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Case Study: Ethel’s Chocolate Lounges

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Running head: ETHEL’S CHOCOLATE LOUNGE

Case Study: Ethel’s Chocolate Lounges
Eric Peters
Strayer University
MKT100035VA016-1118-001: Prin Of Marketing I
Professor: Shotae Taylor

Case Study: Ethel’s Chocolate Lounges Ethel Mars began creating chocolates in her kitchen in 1911. The Mars Corporation opened Ethel’s Chocolate Lounge in 2005 in Chicago and have opened several more lounges since then. The lounges offer unique chocolate as well as hot and cold beverages in a relaxing and neighborhood-like environment. This is a place for people to go for good chocolate and friendly conversation.

Consumer buying decision
This type of consumer buying decision is limited decision making. When clients choose to shop at Ethel’s, there are very few, choices to compare their experience to. Those who choose this type of store already have a working knowledge of chocolate and also have an idea of what this store offers. When deciding on trying Ethel’s, they generally are making a pretty substantive decision to try their products, not thinking about the prices that Ethel’s Chocolate Lounge command.

Factors that influence a consumer
There are 5 factors that would determine the consumers involvement in whether or not to frequent Ethel’s and what they are willing to spend in the overall experience of their transaction. These 5 factors are previous experience, interest, perceived risk of negative consequences, situation, and social visibility. Previous experience would be whether they had ever been to Ethel’s Chocolate Lounge and what type of specialty product knowledge they may have. Interest would refer to the level of interest the consumer displays such as the white and chocolate décor and the plush “pink” chairs that was in each location. This would vary from person to person as a person’s interest in not only the products offered but also their level of

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