Internationally operating apparel retailers are expanding throughout Europe (Noordhoff et al, 2004; Seock and Lin, 2011). To be able to cope with the fierce competition in the apparel retail industry, many retailers have implemented loyalty cards in order to keep current customers. Several retailers have opted for a global marketing strategy which includes implementing loyalty cards with the same features in several countries (e.g. Hunkemöller, Promod, Esprit). This research is a comparative analysis of young adults, aged between 18 and 30, from a Northern European country (Germany) and a Southern European country (Spain). The objective is to determine if there are significant differences in attitudinal and behavioural patterns, as well as in preferences regarding the features of loyalty cards in the consumers of the two countries, to find potential success factors for retailers. In the first place, international apparel retailers have to decide which marketing approach they intend to follow. This may be either a standardised, etic marketing approach, which aims to have one overall marketing strategy for all countries, or a non-standardised, emic marketing approach, which aims to adapt the marketing strategy in every country to the local culture (Trommsdorff, 2009; Solomon et al, 2002). Research of consumer behaviour has shown that consumers are influenced by external stimuli (political, economic, social, technological) and consumer characteristics (cultural, social, personal) (Foscht and Swoboda, 2005; Kotler et al, 2009). Marketers have to be aware of these external influences in order to develop marketing strategies that appeal to the target market(s). By making use of the right marketing instruments, customer satisfaction and loyalty and, subsequently, long-term profitability can be established (Seock and Lin, 2011). Loyal customers have been shown to be more profitable to the company than continuously acquired new customers (Reichheld and Teal, 2001). In the literature, the distinction between attitudinal and behavioural loyalty is widely spread, and it will also be upheld in this research. One instrument often used in relationship marketing is the promotional tool of loyalty cards (Aßmann et al, 2008). There are different forms of loyalty cards, which differ in loyalty card type, in loyalty card functions and in target groups (Steffens, 2010). The image and efficacy of loyalty cards are highly controversial in the literature. Recent research [...]

"The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic marks the most significant, singular global disruption since World War II, with health, economic, political, and security implications that will ripple for years to come." -Global Trends 2040 (2021) Global Trends 2040-A More Contested World (2021), released by the US National Intelligence Council, is the latest report in its series of reports starting in 1997 about megatrends and the world's future. This report, strongly influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic, paints a bleak picture of the future and describes a contested, fragmented and turbulent world. It specifically discusses the four main trends that will shape tomorrow's world: - Demographics-by 2040, 1.4 billion people will be added mostly in Africa and South Asia. - Economics-increased government debt and concentrated economic power will escalate problems for the poor and middleclass. - Climate-a hotter world will increase water, food, and health insecurity. - Technology-the emergence of new technologies could both solve and cause problems for human life. Students of trends, policymakers, entrepreneurs, academics, journalists and anyone eager for a glimpse into the next decades, will find this report, with colored graphs, essential reading.

In a modern world with rapidly growing international trade, countries compete less based on the availability of natural resources, geographical advantages, and lower labor costs and more on factors related to firms' ability to enter and compete in new markets. One such factor is the ability to demonstrate the quality and safety of goods and services expected by consumers and confirm compliance with international standards. To assure such compliance, a sound quality infrastructure (QI) ecosystem is essential. Jointly developed by the World Bank Group and the National Metrology Institute of Germany, this guide is designed to help development partners and governments analyze a country's quality infrastructure ecosystems and provide recommendations to design and implement reforms and enhance the capacity of their QI institutions.

Here is practical advice for anyone who wants to build their business by selling overseas. The International Trade Administration covers key topics such as marketing, legal issues, customs, and more. With real-life examples and a full index, A Basic Guide to Exporting provides expert advice and practical solutions to meet all of your exporting needs.

Explains process of importing goods into the U.S., including informed compliance, invoices, duty assessments, classification and value, marking requirements, etc.