● Some retail practices are covered by legislation. One major law is the
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which mandates that persons with
disabilities be given appropriate access to retailing facilities. As Title III of the
Act states: “Public accommodations [retail stores] must comply with basic
nondiscrimination requirements that prohibit exclusion, segregation, and
unequal treatment. They also must comply with specific requirements related
to architectural standards for new and altered buildings; reasonable modifications
to policies, practices, and procedures; effective communication with
people with hearing, vision, or speech disabilities; and other access requirements.
Additionally, public accommodations must remove barriers in existing
buildings where it is easy to do so without much difficulty or expense, given
the public accommodation’s resources.” ADA affects entrances, vertical transportation,
width of aisles, and store displays.27 See Figure 2-12.
● People are more apt to patronize firms perceived as customer-oriented and
not to shop with ones seen as greedy.
● Consumers are more knowledgeable, price-conscious, and selective than in
the past.
● Large retailers may be viewed as indifferent to consumers. They may not provide
enough personal attention for shoppers or may have inadequate control
over employees.
● The use of self-service is increasing, and it can cause frustration for some
shoppers.
● Innovative technology is unsettling to many consumers, who must learn new
shopping behavior (such as how to use electronic video kiosks).
● Retailers are in direct customer contact, so they are often blamed for and
asked to resolve problems caused by manufacturers (such as defective
products).