Unconventional entrepreneurs: the non-economic motives of souvenir sellers

Authors: Light, D., Lupu, C., Creţan, R. and Chapman, A.

Journal: Tourism Review

eISSN: 1759-8451

ISSN: 1660-5373

DOI: 10.1108/TR-09-2023-0655

Abstract:

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to examine souvenir sellers as unconventional micro-entrepreneurs, focusing on non-economic motives for selling. Design/methodology/approach: A qualitative methodology was used. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 20 souvenir sellers in the Romanian city of Timişoara. These were analysed using thematic analysis which identified four non-economic motives for selling souvenirs. Findings: Souvenir selling was a matter of choice rather than economic necessity. While these sellers were entrepreneurs who were seeking to generate income, non-economic motives were also important. These included passion, hobbyism and interpersonal interactions with customers. Some sellers considered themselves as cultural intermediaries, representing place and tradition to their customers. Research limitations/implications: In a European context, selling souvenirs can be a matter of lifestyle choice rather than economic necessity. Micro-entrepreneurs are frequently motivated by passion, hobbyism and interpersonal rewards as much as financial profit. This represents a particular form of unconventional or lifestyle entrepreneurship. Practical implications: The encouragement of on-street souvenir sellers by urban managers can add vibrancy to a city, enhancing the experiences of local communities and visitors. This can also encourage the development of an artisan class to enhance a city’s reputation as a creative place. Originality/value: Souvenir sellers are little researched, and this is one of few studies that has investigated this group outside Developing World contexts. This study emphasises the importance of unconventional entrepreneurship and non-economic motives for selling souvenirs in a European context.

https://eprints.bournemouth.ac.uk/39402/

Source: Scopus

Unconventional entrepreneurs: the non-economic motives of souvenir sellers

Authors: Light, D., Lupu, C., Cretan, R. and Chapman, A.

Journal: TOURISM REVIEW

eISSN: 1759-8451

ISSN: 1660-5373

DOI: 10.1108/TR-09-2023-0655

https://eprints.bournemouth.ac.uk/39402/

Source: Web of Science (Lite)

Unconventional entrepreneurs: the non-economic motives of souvenir sellers

Authors: Light, D., Lupu, C., Cretan, R. and Chapman, A.

Journal: Tourism Review

Publisher: Emerald

eISSN: 1660-5373

ISSN: 0251-3102

DOI: 10.1108/TR-09-2023-0655

Abstract:

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine souvenir sellers as unconventional micro-entrepreneurs, focusing on non-economic motives for selling.

Design/methodology/approach A qualitative methodology was used. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 20 souvenir sellers in the Romanian city of Timişoara. These were analysed using thematic analysis which identified four non-economic motives for selling souvenirs.

Findings Souvenir selling was a matter of choice rather than economic necessity. While these sellers were entrepreneurs who were seeking to generate income, non-economic motives were also important. These included passion, hobbyism and interpersonal interactions with customers. Some sellers considered themselves as cultural intermediaries, representing place and tradition to their customers.

Research limitations/implications In a European context, selling souvenirs can be a matter of lifestyle choice rather than economic necessity. Micro-entrepreneurs are frequently motivated by passion, hobbyism and interpersonal rewards as much as financial profit. This represents a particular form of unconventional or lifestyle entrepreneurship.

Practical implications The encouragement of on-street souvenir sellers by urban managers can add vibrancy to a city, enhancing the experiences of local communities and visitors. This can also encourage the development of an artisan class to enhance a city’s reputation as a creative place.

Originality/value Souvenir sellers are little researched, and this is one of few studies that has investigated this group outside Developing World contexts. This study emphasises the importance of unconventional entrepreneurship and non-economic motives for selling souvenirs in a European context.

https://eprints.bournemouth.ac.uk/39402/

Source: Manual

Unconventional entrepreneurs: the non-economic motives of souvenir sellers

Authors: Light, D., Lupu, C., Cretan, R. and Chapman, A.

Journal: Tourism Review

Publisher: Emerald

ISSN: 0251-3102

Abstract:

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine souvenir sellers as unconventional micro-entrepreneurs, focusing on non-economic motives for selling.

Design/methodology/approach A qualitative methodology was used. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 20 souvenir sellers in the Romanian city of Timişoara. These were analysed using thematic analysis which identified four non-economic motives for selling souvenirs.

Findings Souvenir selling was a matter of choice rather than economic necessity. While these sellers were entrepreneurs who were seeking to generate income, non-economic motives were also important. These included passion, hobbyism and interpersonal interactions with customers. Some sellers considered themselves as cultural intermediaries, representing place and tradition to their customers.

Research limitations/implications In a European context, selling souvenirs can be a matter of lifestyle choice rather than economic necessity. Micro-entrepreneurs are frequently motivated by passion, hobbyism and interpersonal rewards as much as financial profit. This represents a particular form of unconventional or lifestyle entrepreneurship.

Practical implications The encouragement of on-street souvenir sellers by urban managers can add vibrancy to a city, enhancing the experiences of local communities and visitors. This can also encourage the development of an artisan class to enhance a city’s reputation as a creative place.

Originality/value Souvenir sellers are little researched, and this is one of few studies that has investigated this group outside Developing World contexts. This study emphasises the importance of unconventional entrepreneurship and non-economic motives for selling souvenirs in a European context.

https://eprints.bournemouth.ac.uk/39402/

Source: BURO EPrints