Street Vending and Competitive Advantage: A Theoretical Framework

Location

1049

Format Type

Paper

Format Type

Paper

Start Date

12-1-2017 11:15 AM

End Date

12-1-2017 11:35 AM

Abstract

The study examines the strategies adopted by street vendors or hawkers in Ghana in a bid to gain competitive advantage. Drawing on six focus group meetings held with street vendors in two sub-metropolitan assemblies (Bantama and Tafo) in Kumasi, Ghana, the study finds that street vendors adopt ten strategies – networking, multiple undifferentiated market strategy, the sale of convenient products, ‘dying and resurrecting’ (strategic exit and return into business), regular changing of goods and services, exploitation of flexible operating hours, cost-based pricing strategy, sales promotion, trade credit and locational advantage – to gain competitive advantage. Using these strategies, a theoretical framework for street vendors’ competitive advantage is developed.

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Jan 12th, 11:15 AM Jan 12th, 11:35 AM

Street Vending and Competitive Advantage: A Theoretical Framework

1049

The study examines the strategies adopted by street vendors or hawkers in Ghana in a bid to gain competitive advantage. Drawing on six focus group meetings held with street vendors in two sub-metropolitan assemblies (Bantama and Tafo) in Kumasi, Ghana, the study finds that street vendors adopt ten strategies – networking, multiple undifferentiated market strategy, the sale of convenient products, ‘dying and resurrecting’ (strategic exit and return into business), regular changing of goods and services, exploitation of flexible operating hours, cost-based pricing strategy, sales promotion, trade credit and locational advantage – to gain competitive advantage. Using these strategies, a theoretical framework for street vendors’ competitive advantage is developed.