Store preference behaviour of consumers on supermarkets with special reference to Tiruchirappalli

Abstract

The Indian retail industry has become one of the most dynamic and fast-paced industries due to the advent of several new players. It reports over 10 per cent of the countryand#8223;s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and about 8 percent of employment. India is the worldand#8223;s fifth-largest universal target in retail space. The retail market is likely to achieve a whopping Rs. 47 lakh crore by 2016-17, as it grows at a CAGR (Compounded Annual Growth Rate) of 15 per cent, according to a Yes Bank - Assochamand#8223; study. The retail market, (including organised and unorganised retail), was at Rs. 23 lakh crore in 2011-12. According to the study, organised retail, that included just seven percent of the overall retail market in 2011-12, is likely to grow at a CAGR of 24 per cent to achieve a 10.2 per cent share of the total retail segment by 2016-17. In recent years large supermarket players like, Reliance Fresh, Spencerand#8223;s, and More etc, have emerged and they started their retail formats in Tiruchirappalli. These big retail giants are competing with the local retailers. Moreover, there is an increase in double-income households, more working women, an accumulation of educated residents, and increasing pressure due to very little time available for leisure. They all seek speed, efficiency, improved quality, hygiene and as well as increased consumer service. This is the context in which the research problem Store Preference Behavior of Consumers on Supermarkets with Special Reference to Tiruchirappalliand#8223; is relevant and important. Descriptive Research Design was used in this study. The survey method was used to collect primary data. A structured questionnaire was prepared. The questionnaire was improved more than a few times before it was concluded after pre-testing. The questionnaire contained the 42 variables. The 42 variables were rated by the supermarket consumers on a 5-point Likert scale. It was used to identify the influential attributes and consumers and#8223;opinion on services provided in Supermarkets. The researcher collected the data from respondents when they were coming out of the supermarkets after purchase. newline newline newline