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Purpose -This study aims to investigate the effects of age on mobile service quality perceptions and its impact on perceived value, satisfaction and loyalty between two significant mobile service user segments -Generation Y and baby boomers. Design/methodology/approach -A multiple group structural equation modeling approach is utilized to assess the proposed model. Findings -The results identify the mobile service quality attributes that are important to Generation Y-ers and baby boomers. The study also finds significant differences between the two groups in terms of the effect of perceived economic and emotional value on satisfaction.Research limitations/implications -A limitation lies in the measurement of service quality. Another limitation is different methods of data collection between two age groups. Future research is recommended to examine differences between other generations, between different ethnic groups, and other demographic variables.Practical implications -This study strongly suggest the effect of age on mobile service perceptions and loyalty decisions. It is suggested that marketers appeal to the emotional value for Gen Y-ers while placing an emphasis on economic value for baby boomers. Originality/value -The proposed role of gender in loyalty decisions provides insights to marketers on how to promote their services for diverse consumer segments.

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Many cities have begun to use experiential marketing in order to create cohesive place branding messages that appeal to different potential visitors, both tourists and locals. By identifying the brand experiences that influence place dependence and positive outcomes such as word-of-mouth and revisit intention, the success of a city downtown can be measured. This study surveyed visitors (locals and tourists) in three city downtowns (Asheville, North Carolina, Nashville, Tennessee, and Chattanooga, Tennessee). After testing the structural equation model for each visitor group, potential strategies for improving downtown success are discussed.

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PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the direct and indirect effects of individuals' self‐concept, product‐oriented variables (i.e. consumer's need for uniqueness (NFU), and clothing interest), and brand‐specific variables (i.e. perceived quality and emotional value) on purchase intention toward a US retail brand versus a local brand that are available in the Indian market.Design/methodology/approachData obtained from 405 college students in India were analyzed using structural equation modeling.FindingsThis study found that Indian consumers' self‐concept and NFU had indirect effects on purchase intention of the US brand and the local brand. Both self‐concept and NFU positively influenced clothing interest. Clothing interest positively influenced perceived quality and emotional value for the US brand, but not for the local brand. Emotional value was found to be an important factor influencing purchase intention toward the US brand and the local brand as well. However, perceived quality did not affect Indian consumers' purchase intention of the US and local brand. Implications for both US and Indian retailers are provided.Originality/valueAs India is witnessing multitude of US retailers in its market, this paper aids in the better understanding of the Indian consumers and their perceptions toward US and local clothing brands.

Purpose-The purpose of this paper is to seek to segment CSA members based on their motivations to join a CSA. Design/methodology/approach-Data obtained from an online survey of 565 members belonging to a New York state CSA were analyzed using a combined hierarchical and non-hierarchical cluster analysis. Findings-Based on their motivations to join a CSA results reveal four distinct types of segments among CSA members: No-Frills Member, Foodie Member, Nonchalant Member, and Quintessential Member. Results show all four clusters differ statistically across demographic characteristics including gender, political affiliation, and household income. The clusters differed across psychographic characteristics such as attitudes toward the treatment of animals, treatment of farm workers, pesticide use, the environment, food miles, and limiting factory farm purchases. Quintessential Members emerge as most concerned with food purchasing decisions while No-Frills Members are least concerned. Research limitations/implications-The study employs a non-random purposive sample of CSAs in New York state. Respondents were recruited indirectly to participate in an online survey. The length and complexity of the survey, absence of an email address for respondents, levels of digital fluency, and technical glitches may result in lower participation rates. Practical implications-This paper offers recommendations to farmers for retaining and attracting different types of CSA members. Originality/value-This is the first study that segments CSA members in the USA based on their motivations to subscribe to a CSA, and it differentiates CSA member clusters based on their demographics, psychographics, and food purchasing decisions. Keywords USA, Consumer perceptions, Consumer purchasing decisions, Cluster analysis Paper type Research paper Most American consumers are indiscriminate, "buying what they want, within the limits of what they can get without asking further questions about price or quality" with taste usurping all other preferences (Berry, 1989). Yet fresh, seasonal produce appears to be attracting a growing body of consumers who seek locally grown agricultural goods as an alternative to the industrialized food system. Several local food programs including Jersey Fresh, Virginia's Finest, and Arizona Grown cater to these types of consumers and even retailers like Wal-Mart endeavor to offer more locally grown foods (