Interested in helping independent retailers survive and thrive? Grad student looking for focus-group participants

A grad student who lives in West Seattle, Mike Northcutt, asked if we would share this announcement for independent research he’s conducting, self-funded, about local shopping, with a focus group this weekend. It’s a class project but the findings could benefit many:

Focus Group this Sunday to help small businesses in West Seattle.

Looking for 5-7 participants to join the conversation.

Topic: “The changing landscape for modern boutique retailers: How will they compete in the era of Amazon?”

Study is being conducted by a West Seattle resident / UW masters student and is aimed at delivering a beneficial report on issues such as: (1) How have shoppers’ expectations changed in the past 5 years? (2) How are people are using technology to drive purchasing decisions? (3) Why do people continue to shop at local stores when it is more convenient and cheaper to shop online?, and (4) How do millennials view brick and mortar local shopping? These and many other interesting topics will be discussed. This is a 4-week customer research study, with Sunday’s focus group being only the first leg. Findings from the study will be provided back to WSB in March for public viewing. If studies garner enough interest, a second study may follow.

If interested, please fill out this quick questionnaire (1-2 minutes). Selected participants will receive a $15 tab at the selected location for a beverage and pastry etc. The session will take approximately 1.5 – 2.0 hrs and will be held this Sunday (time and location TBA). This will be more formal than an open “meetup” as it will be a moderated focus group style format.

Show your interest here.

3 Replies to "Interested in helping independent retailers survive and thrive? Grad student looking for focus-group participants"

  • M February 12, 2016 (6:46 pm)

    Three Little Birds? I know they are running a crowd funding campaign to launch online. 

  • coffee February 12, 2016 (8:59 pm)

    I’d love to do this but have plans on Sunday that prevent me from doing it.  Darn!!!

  • Mike Northcutt February 13, 2016 (8:33 pm)

    Hi All,

    I am the student researcher running this study. First of all, thank you Tracey and WS blog for publishing this post. 

    I’d like to let people know that there is still time to join one of the two discussions tomorrow (Sunday, 2/14). Currently they are scheduled for 9:00am and 1:00pm here in WS. If interested in attending or in future participation in this study, please fill out this quick questionnaire (even if the date has passed): https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WS-shopping

    As mentioned, I plan to provide the WS blog with all of the findings and customer insights (that will be coming from you), for the benefit of local businesses.

    Spread the word. 

    Thank you all,
    Mike

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