised franchisees conducting business in Seoul and Gyeonggi-do. A self-administered questionnaire was used; the author and examiner explained the study's parameters to the interviewees in advance, to lessen the rate of rejection of the answers and to maintain reliability. The author distributed 350 copies of the questionnaire and collected 327 copies (93.4%). The author removed 54 copies of the sample, as these copies belonged to franchisees that were not registered by the Fair Trade Commission and/or were thought to have either defects or inadequate answers. The author selected an effective sample of 273 copies to enter data and to do the statistical analysis. Results - Both a reliability analysis and a confirmatory factor analysis were performed to measure reliability and validity, and a structural equation model was used to conduct the hypothesis test and investigate the models. The hypothesis was tested (Table 5). The models had a suitable fit, for instance, χ² = 447.663(df = 212, p = .000), χ²/df = 2.112, GFI = .881, AGFI = .858, RMR = .083, RMSEA = .067, NFI = .932, and CFI = .961. The hypothesis test results were as follows. Hypothesis 1 was accepted (C.R. = -2.339, p = .019). Hypothesis 2 was accepted (C.R. = 15.213, p = .000). Hypothesis 3 was accepted (C.R. = -2.631, p = .006). Hypothesis 4 was accepted (C.R. = 16.271, p = .000). Hypothesis 5 was accepted (C.R. = 2.391, p = .017). Hypothesis 6 was accepted (C.R. = 5.777, p = .000). Hypothesis 7 was accepted (C.R. = 17.153, p = .000). Hypothesis 8 was accepted (C.R. = 24.746, p = .000). Hypothesis 9 was accepted (C.R. = -10.150, p = .000). Hypothesis 10 was accepted (C.R. = -12.124, p = .000). Conclusions - The research results showed that expectations for a franchisor's support and control had a significant influence on expectation disconfirmation in a negative way, whereas the performance of support and control were found to have a significant influence on expectation disconfirmation in a positive way. In addition, the expectation disconfirmation of support and control was found to have a significant influence on satisfaction of franchisees in a positive way. Generally, regarding the research on control, control is found to have a negative influence on the satisfaction of franchisees, but this study proves that control is found to affect it in a positive way through conformity.

• Geophysics and Geophysical Exploration
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.78-85
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• 2005

This study, combining geophysical and environmental approaches, was undertaken to investigate the causes of secondary salinity in the Goondoola basin, in southwestern Queensland. Airborne radiometric, electromagnetic and ground electromagnetic datasets were acquired, along with data on soils and subsurface materials and groundwater. Relationships established between radiometric, elevation data, and measured material properties allowed us to generate predictive maps of surface materials and recharge potential. Greatest recharge to the groundwater is predicted to occur on the weathered bedrock rises surrounding the basin. Electromagnetic data (airborne, ground, and downhote), used in conjunction with soil and drillhole measurements, were used to quantify regolith salt store and to define the subsurface architecture. Conductivity measurements reflect soil salt distribution. However, deeper in the regolith, where the salt content is relatively constant, the AEM signal is influenced by changes in porosity or material type. This allowed the lateral distribution of bedrock weathering zones to be mapped. Salinisation in this area occurs because of local-andintermediate-scale processes, controlled strongly by regolith architecture. The present surface outbreak is the result of evaporative concentration above shallow saline groundwater, discharging at break of slope. The integration of surficial and subsurface datasets allowed the identification of similar landscape settings that are most at risk of developing salinity with groundwater rise. This information is now being used by local land managers to refine management choices that prevent excess recharge and further salt mobilisation.