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A new strategy for counteracting the impact of negative online brand reviews

Researchers found that consumers scrutinize social distance in negative reviews to protect their identities and brands. Displaying reviewers' profiles can highlight social distance and consistency, protecting and benefiting identity-relevant brands after negative reviews. This strategy helps managers cultivate strong brand relationships.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateFeb 17, 2022

Virtual tours make pig farming more transparent

Researchers at the University of Göttingen found that virtual farm tours using virtual reality glasses and tablets can improve transparency in pig farming. Participants appreciated the comfortable and entertaining information intake, but suggested that additional explanations be provided to support virtual farm tours.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 2, 2022

How to ruin the taste of a cookie with just 2 words

A recent study from Ohio State University found that labeling identical products as 'new and improved' resulted in higher overall liking ratings compared to those labeled as 'consumer complaint.' The researchers suggest that this negative bias has a bigger impact on consumer perception than positive labels.

SourceOhio State University·JournalFood Quality and Preference·DateJan 26, 2022

Live-streaming ads for alcohol, junk food increased during pandemic

A Penn State study found that live-streaming ads for alcohol, energy drinks, and junk food significantly increased during the pandemic, targeting young viewers. The researchers discovered that energy drinks made up nearly 80% of marketing, while ads for restaurants and soda were also prevalent.

SourcePenn State·JournalPublic Health Nutrition·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 13, 2021

Giving ugly food a chance

Researchers found that consumers are willing to pay a small discount for imperfect carrots, maxing out at 40% of misshapen carrots. Marketing messages promoting the nutritional quality and societal benefits of ugly produce were more effective in convincing consumers to buy.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Retailing and Consumer Services·DateDec 2, 2021

Using machine learning and natural language processing to measure consumer reviews for product attribute insights

Researchers develop a methodological framework to extract and monitor information from consumer reviews, providing actionable insights on product attributes and their benefits. The study also extends sentiment analysis by demonstrating hierarchical sentiment analysis, enabling managers to generate tailored dashboards and inform decisions.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateNov 23, 2021

Younger generation eat climate-consciously

The study found that 29% of younger Germans eat a flexitarian diet and 17% follow a meat-free diet, demonstrating high levels of climate awareness. The results highlight the need for effective communication to promote climate-conscious eating habits among the undecided group.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalCleaner and Responsible Consumption·TypeSurvey·DateNov 8, 2021

Study offers snapshot of celebs’ social media influence on COVID-19 info

A study published in the Atlantic Journal of Communication analyzed Instagram posts from 20 celebrity influencers about COVID-19 between March and May 2020. The researchers found that celebrities initially modeled guidance from health experts, normalizing suggested behaviors such as staying home and practicing hand hygiene.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalAtlantic Journal of Communication·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 21, 2021

#Nomakeup trend fails to discourage use of cosmetics

New research from University of Georgia suggests that the no-makeup movement isn't liberating women from cosmetics. Instead, cosmetic sales have increased alongside the rise of the no-makeup trend. The study found that people perceive 'natural' looks with makeup as more attractive than those without.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalJournal of the Academy of Marketing Science·DateOct 5, 2021

How grocery shoppers spend differently during times of personal and macro economic change

A new study analyzes how micro (income) and macro (business cycle) conditions influence grocery shopping behavior, finding that households adjust their spending without changing budget constraints. Micro conditions primarily affect basket value, while macro conditions impact both basket value and allocation to store formats.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateSep 23, 2021

Why salespeople avoid big-whale sales opportunities

Research reveals that salespeople conduct rational benefit–cost analyses when deciding which opportunity to pursue. They also use a calibration decision-making strategy for solution selling, which can lead to serious under- or overestimation of conversion rates. The findings highlight the importance of managing salespeople's avoidance ...

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateSep 16, 2021

Infant formula websites overtly discourage breastfeeding

A study by New York University researchers found that infant formula websites predominantly discourage breastfeeding and instead tout the benefits of formula feeding. The analysis of five major formula brands' websites revealed that substantial messaging focused on challenges associated with breastfeeding, such as low milk supply or la...

SourceNew York University·JournalPublic Health Nutrition·DateSep 14, 2021

Giving websites a human touch: Researcher of Mainz University receives SERVSIG Best Service Article Award of the American Marketing Association

A study by researchers at Mainz University found that digital presence of service employees improves customer loyalty. The study, published in the Journal of Marketing Research, showed that customers perceive websites with images or videos of service employees as more attractive and memorable, leading to increased customer loyalty.

What AI analysis of 100 million social media interactions can teach product managers

A new study in the Journal of Marketing uses big data from over 100 million social media user engagements to derive marketing insights. The research captures latent relationships among thousands of brands and across many categories, revealing a highly precise market structure. This allows product managers to identify potential threats ...

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateSep 9, 2021

Ending prices with “.99” can backfire on sellers

A new study from Ohio State University found that pricing just below a round number can lead consumers to perceive a product as cheaper and less likely to upgrade. This threshold-crossing effect was observed in various experiments, including coffee stands and car purchases.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 26, 2021

What drives market share profitability?

A new study by Abhi Bhattacharya, Neil Morgan, and Lopo Rego finds that most of the variance in the market share-profit relationship is explained by market power and quality signaling mechanisms. The researchers also identify conditions under which market share can be negatively related to firm profits, such as niche strategy firms and...

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateAug 20, 2021

Deep discounts: The nemesis of bargain hunters

Researchers found that frugal consumers categorize purchases as necessities versus luxuries to rationalize impulsive responses to deep discounts. Frugal individuals tend to increase their perception of need for a product after a discount offer, leading to increased purchase intentions.

SourceSt. Edward's University·JournalJournal of Business Research·DateJul 14, 2021

Do I buy or not?

Pleasure-seekers tend to buy impulsively when in a positive state, but can suppress impulse with minimal note reminder. Security-oriented individuals need time and often look for 'no impulse buying' reminders to act.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 8, 2021

Perceptions of counterfeits among luxury goods differ across cultures

A study found that counterfeit dominance negatively impacts Anglo-American consumers' perceptions of authentic luxury fashion brands, while having little effect on Asian consumers. This is due to cultural differences in social-adjustive attitudes, with Anglo-Americans relying more on outgroups and Asians on ingroups.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Business Research·DateJul 6, 2021

Why a vacation seems like it will end as soon as it begins

Researchers found that people anticipate positive events, such as vacations, as being both farther away and shorter in duration than negative or neutral events. This phenomenon can lead to a feeling that the vacation will end as soon as it begins, making people less likely to plan specific events during their time off.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·DateMay 26, 2021

The science of picky shoppers

A new study from Penn State defines what it means to be a picky shopper, exploring the psychological dimensions of this trait. Researchers found that picky shoppers have a small window of acceptance and are more likely to reject free gifts or products based on their idiosyncratic preferences

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·DateApr 28, 2021