Factors influencing the consumer’s choice of retail food store

 

 

 

Norshamliza Chamhuri* and Peter J Batt

Curtin University of Technology, Perth, Western Australia

 

 

 

Abstract

Purpose of review: Changes are happening within the retail food sector in both the developed and developing regions. Modern retail formats are replacing the role of traditional markets, which, in turn, provide more choice for consumers on where and when to shop. The objective of this review is to identify those factors that most influence the consumer’s choice of retail food store. The review compares differences observed in patronage behaviour between developed and developing regions.

Main findings: The factors that are considered most influential in the consumer’s choice of retail food store include: proximity; competitive price; food quality and food safety; and the demographic characteristics of the consumers themselves.

Directions for further research: Further research is recommended in areas such as: the long-term prospect for small retailers; identifying how retail store choice is influenced by product category; and understanding how socio-demographic variables impact the consumers choice of retail store.

 

Keywords: store choice behaviour; food shopping; modern retail outlets; traditional markets; developed countries; developing countries

 

Stewart Postharvest Review 2009, 3:1

Published online 01 June 2009

doi: 10.2212/spr.2009.3.1