Bucklin, Louis P. (author) and van Bruggen, Gerrit H. (author)
Format:
Book chapter
Publication Date:
1997
Published:
International
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Document Number: C20437
Notes:
Pages 109-123 in Berend Wierenga, Aad van Tilburg, Klaus Grunert, Jan-Benedict E.M. Steenkamp and Michel Wedel (eds.), Agricultural marketing and consumer behavior in a changing world. Kluwer Academic Publishers, Boston, Massachusetts. 314 pages.
10 pages., Via online journal., A survey of Connecticut consumers was used to investigate perceptions of various green industry retailers. Consumer perceptions of independent garden centers (IGC), home improvement centers (HIC), and mass merchandisers (MM) business practices and their perceived value were assessed. Analysis of variance and ordinary least squares regression models were used to analyze the data. Results indicated that customer service, knowledgeable staff, and high-quality plants are important factors when consumers are deciding where to shop. IGCs were ranked highest in perceived customer service, knowledgeable staff, and plant quality, followed by HICs. MMs were ranked lowest for the majority of measured business practices, with the most notable exception being price. Additionally, IGCs, HICs, and MMs are perceived differently across age cohorts.
