The Influence of Shopping Characteristics and Socio-Demographic Factors on Selected In-Store Buying Practices in Different Socio-Economic Regions

The aim of this paper is to ascertain the usage of price comparisons and avoidance of impulse purchases regarding in-store food-buying practices among consumers who reside in low, middle and high socio-economic status (SES) regions. The article will also focus on the effect of shopping characteristics and socio-demographic factors on in-store food-buying practices. A quantitative consumer intercept survey was conducted among 400 low, 400 middle and 400 high SES region consumers in retail stores. Statistical analysis of in-store food-buying practices was conducted via a generalised linear model analysis of variables, utilising the Wald’s Chi-square statistic distribution. Consumers who live in the low SES region exhibited the largest price comparison usage tendency, whereas the high SES region consumers showed the highest predisposition to make impulse purchases. Several shopping characteristics and socio-demographic factors resulted in significant associations in terms of price comparisons and the avoidance of impulse purchases. Food manufacturers, marketers and retailers should consider implementing the study’s primary results in their marketing activities among consumers in the different SES regions. Additionally, shopping characteristics and socio-demographic factors of in-store food-buying practices require further research to add to the limited theoretical discourse.

Shopping list development and use of advertisements’ pre-store food-buying practices within different socio-economic status areas in South Africa

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to determine whether there is a difference in the development of shopping lists and use of advertisements as pre-store food-buying practices in terms of planned shopping by South African consumers who dwell in different socio-economic status (SES) areas. The paper also considers the influence of shopper and socio-demographic characteristics on pre-store food-buying practices in a developing country. Design/methodology/approach A self-administered questionnaire was used to survey 1 200 consumers in retail stores in low, middle and high SES areas in South Africa. A generalised linear model was employed for the statistical analysis of pre-store food-buying practices within the SES area groups in a developing country. Findings South African consumers that reside in high SES area displayed the largest of shopping list development, while consumers who dwell in low SES areas showed the highest incidence of advertisement usage. Several shopper and socio-demographic characteristics were also found to have an influence on pre-store food-buying practices in different SES areas in South Africa. Research limitations/implications A qualitative approach would offer a deeper understanding of consumers’ pre-store food shopping predispositions as opposed to the quantitative approach, which was adopted for this study. A longitudinal design would also provide a more extensive representation of pre-store food shopping practices over a longer time frame than cross-sectional research. The survey was conducted on Saturdays, whereas consumers who shop during the week may have different shopping and socio-demographic characteristics. Practical implications Astute food brands, marketers and grocery stores could use the findings of this study to assist with their marketing efforts that they direct at consumers in different SES areas in South Africa and other developing countries. Social implications The findings of this study may assist consumers in developing countries, especially those who reside in low SES areas, with food-buying strategies to reduce food costs, make wiser purchase decisions and reduce shopping. Originality/value No study (to the best of the researchers’ knowledge) has considered shopping list development and use of advertisements’ pre-store food-buying practices in different SES areas in a developing country. Furthermore, there is a dearth of research analysing shopper and socio-demographic characteristics in relation to pre-store food-buying practices among different SES areas in developing and developed countries.

Vietnam agriculture modernisation faces headwinds

Subject Vietnamese agricultural modernisation. Significance Authorities on February 2 urged financial support for farmers hit by unseasonably chilly weather that has killed tens of thousands of poultry and fish. While no longer the dominant sector of an increasingly industrialised economy, agriculture remains Vietnam's backbone with most of the country's poor and near-poor living in the countryside. The government's bid to eradicate poverty and ensure that income disparities do not widen will depend in large part on developing the sector. Impacts Urbanisation and changing food buying practices will push agricultural modernisation, eventually. Modernising agriculture could run into land rights and ecological sustainability-related controversies. Equally, modernisation may also bring opportunities for investment in connected industries.