Browsing by Author "Mattsson, Heidi"

The purpose of the study was to review the outlook of pet food e-commerce from the perspective of a pet food supplier and its retailers. The study was conducted through a qualitative approach utilizing theme interviews. The study was directed by the concept of marketing mix which offered a theoretical basis for the research process. Five theme interviews were conducted, in which altogether 12 people participated. The participants were from one supplier company and from four retailing companies, both from the grocery and pet specialty channels. The findings clearly suggest that more collaboration between the suppliers and retailers is called for. Based on the findings, it can be stated that both the supplier and the retailers find the online channel still as something very new and unfamiliar. Therefore, they would like to develop this unique channel in collaboration with each other. Information and its management were a clear theme in all interviews. The importance of correct and exhaustive product information, and the availability of product pictures and videos, among other things, were frequently emphasized. All interviewees also appeared very open and eager to test new approaches to conduct marketing in the e-channel. E-commerce was clearly seen as an opportunity to create new ways of collaboration, and also to increase the efficiency of the entire distribution chain.