3. Methodology
This study explores consumer shopping value from the consumer’s perspective by investigating the origins of shopping value: fulfilment of shopping motivations and specific benefits consumers gain from retail stores. Shopping value is examined as it relates to two different types of retail environments: department stores and mass merchandisers. The in-depth personal interview was used as the primary method of data collection because it focuses on the participants’ expression of their own experiences. Open-ended interviews were conducted with sixteen participants (thirteen females and three males) ages 20–55 to explore their shopping experiences. Participants were recruited in the South-eastern United States at a large university as well as local churches through posters and word-of-mouth. Participant occupations were wide ranging and included students, professionals (such as engineers and office personnel), as well as homemakers, representing a diverse consumer base.