Writing Assignment #1 –Market Segmentation & Consumer Research This paper examines research on marketing segmentation and consumer behavior. Consumers are segmented into four categories including:

Writing Assignment #1 –Market Segmentation & Consumer ResearchThis paper examines research on marketing segmentation and consumer behavior.Consumers are segmented into four categories including: 1) geographic, 2)demographic, 3) behavioral/benefits sought and 4) psychographics...Important FYI- demographic factors often tend to be top of mind predictors or explanations ofshopping patterns – but, please do not stop your research there...you must alsoanalyze the other three categories in order to determine the complete “picture” or“story” of your ideal target consumer. This paper CHALLENGES you to examinecurrent research on market segmentation and consumer behavior and alsoencourages you to use shopping data from secondary sources such as the MRIReporter Database, Claritas/Segment Explorer, Hoovers, VALS, etc.Your paper should begin with a title page that includes the title of your paper, yourname, professor name, CB/section and date. The content portion of the papershould be 3 to 4 pages maximum and should include four headings that are boldedand underlined: Introduction with a clear/action-oriented thesis statement;Research Findings; Conclusion/Recommendation and Works Cited. Usepage numbers as well. You need to choose a specific demographic to analyzefirst.

You are writing about Target, the popular retailer, and how they market to middle aged white women, and use stats to determine if investing more into natrual products is something that Target should do. 

5) You can even choose something controversial if you’re so inclined i.e. howpoor communities are targeted/segmented by fast-food chains; or how childrenare targeted/segmented by toy companies, cereal brands, soda brands, etc.Please note, there are a ton of demographics to choose...All topics must be pre-approved by me (Professor).In the introduction, clarify the focus of the paper and develop a thesis statementon the value and potential usefulness of your findings, meaning how will marketersuse your findings for predicting and/or explaining a specific consumer behavior(s).The introduction should engage the reader and describe what the paper will2address. In other words, what are you trying to prove to the reader via yourfindings and conclusion/recommendation? The thesis should be towards the end ofthe intro and should directly state: “This paper will prove how...or show how...ordemonstrate how...”In the findings section, make sure you reflect on your findings and integrate thisnew knowledge in your own words/interpretation, do not regurgitate informationfrom the articles (this is not a book report). You need to synthesize your researchand defend your position as if you were a marketing consultant. You should alsoidentify areas of agreement in past research and areas of disagreement orcontroversy, if relevant to your topic.In the Conclusion/Recommendation section, clarify whether or not your hypothesisis supported via your research findings. Define demographic generalizations andstate whether or not you used these in your own research and if they provedvaluable or not. Finally, provide the client with ideas of how to use your researchfindings to make effective marketing/CB decisions that would impact the brandcurrently and/or in the future.In the Works Cited section, you must include at least one academic journal source,at least three other legitimate industry sources and one database source such asMRI Reporter. The “Works Cited” page should be a separate page from the rest ofthe document. Cites should be numbered to correspond with the references youmake throughout your paper. Each cite should be single-spaced and separate citesshould be double-spaced – do not use indents.To learn about recent research on market segmentation and consumer behavior,particularly the demographics of age, gender or race/ethnicity, access the BusinessSource Premier database available through the Temple University library websiteand locate at least one relevant academic article published since 2005 and at leastthree legitimate industry/trade sources, published within the last three years, fromthe internet, Paley library, print media, etc., Make sure these sources arelegitimate, accurate and current. FYI, Wikipedia, US Weekly, and the NationalEnquirer are not legitimate sources. Relevant examples of academic journalsinclude Journal of Consumer Research, Journal of Marketing, Journal of ConsumerBehavior, Journal of Retailing, Journal of Consumer Marketing, Journal of ConsumerAffairs, and Young Consumers. Examples of legitimate industry/trade sourcesinclude Advertising Age, Forbes.com, NYTimes.com, WHYY radio, The New Yorker,etc.Writing StyleAdopt the tone of a marketing professional writing a report for a colleague orclient. Use structured business-like style. The introduction captures the reader’sinterest, introduces the topic, and expresses the main idea/thesis of the paper.Each section of the body of the paper is constructed of well-organized paragraphsthat open with a topic sentence and provide supporting details and evidence. The3paragraphs in the body of the paper include closing statements that explain whythe information is important and/or the implications of the research. Theconclusion summarizes the key findings and re-states the main idea or thesis. Donot number the title page, but number the rest of the pages. Double space, useone-inch margins and a 12-point, sans serif font such as Tahoma. Use APA style for referring to sources/cites within your paper and in your reference list.

Here is what I have written so far: 

Introduction

In the world of retail, understanding consumer behavior is paramount to building a company that is meant to last. Today, we’re exploring the significance of middle-aged, middle-class women as a key demographic for Target, a leading retailer in the United States. Through a deep examination of market research insights, including data from MRI reports, we’ll uncover opportunities for Target to enhance its marketing strategy by intensifying sustainability principles into its products. The findings suggest that aligning with the growing awareness of environmentalism among consumers can not only bolster Target's appeal to its core demographic but also expand its market reach. We going to dive into the patterns that Target benefits from, what works, and how they can improve their marketing strategy to maximize their reach.

Research Findings

Sustainability has become a key concern for consumers across demographic groups. Research by Lee and Chang (2020) highlights that middle-aged women tend to be more environmentally conscious compared to other age groups. They are concerned about the environmental impact of their purchasing decisions and are willing to support brands that demonstrate a commitment to sustainability. Additionally, a study by Roberts and Bacon (2019) found that middle-aged women prioritize product quality and longevity, with sustainability being a significant factor in their perception of product quality.

Emphasizing Sustainability in Product Offerings

To appeal to middle-aged women consumers, Target should prioritize sustainability across its product lines. This includes sourcing environmentally friendly materials, minimizing waste in production processes, and implementing sustainable packaging practices. Research by Halkos and Matsiori (2020) suggests that consumers perceive products made from sustainable materials as higher quality and are willing to pay a premium for them. By offering a range of sustainable products, Target can attract environmentally conscious consumers while reinforcing its brand image as a provider of high-quality merchandise.

Furthermore, emphasizing eco-friendliness and natural ingredients can resonate with middle-aged women consumers who prioritize health and wellness. Studies have shown that this demographic is increasingly seeking products that are free from harmful chemicals and additives (Almli et al., 2018). By incorporating natural ingredients into its product formulations and clearly communicating their benefits, Target can appeal to health-conscious consumers and differentiate itself from competitors.

I NEED PROPER SOURCES TO SITE, AND I NEED COMPREHENSIVE WORK THAT WAS NOT MADE USING CHATGPT