Emerald | International Journal of Culture, Tourism and Hospitality Research

TOURISM SHOPPING IN RURAL MARKETS: A CASE STUDY IN RURAL IOWA

Jessica L. Hurst, Linda S Niehm — 2012-08-03 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose - This study focuses on the unique challenges of retail service delivery in rural tourism markets. This paper specifically address: 1) factors attracting individuals to a rural tourism community, 2) factors motivating resident and tourist customers to engage in tourism shopping, 3) satisfaction of resident and tourist customers with local retailers, and 4) strategies to assist retailers in successful service delivery.Design/methodology/approach - Using Dillman’s (2007) survey techniques, data were collected from two different groups: resident customers and tourist customers in a rural Iowa tourism community. Given the study’s exploratory focus, a case study methodology was selected.Findings - Shopping experiences were much less satisfying for resident customers than for tourist customers in this study. Tourism retailers may not be effectively differentiating their customer service and providing adequate attention during the shopping experience, particularly to resident customers.Research limitations/implications - One limitation is our study represents an initial test of self-designed and/or modified scales to capture the variables of interest in a single rural tourism community in Iowa. Therefore, findings may only be generalizable to the unique nature of an established tourist population in Midwestern regions of the U.S. Practical implications - An important implication from this study is rural tourism retailers need to develop a comprehensive customer relationship management strategy to encourage repeat shopping and sustained patronage behavior. Originality/value - This study provides valuable strategic implications for rural tourism entrepreneurs, business consultants and economic development professionals in rural tourism communities, and fills a void in the tourism and patronage literature.

Consumption of Renao at a Taiwan Night Market

David Ackerman, Kristen Walker — 2012-08-03 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose - This paper examines the effect of the physical environment of night markets in Taiwan, mediated by "renao" (translated as bustling with noise and excitement) on need fulfillment and shopping satisfaction. Design/methodology/approach - Grounded theory, interviews and observation in Study One identify concepts important to understanding why consumers shopped in night markets. Study Two employs survey method to test findings from Study One concerning relationships between fulfillment of social and hedonic needs, physical factors and renao on consumer perceptions of the night market.Findings - This paper suggests dense physical environments of night markets serve needs of consumers in cultures with an interdependent self concept by creating renao. The physical environment impacts the social and experiential needs fulfilled by shopping there, ultimately affecting satisfaction with and use of the market. They also find the dynamics of renao in a collectivist society act as a mediating factor in this process. Research limitations/implications - The experience of being around many people creating bustle and excitement in the retail environment is important to need fulfillment and satisfaction of shoppers in this collectivist culture. Future research could expand to other collectivist cultures and compare results with those for shoppers in individualist cultures. Practical implications - This research will help those in tourism and hospitality planning understand how socio-cultural norms influence use of retail space and leisure shopping satisfaction. Originality/value - This paper provides evidence that consumers in collectivist cultures maybe more attracted to densely concentration retail spaces.

TOURIST CHARACTERISTICS THAT INFLUENCE SHOPPING PARTICIPATION AND EXPENDITURES

Joaquín Alegre, Magdalena Cladera — 2012-08-03 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to analyze tourist and trip-related characteristics and tourist motivations in connection with the decision to participate in shopping and for those tourists who decide to participate, the main determinants of the amount of expenditure.Design/methodology/approach - By estimating a Heckman model this paper analyses characteristics relating to the decision to participate in shopping and characteristics related to the amount of corresponding expenditure. The explanatory variables included in the model are tourist motivations and tourist and trip-related characteristics. Data used for the analysis come from a survey conducted in the high season of 2008 in Mallorca (Spain), a leading Mediterranean sun and sand destination.Findings - The results indicate different motivations and tourist and trip-related characteristics are associated with the decision whether or not to participate in shopping and with the level of shopping expenditure. This facilitates the identification of the type of tourist may be of more interest to the destination in terms of shopping behaviour.Practical implications - The results are useful in identifying tourist profiles with a different propensity to participate in shopping and with different levels of expenditure. This information may be useful for destination managers interested in promoting shopping activities. Encouraging shopping behaviour may be a way of increasing tourist expenditure at destinations and of providing direct benefits for the local economy.Originality/value - Tourism literature has given only very limited attention to research on characteristics related to shopping behaviour. This study deals with this subject and it provides information that can help promote shopping activities by tourists. The main contribution of this paper consists in the joint analysis of shopping participation and expenditure amount as a result of trip-related characteristics and travel motivations.

Safety Concerns of International Shoppers in Las Vegas

Deborah Fowler, Mitzi K Lauderdale, Ben K Goh, Jessica Yuan — 2012-08-03 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose - This study assesses international tourists’ perception of safety while shopping in the United States, using Las Vegas as the study site. Over recent years, Las Vegas became an international destination for visitors from the Asia-Pacific region to celebrate Chinese New Year. In February 2007, Las Vegas hosted the NBA All-Star Game for the first time from February 16 to 18. The two major events occurred over the same weekend. When two cultures shared a single site, however, the combination presented an issue of safety concern.Design/methodology/approach - Data were collected using an intercept methodology over the three-day period in a major shopping venue/casino from February 15 to 17, 2007. Findings - Many of the tourists carried a large amount of cash on their person. As the week progressed, Asian visitors were less likely to feel their person and belongings were safe in the three major venues researched of restaurants, shopping centers, and amusement parks. Originality/value - Few papers have addressed the safety concerns of international tourists in the United States, specifically in Las Vegas. Findings of this study contribute to the safety and security management of various tourist venues.

Tourism Shopping Behavior: Planned, Impulsive, or Experiential?

Fang Meng, Yingjiao Xu — 2012-08-03 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose - This research attempts to expand the understanding of the nature of tourist shopping behavior. More specifically, this study explores the influences of the components of planned behavior, impulsive behavior, and experiential consumption on tourists’ intentions to shop/purchase in the tourism context. Design/methodology/approach - This conceptual study reviews and investigates the major current research in the areas of planned behavior, impulse purchase, experiential consumption, as well as tourism shopping behavior/experience. By reviewing and assessing important relevant concepts, this study proposes a conceptual framework of tourist shopping behavior. Findings - Based on the extensive review and discussion of the related literature, this study proposes that tourist shopping intention and actual purchase behavior are influenced by various indicators including planned behavior, impulsive behavior, and experiential consumption factors. In other words, tourist shopping behavior is a mixture of planned, impulsive, and experiential consumption behavior. Originality/value - The study of tourism shopping is still limited and in an exploratory stage. The resulting theoretical framework of this study is an inclusive overarching structure systematically explaining the nature of tourist shopping behavior from the perspectives of planned behavior, impulsive buying, and experiential consumption. This study is expected to provide better information and understanding of the factors influencing tourist shopping behavior, which, in turn, will lead to improved planning, marketing and management of sales, expenditures and opportunities in the tourism and retail industries.

Travel Motivation as a Determinant of Shopping Venue

Tammy R Kinley, Judith A Forney, Youn-Kyung Kim — 2012-08-03 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose - Shopping is a popular tourist activity. While a person might not travel for the purpose of shopping, many tourists shop while traveling. This study examined travel motivation as a predictor of the importance assigned to desired shopping center attributes for three different shopping centers, and their effect on satisfaction, and re-patronage intention.Design/methodology/approach - Data were collected via mall-intercept surveys from 624 tourist shoppers at seven shopping centers. Tourist was defined as a person who traveled a distance of at least 50 miles from their home.Findings - Desired shopping center attributes are influenced by travel motivation. For the superregional center, a linear relationship was computed for the Exploration travel motive, mall environment, overall satisfaction and re-patronage intention. Interestingly, overall satisfaction with the shopping center was not a significant predictor of re-patronage intention in the theme/festival or super off-price centers.Originality/value - Given the importance of shopping in the travel agenda, identification and consideration of different travel motivations can facilitate development of the shopping center environment for maximum customer satisfaction. All of the motivations may co-exist in the same family or tourist unit (e.g. convention attendees). These findings can be particularly useful in designing amenities and targeting promotional campaigns to different audiences.