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Retailing makes up about 9 percent of the U. S.
gross domestic product. However, between 1990 and 1995, almost
40,000 rural retail businesses (9.2%) closed. That trend continues
and can have dramatic negative impacts it on rural communities. Our
research team from The Ohio State University and the University of
Kentucky is studying the future of rural retail. We're especially
interested in understanding the impact of the Internet on these
businesses. The purpose of this particular study and survey is to
determine the influence of beliefs about the usefulness of the
Internet on use of the Internet for business. This survey will add
to the knowledge needed by extension agents and business development
centers to build educational programs aimed at improving local
economies.
Should you have any questions, you can contact
Leslie Stoel, OSU
Consumer & Textile Sciences, Assistant Professor
at
614-688-8594, or via email at
stoel.1@osu.edu |
