Fashion retailing in the new economy: the case of SMEs

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Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify how small to medium-sized enterprise (SME)fashion retailers can achieve a true understanding of customer trends to close the needs to offer gap ina highly dynamic sector.Design/methodology/approach – A single case study approach is adopted in light of the limitedresearch in this area. Data collection involved a multi-stage and multi-methods approach over a sixmonth period to increase the validity of findings and the triangulation of data.Findings – The findings of this paper highlight, first, the need for formal CRM intervention; and,second, the issues involved in the implementation of a loyalty program.Originality/value – In the absence of specific knowledge in this area, a framework is developed toadvance both theoretical and practical understanding of how SME fashion retailers can build andmanage close customer relationships in the new economy.Keywords Customer relationship marketing, Fashion, Retailing, Small to medium-sized enterprises,Single case study, Customer relations
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)906-919
JournalInternational Journal of Retail and Distribution Management
Volume40
Issue number12
DOIs
Publication statusPublished (in print/issue) - 2012

Bibliographical note

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Corresponding author
Karise Hutchinson can be contacted at: kc.hutchinson@ulster.ac.uk
Fashion
retailing: the case
of SMEs
919
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