Browsing by Author "Vishvanathan, D."

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Changing Consumer Preferences and Urban Buyer Behaviour: The Case of Sri Lanka
(University of Kelaniya, 2005) Vishvanathan, D.; Karunaratne, H.D.
According to the recent Consumer Finances and Socio-Economic Survey 2003/2004 conducted by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, the behavioural patterns of urban consumer have drastically changed during the past two decades. This study attempts to identify the reasons behind this phenomenon. By reviewing of literature and holding discussions with experts, it was identified that the changing consumer preferences are the product of interaction among consumer-related variables, product-related variables and motives of food demand. In order to obtain the necessary facts about emerging patterns of consumer preferences, data was collected from both primary and secondary sources. The study analysed the changes in family consumption patterns in Sri Lanka and the socio-economic characteristics and income and expenditure patterns of urban shoppers. A strong relationship was identified between the two variables, emerging consumer preferences patterns and variables influencing product selection and place of shopping. There were a few prominent findings in this regard, namely (i) consumers shop at supermarkets because of the ability to get most of the weekly requirements by shopping done under one roof; (ii) most consumers consider quality, choice of goods and convenience of shopping over the traditional factors like price in making a purchase decision; and (iii) consumers who spend more on grocery items tend to use supermarkets. It was also revealed that the rapid growth of supermarkets also influences the emerging patterns of consumer preferences.
Determinants of Growth of Supermarkets in Sri Lanka
(University of Kelaniya, 2005) Karunaratne, H.D.; Vishvanathan, D.
The number of supermarkets has been rapidly growing in Sri Lanka during the recent past. This study attempts to identify determinants of such growth. There are four main objectives of this paper, namely (i) to understand the factors which are considered in establishing the supermarket outlets;(ii) to understand the factors which determine their growth; (iii) to understand how supermarkets can increase profits by minimizing social and economic externalities; and (iv) to understand how consumers can be better off by using supermarkets. In order to achieve these objectives, this study present SWOT of supermarkets, analyzing the growing trends of supermarkets, socio-economic characteristics, family consumption patterns and income and expenditure patterns of supermarket shoppers. This study utilized both published and unpublished macro and micro level data. The primary data was obtained by means of conducting in-depth interviews and two surveys. Secondary data was collected from the survey findings published by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka. According to the facts established by means of analysing the data collected, a strong relationship was found between the two variables, growth of supermarkets and the emerging consumer behaviour patterns in Sri Lanka. Further, the study revealed a clear change of the patterns of consumer behaviour associated with the expansion of supermarkets. Finally, interdependent relationship between the growth of supermarkets and emerging patterns of consumer behaviour was identified in the context of urban Sri Lanka.