Background of the Study
Ethics play a vital role in establishing trust and fostering long-term relationships between retail businesses and their customers. In the competitive retail sector, particularly within department stores in Kaduna State, maintaining ethical standards in business practices can significantly influence consumer perception and loyalty (Oladapo & Yusuf, 2024). Ethical behavior in retail encompasses a variety of practices, including transparent pricing, honesty in advertising, and fairness in customer service. Retail businesses that adopt strong ethical values are more likely to cultivate positive relationships with customers, leading to increased customer satisfaction and brand loyalty.
Kaduna State, with its growing retail market, sees increasing numbers of department stores vying for consumer attention. While customer relations are primarily driven by product offerings and price, ethical conduct remains an essential component of building a reputation for trustworthiness and credibility (Aliyu & Ahmed, 2023). However, the influence of ethics on customer relations in department stores remains underexplored in Nigeria. This study aims to investigate the role of ethics in customer relations within department stores in Kaduna State, focusing on how ethical business practices contribute to customer trust, satisfaction, and loyalty.
Statement of the Problem
Department stores in Kaduna State often engage in various customer relations strategies, but the role of ethics in shaping these relationships remains insufficiently studied. Many department stores may not fully recognize the impact that ethical behavior has on building customer trust, which is crucial for long-term customer loyalty. Unethical practices, such as misleading advertising or poor customer service, can lead to dissatisfaction and loss of business. This study seeks to explore the importance of ethics in retail business operations and its effects on customer relations in Kaduna State’s department stores.
Objectives of the Study
Research Questions
Research Hypotheses
Scope and Limitations of the Study
The study will focus on department stores in Kaduna State that engage in customer relations practices. Limitations include the potential differences in ethical practices across department stores, which may affect the study's ability to generalize findings. Moreover, customer perceptions of ethical behavior may be subjective and vary widely based on individual experiences.
Definitions of Terms