Acquiring Goods and Services in Lower Income Populations: An Evaluation of Consumer Behaviour and Preferences
International Journal of Retail and Distribution Management, 2001, Vol. 29, No. 1, pp. 16-24.
9 Pages Posted: 26 Dec 2015
Date Written: 2001
Abstract
The aim of this paper is to explore the behaviour and preferences of lower-income populations when acquiring goods and services. Drawing upon empirical evidence from several English cities, this paper finds that in the realm of goods acquisition, these consumers want new goods from formal retail outlets but due to economic necessity, their first option but second choice is often to acquire them informally or second-hand. In the sphere of consumer services, however, informal modes of provision are frequently preferred by these populations and actively chosen over formal consumer services. The paper concludes by discussing some policy implications of these findings
Keywords: England, retail sector, consumer services, second-hand, informal sector, consumer behaviour
JEL Classification: H26, J46, K42, O17
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation