Investigating how markets are becoming increasingly similar across countries while simultaneously becoming more diverse and heterogeneous within countries, this timely Handbook explores novel and under-researched sub-cultural marketing segments. Contributions from a diverse group of established and emerging marketing scholars examine how we might better understand and serve new generations of consumers from a variety of generational, ethnic, and religiously diverse market segments. Cognisant of the cultural diversity within cultures, the Handbook considers the ethical ramifications of culture- and race-based targeting and segmentation, advancing a culture-based marketing approach that addresses the similarities and differences across groups while recognising the variety that exists within them. Chapters explore a compelling array of topics, from advocating for a departure from the white, Eurocentric, and heteronormative ideals that dominate the global beauty industry and investigating how Hip Hop's move into the mainstream raises questions about authenticity and cultural appropriation, to addressing the role played by religion in consumer behaviour and mapping the diverse and complex markets of Latin America and Asia. Featuring multidisciplinary research which builds towards a more vibrant ethnic and sub-cultural marketing literature, this compelling Handbook will inform and inspire the work of current and future marketing scholars. It will also be an essential resource for corporations interested in targeting ethnic and religious marketing segments.

Disillusionment with globalization, along with a rise in nationalist sentiment, may lead us to ask whether cross-cultural or international research will be necessary in the coming years and, if it is, what form it will take. While all international marketing is cross-cultural, not all cross-cultural marketing is international. Cultures are defined as groups of people who share a common language, set of norms, institutions, beliefs and values. There are many ways such groups can be defined - only one of which is country. Regardless of the definition parameters, one thing remains clear: cross-cultural marketing is a broad topic in today's technological, always-connected world. This Handbook suggests future directions for cross-cultural marketing research in a rapidly evolving global environment. It builds upon existing models and topics, addresses the methodological challenges of cross-cultural research, and provides applied examples spanning various methodologies as well as industry sectors and country settings. In addition, contributors present new paradigms for future research. Cross-cultural marketing research scholars, Ph.D. students and cross-cultural and international marketing practitioners will benefit from this thorough examination of current trends as well as forward thinking concepts from some of the field's foremost experts.

The customer is the only one who can fire all of us. -Sam Walton Doing business in today's economy and surviving requires a new paradigm. Who are at the center of this new approach to doing business? CONSUMERS. Historically, power struggles have raged between suppliers and distributors. Recently, both parties awakened to the fact that neither of them has the ultimate power . . . it now resides solely with the consumer. This valuable book describes what demassification of the consumer market means and will show you howand whybusinesses must adapt to succeed. Handy charts, tables, and illustrations make the information easy to understand, and fascinating sidebar quotations from well-known leaders of various industriesSam Walton, Jack Welch, and many moregive the book a unique and memorable flavor. Consumers, say the authors, not only demand higher quality and lower prices, but also expect convenient, quick, customized service. They expect in-stock conditions and quality. They demand value and respect. Global markets mean large numbers of consumers, but these consumers want to be treated as individuals, and the mass market no longer exists. Companies in industries from financial services to groceries to consumer goods to health care to hardware to automobiles are adopting these new business processes and winning in the marketplace. Their competitors are falling by the wayside. This essential book: examines the factors that are shaping the current business environment and looks at the re-orientation of today's consumer, presenting global perspectives on these vital issues explores this new consumer-centric approach from the perspectives of suppliers, intermediaries, and retailers, as well as the business processes being used to create more efficient supply chains and more effective demand fulfillment processes shows you the tools that can be used to implement this new business paradigm in the areas of technology, internal business processes, and collaboration answers frequently asked questions shares the success stories of Rite Aid, Southwest Airlines, Starbucks, Snap-On Tools, National Semiconductor, and others! After addressing the issues of why business must change and examining the significance of a global business environment, The Consumer . . . or Else! addresses each element of the new business paradigm: the new role of consumers major players, including the shift in the business processes of retailers and manufacturers and the role of intermediaries new business processes, with a focus on technology, internal coordination, and collaboration Companies from Dell Computer to Del Monte are putting consumers first and reaping the sales benefits. General Mills will soon provide consumers with the opportunity to create and name their own custom cereal. As the authors point out, The business process is changing-changing the way product flows, the way information flows, and the way cash flows. Companies that recognize this need to change will hold huge competitive advantages, and the companies that fail to adapt will simply not be here in the future. Let The Consumer . . . or Else!: Consumer-Centric Business Paradigms be your guidebook to this challenging new business climate.