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The 'whole' problem with recycling

Researchers found that people tend to reject damaged or imperfect recyclables, citing them as useless. To combat this, consumers and manufacturers can take steps to override these tendencies by changing packaging and product design.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateAug 22, 2013

Study: Buying luxury -- hedonistic or just French?

A study published in Psychology & Marketing compared consumers' perceptions of luxury across nine countries. In the US, luxury goods are bought for self-fulfillment, while in France, they're valued for their exclusivity and high price. Other European countries like Germany, Italy, Hungary, and Slovakia prioritize quality over prestige.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalPsychology and Marketing·DateFeb 6, 2013

For sports fans, the story -- not the victor -- makes the difference in enjoyment

A new study published in the Journal of Media Psychology found that sports fans enjoy watching athletic events with high drama and suspense, regardless of the outcome. The researchers discovered that viewers root for heroic athletes and against unfavorable ones, yet report enjoying the game despite the winner.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of Media Psychology Theories Methods and Applications·DateJan 15, 2013

Smells like Christmas spirit

Researchers at Washington State University discovered that a simple scent is more effective in increasing retail sales than complex scents. The simple scent of orange freed customers' minds from processing tasks, leading to increased purchases and faster problem-solving.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Retailing·DateNov 26, 2012

Solar power is contagious

A Yale University study found that residents in areas with existing solar installations are more likely to adopt the technology, with a 54% increase in adoption when the installed base grows by 10%. The visibility of panels and word-of-mouth also play a role in larger installations.

SourceYale University·JournalMarketing Science·DateOct 18, 2012

Toyota recalls made no dent on their brand

A study from North Carolina State University found that Toyota's safety-related recalls in 2009 made no significant dent in consumer perceptions of the brand. The average price of affected vehicles declined by approximately 2% relative to comparable models, a finding within the statistical margin-of-error.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Economics & Management Strategy·DateFeb 15, 2012

Study finds minority consumers will voluntarily pay more for goods and services to assert status

A recent study from USC and University of San Diego professors found that African-American consumers are more likely to pay more for products and services when they feel their status is threatened due to race. In contrast, those who strongly identify with their race have lower willingness to pay. The researchers also discovered that po...

SourceUSC Marshall School of Business·JournalPsychological Science·DateOct 20, 2011

Rude employee behavior quietly sabotages the bottom line

A study by Boston College researchers found that one-third of consumers experience rude treatment from employees once a month. This behavior leads to negative reactions, decreased customer loyalty, and lost profits. Training programs promoting employee civility can help prevent such incidents.

SourceBoston College·JournalJournal of Service Research·DateSep 20, 2011

Ambitious goals = satisfaction

A study by University of California, Riverside assistant marketing professor Cecile K. Cho found that people are more satisfied when they set ambitious goals compared to conservative goals. The experiment involved participants setting targets and allocating a budget, with high-goal setters averaging higher satisfaction levels.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateAug 17, 2011

New study says it's time to stop assuming buyers and salespeople are in 'relationships'

A new study published in the Journal of Consumer Research found that professional buyers do not engage in 'relationships' with salespeople. Buyers prioritize transactions and expect low expectations for future interactions. This challenges traditional marketing strategies focused on building personal bonds with customers.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateAug 10, 2011

The incomplete art of brand imagery

A study by Henrik Hagtvedt found that incomplete typeface logos can create interest and spark innovation perception, but also lead to unclear communication and untrustworthiness. The results suggest that firms should avoid such logos when trust is critical, but may be effective for promotion-focused consumers.

SourceBoston College·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateMay 16, 2011

Gas versus groceries

University of Alberta researchers argue that grocery retailers need to change their tactics in the face of rising gas prices to attract shoppers. To survive, they must provide one-stop shopping and promotions that offer value to customers, such as discounted fuel prices or savings incentives from in-store purchases.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateMar 10, 2011

Growing crops in the city

A case study from Washington State University explores how Urban Agriculture is used to help homeless and underprivileged youth. The CSA program, implemented in Seattle's South Park Neighborhood, provides a weekly box of produce while promoting social skills and employment.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Education·DateOct 25, 2010

New research: What does your avatar say about you?

Researchers at Concordia University found that avatar-creators tend to create avatars that resemble their own personalities, with physical characteristics like hair length and clothing style providing clues about the creator's traits. This correlation has implications for companies looking to reach both virtual and real-world audiences.

SourceConcordia University·JournalPsychology and Marketing·DateJul 26, 2010

International formula milk marketing code mired in 3 decades of dispute

A child nutrition expert argues that a global code for formula milk marketing has been mired in disputes since its adoption in 1981. The lack of effective national and international governance has hindered efforts to improve maternal, infant, and child nutrition. Effective governance is now needed to replace bitter hostilities.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·DateJul 26, 2010

Consumers love underdogs

A recent study found that consumers strongly relate to underdog brands, identifying with their stories of struggle and perseverance. The authors' experiments showed that brand biographies highlighting external disadvantage and passion for overcoming adversity drive purchase interest.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJul 20, 2010

Small promotional items from drug companies may influence medical students' attitudes

A study found that exposure to small branded promotional items influenced medical students' unconscious attitudes toward marketed products. Students at schools with stricter marketing policies showed less favorable attitudes, while those at more lenient schools responded more favorably. The study suggests institutional policies can imp...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateMay 11, 2009

China's food economy benefits small, poor farmers

A recent study in the Review of Agricultural Economics reveals that China's horticultural economy has contributed to poverty reduction among small and poor farmers. Despite the emergence of modern supply chains, ensuring food safety remains a challenge due to lack of contractual relationships and accountability.

SourceWiley·JournalReview of Agricultural Economics·DateJan 7, 2009