Retail atmospherics in times of disruption: a PLS modeling approach of the role of emotions in a pharmacy environment

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of atmospheric cues encountered in the complex retail environment of pharmacies and, in addition, to test the boundary conditions for the formation of experience-rich emotions. Following this rationale, the research succeeds to partially explain patronage decisions and behavior in pharmacies.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative methodology was used, using a structured questionnaire. Data were collected using a multistage sampling approach of days of the week and times of each day, seeking responses from customers exiting three, aesthetically diverse types of pharmacies in the wider area of Athens, Greece. Structural equation modeling techniques were used to test the measurement using SmartPLS3 statistical software.FindingsThe results primarily confirm the multidimensionality and complexity of atmospherics in pharmacies and the consequent effect on customers’ emotional state. Emotions, amplified by repeat visitation, have both a direct and a mediated effect on customer loyalty while emotional attachment acts as the mediator.Originality/valueThe recent elevation of pharmacies from a mere convenient shopping destination of mostly emergency goods to a shopping alternative for a wide variety of well-being goods and services, necessitates the shift of focus of research from the technical expertise of the pharmacist to the enabling dimensions of the retailing environment. The paper answers this need and test the boundary conditions for the development of experience-rich emotions in retailing. The proposed model indicates the significant impact of atmospherics in customer decision-making even in the complex setting of pharmacies.

Retail atmospherics effect on store performance and personalised shopper behaviour: a cognitive computing approach

PurposeThe best possible way for brick-and-mortar retailers to maximise engagement with personalised shoppers is capitalising on intelligent insights. The retailer operates differently with diversified items and services, but influencing retail atmospheric on personalised shoppers, the perception remains the same across industries. Retail atmospherics stimuli such as design, smell and others create behavioural modifications. The purpose of this study is to explore the atmospheric effects on brick-and-mortar store performance and personalised shopper's behaviour using cognitive computing based in-store analytics in the context of emerging market.Design/methodology/approachThe data are collected from 35 shoppers of a brick-and-mortar retailer through questionnaire survey and analysed using quantitative method.FindingsThe result of the analysis reveals month-on-month growth in footfall count (46%), conversation rate (21%), units per transaction (27%), average order value (23%), dwell time (11%), purchase intention (29%), emotional experience (40%) and a month-on-month decline in remorse (20%). The retailers need to focus on three control gates of shopper behaviour: entry, browsing and exit. Attention should be paid to the cognitive computing solution to judge the influence of retail atmospherics on store performance and behaviour of personalised shoppers. Retail atmospherics create the right experience for individual shoppers and forceful use of it has an adverse impact.Originality/valueThe paper focuses on strategic decisions of retailers, the tactical value of personalised shoppers and empirically identifies the retail atmospherics effect on brick-and-mortar store performance and personalised shopper behaviour.

Retail atmospherics and retail store patronage of supermarkets in emerging economies: mediating role of perceived service quality

PurposeThe purpose of the study is to establish the mediating role of Perceived Service Quality on the relationship between Retail Atmospherics and Retail Store Patronage of Supermarkets in Emerging Economies using empirical evidence from Uganda.Design/methodology/approachThe study used a cross-sectional research design and quantitative approach to understand stand the structured reality of Retail Store Patronage of supermarkets in context of emerging economies. In the context of this study, the data were drawn from Uganda's supermarkets. A sample of 1,504 customers were selected from 136,270 customers. Data was collected from supermarket customers using closed ended questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were derived to describe the behavior of customers and draw conclusions on population using sample statistics. Correlation analysis was used to establish the degree of association between the variables. Hierarchical regression was applied to assess the unique contribution of each variable; control variables-income and age, predictor variables – Retail Atmospherics and Perceived Service Quality on dependent variable – Retail Store Patronage. Mediation was done following the four-step procedures of mediation of Baron and Kenny (1986).FindingsThe results revealed significant positive relationship between Retail Atmospherics, Perceived Service Quality and Retail Store Patronage, confirming the direct hypotheses. Perceived Service Quality partially mediated the relationship between Retail Atmospherics and Retail Store Patronage. The findings depict that Retail Store Patronage is influenced directly by Retail Atmospherics and indirectly through Perceived Service Quality as a mediating variable. However, in situations where the atmospherics is good but perceived service quality is poor, Retail Store Patronage may not be fully realized.Originality/valueThe study provides information that is relevant for filling the practical and theoretical gap in the Retail Store Patronage in Ugandan supermarkets. Previous research studies investigated patronage behavior of shoppers in single retail units yet there is paucity of research on patronage behavior across different retail formats in the world. This study can be generalized and have strategic implications to developing economies that seek to grow and sustain their businesses. It points to the gaps that are normally overlooked and could lead business failure. The focus of most previous studies were on developed economies more especially Europe and America. This study in particular focused on the role of perceived service quality in the relationship between retail atmospherics and customer retail store patronage in emerging economies like Uganda as a testing ground.

Future Research Directions in Sensory Marketing

Although retail atmospherics has been an active field of study, further research is needed to address the role that sensory marketing plays in the retailing sector. This chapter presents a review of previous research and discusses the effect of visual, sound, and olfactory atmospherics on shopping outcomes. The interaction among these variables and their common impact on consumer behavior is also explored. The chapter expands and enriches the literature on retail atmospherics and discusses future research avenues. Further research will help retailers pay attention to the crucial role of sensory environment in shaping the customer experience and shopping behavior.

Exploring international atmospherics

PurposePrevious research has demonstrated that, in retail settings, music has some of the largest effects on consumer behavior. However, it is still unknown how the language of the lyrics (native vs foreign) affects consumer behavior. In order to address this gap in retail atmospherics, the purpose of this paper is to examine the differential effects of the language of the lyrics of the music played and explain the interactions between the music language and volume.Design/methodology/approachThe data were obtained from a field study conducted in an apparel store and from 241 shoppers speaking Spanish as their native language. The study involved the manipulation of language of the lyrics of music played in the store (native vs foreign).FindingsResults indicate that customers in a non-English speaking country are more likely to make purchases when music is played in English, which fits with the store’s global image. This effect is mediated by time spent in the store.Practical implicationsFor managers of global apparel brands, the results suggest that English music may be a good option to increase time spent in the store and subsequent purchases. This is especially attractive as music is an atmospheric cue that can be easily modified at less expense than other atmospheric cues.Originality/valueThis work is the first to demonstrate that fitting the language of the lyrics of music in an international retail store to a global brand image affects consumer behavior. Furthermore, it demonstrates that atmospherics research may not directly transfer to non-English speaking countries.

Exploring the Enigma of the Happiness Construct in Phygital Fashion Experiences

This chapter aims to address the need for a deeper understanding of the issues and challenges facing fashion retailers in our current digital climate. This will be explored through the lens of the happiness construct, as we examine fashion consumption and the role of experiential and atmospheric techniques in facilitating happy fashion retail consumer experiences. This chapter takes a conceptual, exploratory approach by interrogating literature on the happiness construct; experiential retail, atmospherics and flagships in the pursuit of understanding how these concepts enhance happy shopping experiences in physical and virtual environments. It will identify the multi-sensory techniques that retailers are employing to enhance the user's experience and ultimately, their state of happiness. The adoption of a consumer psychological approach to explore the notion of happiness within fashion retail experiences is a first within the fashion and consumption domain. Examples are used throughout the chapter, as illustrations of innovative and novel retail approaches that exemplify the application of happy, immersive fashion strategies.