What Influences Shopping? Flashcards
Culture can be described as…
The beliefs, customs and behaviour of a particular group of people
The culture of a group of people can determine:
What they wear How they speak Where they travel What they eat Where they live
Examples of how culture would affect shopping
Those with strong beliefs about protecting the environment would consider energy efficiency and recycling when purchasing electrical goods e.g. fridge freezer.
Mediterranean countries value food quality (i.e. home grown f+v, avoiding convenience foods, cooking with raw ingredients). Food shopping mainly carried out at small independent shops (i.e. delicatessens, bakeries and fishmongers) rather than at large supermarkets.
What happens during periods of economic growth?
Wages increase Easy access to credit Consumer confidence is high Retailers make large profits due to: - people shopping more frequently - impulse buying
What happens during periods of economic decline?
Disposable income decreases
Cost of living increases
Focussed shopping patterns (needs over wants)
How would high consumer confidence affect shopping?
High consumer confidence = increase on buying on credit. Many buy luxury things (e.g. holidays, fridge freezers, furniture) using interest free loans offered either in store or via credit card deals.
People’s income decreases for various reasons like…
Unemployment
Ill health
Retirement
Being a student/ single parent
How would a decrease in income affect shopping?
You might review use of services like gym membership, cable TV or internet use and ‘shop around’ for better deals.
A change in what/when/where you buy
Environmental and ethical factors
It’s our responsibility to consider these factors
Environmental factors
If it is food, is it organic?
Can it, and its packaging, be recycled?
Does it use a lot of energy?
In the case of fish, is it sustainable?
Ethical factors
We also need to think about the people involved in making/providing the product/service…
Has child labour been used?
Are they treated fairly?
Has a positive/negative impact been made on their culture/work force?
Examples of how environmental/ethical factors influence shopping
‘Bags for Life’ bags encourage consumers to recycle and reduce the amount of plastic carrier bags going to landfill.
Clothing brands that rely on child labour have been exposed in the press and consumers have been encouraged to stop buying the clothes.
Consumers’ personal characteristics and circumstances
Age Likes/dislikes Occupation Lifestyle Amount of free time
These factors tend to change at different stages of the lifespan.
Examples of how personal factors affect shopping
A student may have a quick packed lunch or canteen meal at a set time.
A business person may entertain clients over leisurely meal at restaurant.
A consumers interest in technology and branding may affect their choice of mobile phone.
Physiological factors relate to…
Maintenance of the body
Prevention of disease
Dietary disorders
Depend on interest and motivation to take care of well-being.
Examples of how physiological factors affect shopping
Avoiding food/ clothing material if you’re allergic to it.
Consumers wanting to achieve a healthy weight may consider
- weight loss services e.g. slimming club
- gym membership
- personal trainer
- new clothes
Psychological factors that inform who we are and what we do as individuals
Attitudes
Emotions
Body image
Personality (aggressive, sociable, self confident)
Examples of how psychological factors affect shopping
Sociable people
- eat out regularly (frequency of purchase)
- meet friends for coffee/drinks (types of things bought)
People with negative feelings about body image may choose to shop online rather than trying on clothes in store.
Social influences
Family
Friends
Sports teams
Church groups
Shops often use social factors in their marketing campaigns
Examples of how social factors affect shopping
Adults often loyal to supermarket chain and brands most frequently used by their family growing up.
Teenagers often take on attitudes and values of their peer group and this can impact on type, style and brand of clothing they purchase and wear.
Advantages and disadvantages of Independent shops
Advantages
- offer personal and friendly service
- usually in residential areas for ease of access
- usually sell things in small quantities, helping consumers to save money and reduce waste
Disadvantages
- may be more expensive
- stock may not be rotated or replaced regularly
- limited range of products for sale
Advantages and disadvantages of high street chain stores
Advantages
- uniform store layout making shopping easier
- stock wide range of items
- buy in bulk and can offer consumers value for money
Disadvantages
- can be very busy, making shopping stressful
- impersonal customer service
- lack individuality