Shopper demand

Here are some expert insights into shopper demand across various domains:

1. Car and Bike Rental Services:

   • According to Robert Frank, demand variations in services such as car rentals can be easier to manage compared to bike rentals. This is because cars can be moved more efficiently from one area to another according to fluctuating demands. On the other hand, bike rentals suffer from static supply, as moving bikes requires extra costs for transportation, making it hard to adapt to shifting demand patterns 1.

2. Impact of Social Media on Consumer Behavior:

   • Aja Barber discusses how social media has become a significant influence in increasing consumer desire for new clothing. Social media platforms have transitioned into being major venues for commerce, particularly fast fashion, which significantly drives shopper demand up. This is troubling as it often leads to excessive consumerism where people are more focused on rapid purchases rather than meaningful consumption 2.

3. Managing Demand in Supply Chains:

   • Brendan O'Donohoe explains the extensive measures taken by companies like Frito-Lay to cope with fluctuations in demand. They utilize an array of strategies including stocking reserves at local stores and managing distribution centers to avoid losing sales opportunities, which are crucial for retaining customers 3.

     Bike Rental Economics

     Russ Roberts

     Robert Frank

     Explore the challenges and potential profitability of bike rental businesses compared to car rental, including the impact of demand variations, the predictability of bike rental demand, and the costs associated with running a bike shop.

     

     EconTalk

     Robert Frank on Dinner Table Economics

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Each of these perspectives provides a unique view on how shopper demand can be influenced and managed across different sectors and platforms.