Sales and Merchandising Commons^™

A Case Study Of Faculty Perspectives On Teaching Across Borders, Lucy Matthews, Diane R. Edmondson, Tammy Bahmanziari

Atlantic Marketing Journal

This study explores the differences between faculty who have and have not led study abroad programs at a southeastern U.S. public university. Using survey responses from 133 faculty members, the research examines professional and motivational variables that influence participation. Findings reveal that those who have led study abroad programs tend to be satisfied with their experiences, report higher perceptions of student cultural competency gains, and are more likely to recommend such programs to peers. Additionally, experiential learning emerged as a central theme, with faculty highlighting the pedagogical value of immersive global education. Barriers to participation were also investigated. The study …

A Captured Audience: How Job Stress Leads Employees To Online Shopping Via Cyberloafing, Seth Williams

Atlantic Marketing Journal

This paper investigates the hyper-connected workplace and how the modern employee deals with job stress in their work environment. Using the theory of compensatory consumer behavior and partial least squares structural equation modeling, we investigate how job stress impacts employees in the workplace to shop online. This shopping is done via cyberloafing, which is using the internet for personal reasons at work. Psychological detachment is also studied as a mediator. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed for managers in the workplace as well as businesses marketing to individuals taking a break on the clock.

Five Strategic Categories Ai Is Transforming Marketing, Ryan Matthews

Atlantic Marketing Journal

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a revolutionary technology that provides tools and methodologies to expand marketings impact. AI enables companies to better understand customer needs, preferences, and behaviors to personalize an approach to different market verticals and segments. AI has become a significant factor influencing how businesses interact and retain the attention of customers. Customers increasingly have an appetite for a highly personalized interaction. AI-driven data approaches and innovative technologies are increasing personalization and efficiency. AI is a revolutionary tool that enables marketing to grow beyond traditional limitations. Understanding the correct tool is vital for marketing executives, whether they are obtaining …

Augmented Reality In Fashion Retail: A Walmart Unlimited Study, Chloe A. Mcpherson

Apparel Merchandising and Product Development Undergraduate Honors Theses

As technology continues to evolve, augmented reality (AR) has become increasingly common within the retail and fashion industries. This study explored Gen Z consumers’ perceptions of immersive AR shopping experiences through Walmart Unlimited, an interactive digital shopping platform. The purpose of this research was to better understand how younger consumers respond to AR-enhanced shopping environments and whether these technologies influence attitudes toward convenience, engagement, and sustainability in retail.

A quantitative research design was used for this study. Participants completed the Walmart Unlimited shopping experience and then responded to a Qualtrics survey measuring areas such as immersion, satisfaction, ease of use, …

Modular Category Optimization For Substitutability: An Item-Level Approach, Medhansh A. Sankaran

Data Science Undergraduate Honors Theses

This thesis examines substitutability within Walmart apparel as a foundation for modular category optimization. Using large-scale item-level data, I develop an attribute-based framework that aggregates products to the fineline level, constructs a structured feature space, and identifies candidate substitute relationships through similarity-based matching within relevant merchandise groupings. The results show that Walmart item master data contains sufficient structure to support scalable substitute generation across a high-variety assortment. However, substitutability is not uniform: many item pairs exhibit high similarity but low observed demand transfer, indicating that structural similarity alone does not guarantee substitution. To address this, the framework is positioned within …

Bill Brand Interview By Alex Morris, April 6, 2026, Bill Brand, Alexander Morris

HIST 4798/5798: Recording Memory: Methods and Uses of Oral History

In this 2026 interview, Bill Brand, a former corporate executive and, since 2023, a trustee on the Ohio University Foundation Board, discusses his lifelong connections to Ohio University (OU) and Athens, Ohio. An OU alum, Brand earned a Bachelor of Science from the Scripps College of Communication in 1987. He discusses what about OU—from when he first visited in the early 80s up until now—has continued to entice him into involvement with the university. In particular, he touches on the strong sense of community within both the university and Athens as a whole, which he asserts serves as a safe …

Defying Conventions: The Marketing Alchemy Of Transforming 'Ugly' Into Iconic, Monisha Gupta, Rex Evans Mcclure

Atlantic Marketing Association Proceedings

No abstract provided.

A Holistic Approach To Country Branding: Examining A Master Brand And Sub-Brand Framework, Musa Pinar, Aycan Duran Tekoglu, Tulay Girard

Atlantic Marketing Journal

Recently, nation branding has drawn the attention of policymakers worldwide, as nations recognize its strategic importance in achieving and sustaining success in the global competitive landscape. This study provides a conceptual framework based on master brand and sub-brand architecture to examine country branding holistically by integrating macro and micro perspectives, country brand equity, and their effects on consumer preferences. The specific objectives are to 1) identify the dimensions of master brand, sub-brand, and country brand equity and develop reliable and valid measurement scales for each dimension, and 2) develop a conceptual framework that integrates the master brand, sub-brand, and brand …

Integrating Social Media And Entrepreneurship: A Study Of Social Media, Creativity, Strategy, And Innovation In Building A Successful Brand Presence In The Digital Era, Lys Ishiari

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Social media has completely changed what it means to start a business. It was once just a place for personal interactions but is currently a powerful channel that drives the growth of multiple industries (Felicia, 2022). Now, anyone can use their personal creativity and hobbies to build a brand, especially on apps like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. The purpose of this study is to identify the common themes behind social media entrepreneurs’ success, which allows individuals to become both creators and business owners in the digital age. Furthermore, a key part of writing this paper is personal; it connects to …

Sustainability: Buzz Word Or Future Of Fashion? Measuring The Feasibility Of Outright Sustainability Among Fast Fashion’S Biggest Agents, Ryan Miller

Apparel Merchandising and Product Development Undergraduate Honors Theses

Abstract

The fashion industry is currently experiencing unsustainable rates of pollution within its supply chains. The rapid increase in demand for short lead times perpetrated by large-scale retailers has led to hazardous practices negatively affecting both the environmental conditions and working conditions of producing countries. With this increased pressure, relationships between brands and suppliers have become untenable. Limited transparency and imbalanced power dynamics at the hand of the industry’s leading retailers require restructuring in order to build more sustainable and equitable supply-chain practices. Further, governmental regulation is currently limited in its capacity to enforce sustainable business practices on a global …

The Impact Of User-Generated Content And Online Reaction Videos On The Marketing Of Video Games, Diane R. Edmondson, Randy Clark, Trevor Golter

Atlantic Marketing Journal

Modern developments in social media, video streaming platforms, and user-generated online content from influencers have led to a growth in video game marketing. One of the prominent genres of user-generated content on video platforms is the reaction video. These videos are relied upon for spreading information and marketing in the video game industry. Providing a better understanding of the impact of this video game promotional outlet is beneficial for marketers, social media influencers, and businesses in this industry. We collected data from 623 Southeastern University undergraduate students to address this topic using a Qualtrics survey. The survey consisted of two …

Unveiling Risk Strategies In The Online Food Delivery Platforms: Evidence From Risk Disclosures And Reprisk Index, Maryam Mahdikhani, Jiyoon An, Arim Park

Atlantic Marketing Journal

Online Food Delivery Platforms (OFDPs) have faced unique challenges related to uncertainty and global risk in recent decades. To address these risks, this study utilized machine learning (ML) techniques, including Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) and Word2Vec, to extract and cluster OFDP-related risk factors. The analysis was conducted using unstructured text data from the annual reports of two prominent OFDP companies—Delivery Hero (DH) and Grubhub (GH)—from 2017 to 2020. We also examined the multidimensional RepRisk Index (RRI) for these companies and developed a two-dimensional matrix to evaluate preparedness and responsiveness across various risk categories in the OFDP sector. The results indicate …

Do The Effects Of Ethnocentrism And Cosmopolitanism Depend On Countries-Of-Origins? An Empirical Study Of U.S. Consumers, Thomas Tanner, Jung Kim, Ronda Mariani

Atlantic Marketing Journal

Consumer ethnocentrism and cosmopolitanism have been shown to be instrumental factors for the evaluation and purchase of foreign products. Many prior studies have provided evidence that ethnocentric consumers have lower willingness to buy for products that originated from foreign countries, while cosmopolitan consumers have higher willingness to buy. However, prior research has been conducted in the research setting where only one foreign country is pit against home country. Therefore, it is not clear whether their direct impacts on animosity, product judgement, and willingness to buy will be homogeneous, regardless of countries-of-origin. In other words, do consumers hold the same degree …

The Role Of Artificial Intelligence In Transforming Physical And Online Fashion Retail: Enhancing Experiences, Driving Sustainability, And Fostering Innovation, Andrew Burnstine

Faculty and Staff Publications & Presentations

This study explores the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in revolutionizing the fashion industry, with a focus on enhancing consumer experiences, promoting sustainability, and driving innovation in retail. It examines AI applications in personalized recommendations, virtual try-ons, and supply chain optimization, while also addressing societal implications. Sustainability is a central theme, highlighting how AI minimizes overproduction, enables circular fashion, and encourages conscious consumerism. Case studies, such as Nike’s AI-powered retail stores and Lynn University’s Surreal Fashion Show, demonstrate practical applications and innovations during the COVID-19 pandemic. This research synthesizes insights from reports by The Business of Fashion and McKinsey …

Diverse Bodies, Inclusive Shopping? How Representation Of Body Diversity Shapes Consumer Experiences, Javier Alejandro Martinez

2025 Fall Honors Capstones Projects - Archive

This systematic literature review aims to summarize the prior research on the impact of body diversity representation on consumer behaviors in the fashion retailing industry. Deriving from 30 peer-reviewed research articles, we explore how body diversity representation in advertisements and product assortment affects consumer self-evaluation, shopping behaviors, and the nuances within the luxury fashion sector. Consistent with self-congruence theory, findings show that diverse and natural model representation improves body image and purchase intentions. In contrast, idealized portrayals and limited size options reinforce exclusivity, deepen social divides, and harm the self-esteem of excluded consumers, a model that is utilized in luxury …

Consumer Experiences In The Secondhand Market: Finances, Frugality, Fashion, & Fun, Melissa Chasko Turner

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Secondhand apparel refers to clothing and accessories that have been previously owned, handed down, donated, or resold to others. They are a sustainable product because they are reused instead of being discarded into landfills. Consumer experience refers to the emotional and psychological responses individuals have during their interactions with products and services across all touchpoints. In the secondhand apparel market, consumer experience plays a significant role in product purchasing, and the unique aspects of retail entertainment serve as key motivators. Consumer-perceived risk refers to the uncertainty of adverse outcomes associated with purchasing a product. Purchasing secondhand apparel poses similar yet …

Exploring Gen Z’S Identity Formation And Its Influence On Consumption Of Pop Culture And Entertainment Merchandise, Melisa Annette Spilinek

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

Fandoms have grown in size and influence, becoming a complex and dynamic cultural phenomenon that richly impacts the consumption of media and consumer behavior. The capitalistic United States with its diverse and media-savvy population, is a prime destination to study fan studies, particularly among young adults who are a crucial component of fandom influence.

The internet has grown to be a major component of the fan experience, an integral part of fandom culture. Online communities provide avenues for Generation Z to connect with others who share similar struggles, challenges, and interests, highlighting the importance of digital platofrms on the evolution …

The Impact Of Individual Culture On Purchase Decisions Of Fast Fashion In Brazil, Lucie S. Speck

Senior Theses

Fast fashion is an emerging method of production in the apparel industry that is characterized by lower-quality materials and faster production timelines than the traditional methods of producing clothing. It is becoming a trending topic in modern business due to its negative social and environmental impact, as brands that use fast fashion production processes are constantly being criticized for inhumane labor practices and large amounts of textile waste.

This research proposes two models using a survey as its main research method. The first model determines how financial situation, collectivism as a cultural value, and education level impact whether social media …

The Angel Wears Prada, The Devil Buys It On The Realreal: Expanding Trademark Rights Beyond The First Sale Doctrine, Junajoy Vinoya Frianeza

Pepperdine Law Review

Luxury brands derive their goodwill from the high-class exclusivity and first-rate quality signified in their trademarks. The Trademark Act of 1946, commonly known as the Lanham Act, grants trademark holders the right to control use of their mark. However, under common law, the first sale doctrine restricts trademark protection after holders authorize the initial sale of their trademarked product. Such limitation particularly jeopardizes the luxury industry as trademark holders ultimately bear the loss of goodwill when counterfeit luxury goods enter the market due to the negligence of resellers. This Comment illustrates how blockchain authentication offers all luxury industry participants—the brands, …

Marketing Synergy: Digital Product Development & Marketing Strategy, Laura M. Clague

Undergraduate Theses, Professional Papers, and Capstone Artifacts

An extension of Marketing Analytics class BMKT: 440, this research delves into marketing efforts employed to promote "Chubby’s Swatch Book," a plus-size fashion guide tailored for college girls and a college lifestyle. The guide was created by a college student to address the challenges faced by plus-size individuals in finding fashionable and fitting clothing. The study spans a four-week marketing campaign, focusing on branding, social media marketing, and content creation. This paper outlines the development of the "Chubby’s Swatch Book," it’s marketing strategies, and the effectiveness of said strategies through various metrics such as engagement rates, sales conversions, and follower …

The Body Positivity Movement: Improving Female College Students Mental Health And Body Appreciation, Emilie Conners, Lucy Matthews, Diane R. Edmondson

Atlantic Marketing Journal

Body image concerns among college-aged women continue to be an immense issue across many college campuses. As technology advances, it has become more common for young girls and women to edit their social media photos and focus more on their flaws. Body image has a significant impact on mental and physical health; therefore, it is vital that these concerns are addressed and fought. One movement recently used as a possible way to combat this concern is the body positivity movement. However, more research is needed to understand the impact of this movement on young women. Survey data was collected via …

Digital Shopper Insights: Understanding Generational Perspectives On Mobile Commerce, Ronda G. Henderson, Kimberly Mcneil, Roland Leak Dr.

Atlantic Marketing Journal

The purpose of this study was to identify the perceptions of consumers regarding the use of smartphones to shop and to determine the extent of influence age has on their intentions to use their smartphones to shop. A quantitative, descriptive research design was conducted to examine the perceptions of consumers regarding the use of smartphone-based shopping. The findings revealed that Gen Zers, Millennials, and Gen Xers reported positive perceptions about using their smartphones to shop online. Boomers were consistently more unsure in their responses. The three generation groups (Gen Zers, Millennials, Gen Xers) agreed that using their smartphones to shop …

Management Of Operations In Projects Including Planning, Organization And Control From The Beginning To The End Of Implementation, Burim Isa Berisha Dr.Sc

International Journal of Business and Technology

The project usually arises as soon as the client’s need is identified, and goes through all the extensive phases and sub-phases to take its true form and put into operation. The project is divided into two main parts that include Planning and Implementation that are separate in these stages: definition, planning, organization, control, completion. Planning involves a detailed calculation of the project. This includes known facts, admissible facts and risk calculation. Activity model used by IKOMs Planning as a process involves the cost that accompanies it. The manager must strike the balance between cost and benefit. Project control uses data …

Project Planning And Control, Burim Isa Berisha Dr.Sc

International Journal of Business and Technology

Operations management is important because it relates to the creation of products and services on which we are all dependent. Operations management is also quite motivating; operations are the center of many changes that affect business - changes in customer preferences, changes in the supply chain caused by technologies based on the businesses where we work, where we want to work and so on.

Operations Management includes the role of operations management, the various characteristics of processes, management activities, the responsibilities of managers, and the timely evolution of Operations Management.

Operations Management is a constant change, fostering creativity which allows …

Management Of Small Enterprises And Family Businesses In The Republic Of Kosovo, Burim Isa Berisha Dr.Sc, Burim Berisha B.B

International Journal of Business and Technology

Small businesses represent the driving force of an economy. They are the key that enables the production and marketing of thousands of products and services thus becoming the basis for a sound economic development. Consequently, small businesses are of vital importance to the economy.

Small business is a generator of innovation and a source of new jobs. The trend shows that small businesses are the backbone of all developments and movements in the economic system.

The small business scope is present in almost every pore of social and economic life.

According to the Statistical Register for Businesses, there are 9,358 …

The Process Of Adapting Innovations In Banking Services By Businesses In Kosovo, Burim Isa Berisha Dr.Sc, Burim Berisha B.B

International Journal of Business and Technology

This dissertation addresses the importance of a business model from businesses in Kosovo, which is able to adapt innovations from the banking sector such as digital services, and through which become part of a global market where such developments occur step by step. very fast At the beginning of this paper will be given definitions related to the main concepts that are addressed such as business model, innovations in banking services - digitalization of services and the role and importance of linking a business model with banking services of the time. After the theoretical part, from which the main concepts …

The Process Of Adapting Innovations In Banking Services By Businesses In Kosovo, Burim Isa Berisha Dr.Sc, Burim Berisha B.B

International Journal of Business and Technology

This dissertation addresses the importance of a business model from businesses in Kosovo, which is able to adapt innovations from the banking sector such as digital services, and through which become part of a global market where such developments occur step by step. very fast At the beginning of this paper will be given definitions related to the main concepts that are addressed such as business model, innovations in banking services - digitalization of services and the role and importance of linking a business model with banking services of the time. After the theoretical part, from which the main concepts …

Chatgpt Unveiled: Unleashing Ai Magic In Online Shopping And Digital Marketing, Jianping Huang, Mark J. Sciuchetti Dr.

Atlantic Marketing Journal

This research paper explores the use of AI, specifically ChatGPT, in interactive activities within

online shopping and digital marketing. The paper examines the potential of AI-powered chatbots

to enhance customer engagement, personalization, and marketing effectiveness. Through a

literature review, case studies, and user feedback analysis, the research highlights the benefits of

AI chatbots in providing real-time assistance, personalized recommendations, and improved

customer experiences. The paper also addresses ethical and privacy concerns associated with AI

implementation and discusses future research directions. The findings are expected to suggest

that AI-powered chatbots have the potential to revolutionize online shopping and digital

marketing by …

The Membership Business Model: Great For Business But What About Consumers?, Cara Peters, Bradley W. Brooks

Atlantic Marketing Journal

Membership business models are increasingly prevalent, as they appear to be beneficial to companies. However, questions exist about the benefits of the membership business model to consumers. This paper examines consumer perspectives on the membership business model in the context of customer complaints related to Savage X Fenty’s business practices. Data were collected via 692 complaints posted to the Better Business Bureau website and analyzed according to protocols for phenomenology. Eight themes emerged from the data, beginning with membership sign-up and ending with being charged after-the-fact. The themes captured the different frustrations that consumers experienced with Savage X Fenty’s membership …

Happy Campers Or Unhappy Prisoners: How Materialism Punishes Us In Lockdown Times, Banwari Mittal

Atlantic Marketing Journal

COVID-19 and the resulting lockdowns created an unprecedented upheaval in consumers’ daily lives and lifestyles. The purpose of this research was to understand the psychological experience of life under lockdowns and the role of individual difference variables in that experience. Using survey data from U.S. consumers, the research identified two opposite feelings, coexisting: happy camper feeling or unhappy prisoner feeling. Younger, lower income, and less educated consumers felt more like prisoners than campers. Ability to maintain life as usual, and positive pre-pandemic life conditions (health, social network, and job satisfaction) led to happy camper feelings. In contrast, pre-pandemic materialism led …