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This paper investigates the impact of US-based franchising in the Middle Eastern context of Egypt. In a review of the franchise literature, micro-and macro-level effects are identified and categorized across social, economic, cultural, political, and marketplace dimensions. A qualitative analysis using focus groups of Middle Eastern consumers was conducted. Clear evidence of ''consumer agency'' as a transformative force in the globalization process is revealed. In addition to confirming consumer agency findings from previous research, this study also indicates a sequential progression of product adoption over time along Eckhardt and Mahi's (2004) consumer agency categories. Managerial and theoretical implications are discussed.

Susie pryor, avinash malshe, and Kyle paradiseThis paper reports the findings of an exploratory study of salesperson listening in the context of an extended sales relationship. In-depth interviews with both buyers and sellers suggest that listening has both cognitive and affective characteristics. Moreover, the data indicate a temporal dimension of listening, not addressed in current models of listening in the sales literature. Further, there appears to be a link between the salesperson's listening and the impressions of affective and cognitive empathy created and maintained over the course of sales interactions with customers. The impressions of affective and cognitive empathy created may affect the development of buyer-seller relationships.

PurposeThis article seeks to demonstrate how sociological perspectives and ethnographic methods provide insights into extraeconomic and suprafirm factors that may contribute to the functioning and character of downtown business districts. The study is intended to suggest directions for future research, rather than provide a definitive test of specific propositions.Design/methodology/approachA long‐term field investigation of a Midwestern American Main Street is presented in an extended case study format. Participant observation, depth and field interviews, and secondary data collection are the primary methods employed.FindingsThe findings suggest three dialectics that reflect extraeconomic dimensions underlying vital Main Streets. These include continua regarding the structure, function, and festive nature of marketplace activities. In this study, relatively few marketplace activities were commercial functions. Moreover, most were co‐produced by consumers and marketers. The extent of co‐production may contribute to the functioning and character of this vibrant downtown business district.Research limitations/implicationsThis study was designed foster future research regarding the downtown business district as an historical sociocommercial entity. However, it does not test specific hypotheses.Practical implicationsThis article should interest retailers, rural economists, city planners, and economic development agencies due to its focus on sociocommercial aspects of small city commercial centers.Originality/valueThe article highlights the extraeconomic importance of downtown business districts. It presents a case study of a successful Main Street, in contrast with studies that focus on the geographic, economic, and competitive factors related to failed or failing Main Streets.

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