Consumers’ perception of Traditional vs. Non-traditional Advertising in Bulgaria : A case of Kaufland Bulgaria

Abstract: Title: Consumers’ perception of Traditional vs. Non-traditional Advertising in Bulgaria.A case of Kaufland BulgariaLevel: Master Thesis in International MarketingAuthors: Simeon Kovachki and Ventsislav MarinovTutor: Sarah WiknerDate: 21st of May, 2018Keywords: Advertising, Marketing, Traditional Advertising, Non-Traditional Advertising, Communication Process, Decision-Making Process, PerceptionsBackground: There are different ways to promote a brand, products or services. The researchers attempted to understand the traditional and non-traditional messages of different types of advertisements. The focus of this research is on print advertising, billboards, TV commercials and online advertisement.The purpose of this study is to better understand the perceptions that the Bulgarian customers have towards the advertising messages that are sent on traditional and non-traditional channels by one of the hypermarkets in Bulgaria.Method: In order to answer the research questions and fulfill the purpose the researchers conducted qualitative and quantitative research. The primary data was collected by carrying out a semi-structured interview with one of the Kauflands’ managers in Bulgaria and an online survey that was distributed through one of the social media channels. The secondary data was collected by using online sources such as websites that are considered trustworthy and also companies annual reports which have been reviewed in order to better understand the position of Kaufland on the Bulgarian market.Conclusion: The authors found that both traditional and non-traditional advertising plays a major role. However, traditional advertising is still a big convincer towards a purchase. The merge between traditional and non-traditional advertising elevates classic advertising into the “new classic advertising”. The perception towards both ways of advertising is relatively positive, where brochures are the most preferred way when talking about hypermarkets.