• Journal of Distribution Research
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.79-102
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• 2007

Consumers evaluate stores by comparing stores that we, in their minds, similar and are competitive with one another; and in this way, the term "consideration set of stores" is defined as those store alternatives the consumer is aware of and evaluates positively. The purpose of this study is to aid in understanding the consideration set of stores in store choice processes in apparel product purchases. More specifically, this study aims to clarify the relation between consideration set of stores and importance of store image. As a result, the respondents of quantitative study were classified into seven groups by the number of stores and store types they considered: 1) "small-road shop sets group" ; 2) "small-market sets group" ; 3) "small- department store sets group" ; 4) "small-department store/outlet sets group" ; 5) "large-department store/market sets group" ; 6) "large-department store/road shop sets group" ; and 7) "large-department store sets group". Further, significant differences among the groups in the importance of store image were observed. For example, low prices were an important factor in both the small-market considering group and large-department store/market considering group when choosing a retail store, there were also differences in the considering groups in that for the small-department store considering group, store mileage-discount cards were important whereas ample space for relaxation around the stores were important retail store selection factors for the large-department store/road shop considering group. This study may provide a useful direction to retailers in finding out who the target customers and competitive stores are and allow retailers to make proper marketing strategies.