Jan Niklas Meise

Retailing in Switzerland differs significantly from its European neighbours. The major reasons for these differences are trade-barriers, governmental regulations and certain consumer specifications.This paper introduces the main players in the Swiss grocery and non-food retail market. It shows current developments of concentration and market entrance of foreign retailers. As the Swiss retail market is highly saturated, there is little room for expansion within Switzerland. The consequent responses in the grocery sector are increasing competition between the established Swiss players and German hard discount retailers; vertical expansion into the production level of the food industry; and slight internationalisation tendencies. With the grocery sector being protected by trade barriers, the paper further presents the situation in non-food retailing, which is open to European competitors. Consequently, foreign players are much more present and stronger in the non-food sector.

Start-up companies enjoy the possibility to be and do things "right" right from the start, i.e. consider ethics and corporate social responsibility (CSR) from the outset. This investigation aims to identify the critical factors in planning, founding, and developing a company based on CSR principles. A guideline for start-ups and other companies is developed by conducting case study research illustrating the foundation and growth of the German apparel company ArmedAngels. To facilitate the analysis, the 7-S approach of business is combined with the principles of CSR. The investigation reveals that start-ups based on values may just be as successful as their conventional counterparts and is thus highly relevant to researchers in the field of sustainable business development and social entrepreneurship.

With the proclamation of the next generation of the Internet (Web 2.0), questions arise as to whether acceptance of the web as a shopping channel has increased and whether 2.0-consumers behave and shop differently on the web. This paper focuses on revisiting the underlying motivational factors that inhibit consumers from online purchasing in times of the Web 2.0 internet era, based on a review of current literature and the empirical findings of a survey among Internet users in Switzerland. Three distinct barriers still remain today. Yet, compared to prior data, the online channel itself does no longer significantly inhibit consumers from buying on the web. Implications for the management of the online channel for retailers are derived.

Fundamentals of Retailing and Shopper Marketing is an ideal companion text whether you are in marketing, in manufacturing, work for an advertising agency or if you work in retail. The book focuses on the sharp end of the retail industry and, through real-world examples, shows students and practitioners best retail practice. The text includes models, illustrations and photographs. It is practical, visual and easy to read and teaches you how to transfer your know-how to your own brand, marketing strategy, student assignment or retail environment.

This case book offers a non-traditional issue-centered perspective to European marketing. Focusing on some of the key challenges faced by managers charged with developing pan-European marketing strategies, marketing problems are placed into the context of these challenges and capture the multiple facets and implications for European marketing in an integrative manner.