Connect with us

Technology

JU Davis College of Business and Technology Marketing Professors’ Novel Research Discovers Food Ordering Apps Influence Brand Loyalty

Published

on

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Oct. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — We’ve all had days where we don’t feel like going out for dinner, so we whip out our cell phones and place an order on DoorDash or some other third-party food app, an online food delivery industry projected at $1.02 trillion last year alone.

Two Jacksonville University Davis College of Business and Technology marketing professors, Drs. Irina Toteva and Selen Savas-Hall, uncovered in their new research that consumers will feel a stronger connection to a company or a brand if they put effort into creating something with that company or brand through a third-party app.

The marketing duo recently had their research, “Perceived Effort in the Co-Creation of Electronic Services and Influence on Brand Loyalty: The Case of Food Ordering Apps” published in Services Marketing Quarterly.

“This is the first research to investigate the role of perceived effort in electronic services and the influence on brand loyalty,” said Toteva, a JU assistant professor of marketing. “Our research explains about the mechanism of brand loyalty, which is in part due to the labor-to-love effect, where effort translates into attachment to the item.”

Another interesting finding of this study is that the risk that is involved in using a technology may also be seen as effort. The Davis College professors showed that when consumers perceive higher risk using a third-party app, they show higher brand loyalty to the service provider.

Perceived risk refers to the uncertainty or potential negative outcomes associated with buying and using a product or service. In the case of food-ordering apps, consumers may view the use of technology as risky, fearing issues like privacy breaches or service failures.

“Our study finds that perceived risk can actually enhance brand loyalty,” shared Toteva. “When consumers take on this risk and it turns out positively (e.g., the food is delivered successfully), they feel more loyal to the brand as a result of overcoming that uncertainty. This risk mitigation further solidifies their attachment to the brand.”

Toteva got the idea for the research when she was scrolling through Instagram on her phone.

“I clicked on a promoted post that took me to the sales page of a clothing brand. I started adding some items to my shopping cart, and it occurred to me that this was an effort on my part—I was using my time and energy to evaluate the items and decide if I wanted to add any of them to my cart,” she recalled. “I became curious if this labor-to-love effect could be applicable to consumers who use apps for the ordering of products or services like food.”

The study explores how consumers who order food on an app (such as Uber Eats or Door Dash) perceive the level of effort they contribute to the order and how that perceived effort influences their attachment to the restaurant provider.

“We show that those consumers who perceive they have made an effort into ordering their food are more likely to feel they are continuing to build a relationship with the restaurant provider, and as a result they are more brand loyal to that service provider, compared to consumers who perceive less of an effort,” said Savas-Hall, a JU associate professor of marketing and international business.

While the use of technology (such as food-ordering apps) in the service ordering process can be perceived as automatic and effortless, some consumers perceive the process as effortful, and consequently, they are more aware that they are co-creating the service with the restaurant provider.

“When consumers feel like they are co-creating the service with the food service provider, this shows their willingness to invest resources into their relationship with the food service provider,” explained Toteva. “At the same time, by using the app and putting effort into the order, consumers feel improved self-efficacy (i.e., their confidence in their ability to perform tasks) as they are able to reach their goals through effort, compared to consumers who do not perceive effort in the ordering process.”

The findings of this research are important to consumers and to service industries, such as food, groceries and fashion, where companies co-create various offerings with their customers.

“This study is applicable to any company that provides technology tools to its customers to assist them in the service ordering process. For example, scheduling a service through an app such as a haircut appointment or a fitness class, or using a food-ordering app to order products or using a rideshare app for transportation are all efforts on the side of consumers,” said Savas-Hall.

This study shows that if consumers are made aware that they contribute to the service, then this perceived effort can turn into a ‘love’ and later into brand loyalty to the service provider. As a result, emphasizing the effort made by consumers may be well-received as a positive reinforcement and may create a special connection to the service provider. The co-researchers say this study also shows that the effort does not need to be entirely physical, and that mental effort also counts.

The JU Davis College of Business and Technology is the only triple-accredited private college in all of North Florida and South Georgia, with AACSB, ABET and AABI accredited programs. Its mission is to empower students to achieve sustainable career success with a high quality, relevant and applied educational experience that is delivered by faculty committed to advancing the individual development of each student.

Media Contact:
Joanna Norris, PR/Marketing Director
(904) 534-6926
Jnorris11@ju.edu

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ju-davis-college-of-business-and-technology-marketing-professors-novel-research-discovers-food-ordering-apps-influence-brand-loyalty-302284607.html

SOURCE Jacksonville University

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Technology

Great Place To Work names Invisors on the 2026 Best Workplaces for Women List, Ranking no.65

Published

on

By

Invisors named a UK’s Best Workplaces for Women™!

GLASGOW, Scotland, July 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Invisors, a Workday Services Partner has officially been recognized as one of UK’s Best Workplaces for Women 2026™, in 65th place out of the 350 ranked organisations.

Invisors’ values and culture are among the reasons women at our organisation say it is a great place to work. Discover how the team brings this philosophy to life at invisors.com/company-overview.

The 2026 UK’s Best Workplaces for Women list is made up of employers whose people have told Great Place To Work® UK they work for a place that is inclusive and equitable for all. The 350 companies on the list are committed to ensuring a reasonable balance of women and men across the organisation; removing barriers to women’s career advancement; and creating workplaces where all employees, regardless of gender, can flourish.

“I’m incredibly proud to see Invisors recognized as a Top Place for Women to Work. This award reflects the culture we’ve built together—one that values inclusivity, flexibility and empowerment. It’s a place where people are supported to bring their whole selves to work, grow their careers and strive for excellence every day.” Jennifer Donnelly-Corbett, EMEA Manager, HCM and Absence at Invisors.

Benedict Gautrey, Managing Director of Great Place To Work UK says:

“This year’s UK’s Best Workplaces for Women list celebrates businesses making a genuine difference day to day, not just in what they say, but in how people experience work. What matters most is that this recognition comes directly from women working in these organisations, who tell us they feel supported, valued, and able to grow.

Our research demonstrates that these organisations creating high-trust environments deliver stronger results, whether in financial outcomes, impact, or service delivery, alongside greater agility and resilience in the face of change.

Congratulations to Invisors for creating an environment where inclusion is clearly felt in practice.” 

Matt Smith, Managing Director, Global HR Operations, Invisors “Being named as one of the UK’s Best Workplaces for Women list is an achievement because it reflects what our people actually experience, not just what we aspire to. We’ve worked to build an environment where career growth and success aren’t something women have to fight for — it’s built into how we operate. This recognition is a great step in the journey, not the finish line, and we’re committed to keeping that bar high as Invisors grows within the UK.”

About Invisors

As a certified Workday Services Partner, Invisors helps clients leverage their organisational data to make better-informed business decisions through the deployment of Workday. Invisors’ success is measured by their clients’ ability to achieve their big-picture vision. From initial deployments to ongoing projects, Invisors is dedicated to elevating perspectives and transforming results. To learn more, visit invisors.com

About Great Place To Work®

Great Place To Work® is the global authority on workplace culture, helping organisations to create exceptional, high-performing workplaces where employees feel trusted and valued. The UK’s Best Workplaces for Women™ enables these outstanding organisations to celebrate their achievements, build their employer brand, and inspire others to take action. For more information, visit www.greatplacetowork.co.uk.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/great-place-to-work-names-invisors-on-the-2026-best-workplaces-for-women-list-ranking-no65-302833539.html

SOURCE Invisors

Continue Reading

Technology

Auction Direct USA in Raleigh, NC, Makes It Easy to Shop for Used Vehicles Online

Published

on

By

RALEIGH, N.C., July 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Auction Direct USA in Raleigh, NC, helps shoppers browse used-vehicle inventory, compare options, and complete key steps of the buying process online for a faster, more convenient shopping experience.

Auction Direct USA in Raleigh, NC, is simplifying the used vehicle shopping experience by offering convenient online tools that help drivers browse inventory, compare options, and begin the purchasing process from the comfort of home.

With a user-friendly website, shoppers can explore an extensive selection of used cars, trucks, and SUVs that fit a variety of budgets and lifestyles. Detailed vehicle listings provide important information, including photos, key features, specifications, pricing, and availability, allowing customers to make informed decisions before visiting the dealership.

The online platform also makes it easy to narrow vehicle choices using search filters for make, model, body style, price range, mileage, model year, and other preferences. These features help shoppers quickly find vehicles that meet their individual needs while saving valuable time.

In addition to browsing inventory, customers can use several digital shopping tools to streamline the buying process. Visitors can estimate monthly payments, value a trade-in, complete a finance application, and schedule a test drive online. These resources allow shoppers to prepare for their dealership visit with greater confidence and convenience.

Auction Direct USA in Raleigh, NC, regularly updates its online inventory, giving customers access to fresh vehicle selections as they become available. Whether someone is searching for a dependable commuter car, a family-friendly SUV, or a capable pickup truck, the website provides an efficient way to explore available options before stepping into the showroom.

The dealership remains committed to delivering a straightforward, customer-focused buying experience by combining a wide range of high-quality used vehicles with digital tools that simplify every stage of the shopping journey.

Drivers looking to begin their search can visit Auction Direct USA in Raleigh, NC, or browse the current inventory online to compare vehicles and take advantage of convenient shopping resources before visiting the dealership in person.

About Auction Direct USA in Raleigh, NC

Auction Direct USA in Raleigh, NC, offers a diverse inventory of quality used cars, trucks, and SUVs to meet a wide range of driving needs and budgets. By combining a customer-focused approach with convenient online shopping tools, the dealership helps make finding and purchasing a used vehicle simple, efficient, and enjoyable.

Media Contact: Tony Kicinski, 844-678-8048, tonyk@auctiondirectusa.com

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/auction-direct-usa-in-raleigh-nc-makes-it-easy-to-shop-for-used-vehicles-online-302834031.html

SOURCE Auction Direct USA

Continue Reading

Technology

FLAGSTAR BANK, N.A. ANNOUNCES $250 MILLION SHARE REPURCHASE PROGRAM

Published

on

By

Board of Directors Authorizes Repurchase of Up to $250 Million of Outstanding Common Stock, Reflecting the Bank’s Strong Capital Position and Commitment to Long-Term Shareholder Value

HICKSVILLE, N.Y., July 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Flagstar Bank, N.A. (NYSE: FLG) (the “Bank”) today announced that its Board of Directors has authorized a common stock repurchase program under which the Bank may repurchase up to $250 million of its outstanding common stock over the next 12-month period.

Commenting on the repurchase program, Joseph M. Otting, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer stated, “We are pleased to announce our stock buyback program, which reflects the meaningful progress we have made in executing our strategic plan, the strength of the balance sheet, and Flagstar’s long-term growth prospects. We have consistently maintained capital levels well above regulatory requirements, and we believe that returning capital to our shareholders through a share repurchase program represents a compelling and disciplined use of our excess capital at this time.

“We remain deeply committed to serving our customers and communities and we are confident that this program — alongside our continued investment in our people, products, systems, and technology — will deliver sustainable, long-term value for our shareholders.”

Repurchases may be conducted through open-market purchases, which may include purchases under a trading plan adopted pursuant to Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 10b5-1, or through privately negotiated transactions. The timing and exact amount of any share repurchases will be subject to a variety of factors, including the availability of stock for repurchases, the Bank’s capital position and financial performance, regulatory considerations, and general market conditions. The share repurchase program does not obligate the Bank to acquire any specific number of shares and may be modified, suspended, or discontinued at any time without prior notice. Any future stock repurchase programs would be subject to the approval of the Board of Directors and other various factors, including the Bank’s liquidity, capital position and financial performance, accounting and regulatory considerations, and general market conditions.

Flagstar Bank, N.A.

Flagstar Bank, N.A. is one of the largest regional banks in the country and is headquartered in Hicksville, New York. At June 30, 2026, the Bank had $87.7 billion of assets, $61.2 billion of loans, deposits of $67.5 billion, and total stockholders’ equity of $8.1 billion. Flagstar Bank, N.A. operates approximately 340 locations across nine states, with strong footholds in the greater New York/New Jersey metropolitan region and in the upper Midwest, along with a significant presence in fast-growing markets in Florida and the West Coast.

Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Language

This press release may include forward‐looking statements by us and our authorized officers pertaining to such matters as our goals, beliefs, intentions, and expectations regarding, among other things: (a) revenues, earnings, loan production, asset quality, liquidity position, capital levels, risk analysis, divestitures, acquisitions, and other material transactions, among other matters; (b) the future costs and benefits of the actions we may take; (c) our assessments of credit risk and probable losses on loans and associated allowances and reserves; (d) our assessments of interest rate and other market risks; (e) our ability to achieve profitability goals within projected timeframes and to execute on our strategic plan, including the sufficiency of our internal resources, procedures and systems; (f) our ability to execute our capital management strategies, including our ability to complete our current stock repurchase program and to implement future stock repurchase programs; (g) our ability to attract, incentivize, and retain key personnel and the roles of key personnel; (h) our ability to achieve our financial and other strategic goals, including those related to our recent holding company reorganization, which was completed in October 2025 (the “Reorganization”), our merger with Flagstar Bancorp, Inc., which was completed in December 2022, our acquisition of substantial portions of the former Signature Bank through an FDIC-assisted transaction, which was completed in March 2023, and our ability to comply with the heightened regulatory standards with respect to governance and risk management programs to which we are subject as a national bank with assets of $50 billion or more; (i) the impact of the $1.05 billion capital raise we completed in March 2024; (j) the conversion or exchange of shares of our preferred stock; (k) the payment of dividends on shares of our capital stock, including adjustments to the amount of dividends payable on shares of our preferred stock; (l) the dilution of existing equity holders associated with future equity awards and stock issuances; (m) the effects of the reverse stock split we effected in July 2024; and (n) the impact of the 2024 sale of our mortgage servicing operations, third party mortgage loan origination business, and mortgage warehouse business.

Forward‐looking statements are typically identified by such words as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “outlook,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “project,” “should,” “confident,” and other similar words and expressions, and are subject to numerous assumptions, risks, and uncertainties, which change over time. Additionally, forward‐looking statements speak only as of the date they are made; we do not assume any duty, and do not undertake, to update our forward‐looking statements. Furthermore, because forward‐looking statements are subject to assumptions and uncertainties, actual results or future events could differ, possibly materially, from those anticipated in our statements, and our future performance could differ materially from our historical results.

Our forward‐looking statements are subject to, among others, the following principal risks and uncertainties: general economic conditions and trends, either nationally or locally; conditions in the securities, credit and financial markets; changes in interest rates; changes in deposit flows, and in the demand for deposit, loan, and investment products and other financial services; changes in real estate values; changes in the quality or composition of our loan or investment portfolios, including associated allowances and reserves; changes in future allowance for credit losses, including changes required under relevant accounting and regulatory requirements; the ability to pay future dividends; the ability to implement future stock repurchase programs, which are subject to the approval of the Board of Directors and other various factors, including the Bank’s liquidity, capital position, and financial performance, accounting and regulatory considerations, as well as general market conditions; changes in our capital management and balance sheet strategies and our ability to successfully implement such strategies; our ability to achieve the anticipated benefits of the Reorganization; changes in our Board of Directors and our executive management team; changes in our strategic plan, including changes in our internal resources, procedures and systems, and our ability to successfully implement such plan; changes in competitive pressures among financial institutions or from non‐financial institutions; changes in legislation, regulations, and policies; changes relating to rent regulation and housing, including recent legislative action in New York City to freeze rents on certain rent-regulated properties; the impacts of tariffs, sanctions and other trade policies of the United States and its global trading counterparts; the outcome of federal, state, and local elections and the resulting economic and other impact on the areas in which we conduct business; the impact of changing political conditions or federal government shutdowns; the imposition of restrictions on our operations by bank regulators; the outcome of pending or threatened litigation, or of investigations or any other matters before regulatory agencies, whether currently existing or commencing in the future; our ability to comply with heightened regulatory standards with respect to governance and risk management programs to which we are subject as a national bank with assets of $50 billion or more; the restructuring of our mortgage business; our ability to achieve anticipated cost savings and enhanced efficiencies with respect to our balance sheet and expense reduction strategies; the impact of failures or disruptions in or breaches of our operational or security systems, data or infrastructure, or those of third parties, including as a result of cyberattacks or campaigns; the impact of natural disasters, extreme weather events, civil unrest, international military conflict, terrorism or other geopolitical events; and a variety of other matters which, by their nature, are subject to significant uncertainties and/or are beyond our control. Our forward-looking statements are also subject to the following principal risks and uncertainties with respect to our merger with Flagstar Bancorp, which was completed in December 2022, and our acquisition of substantial portions of the former Signature Bank through an FDIC-assisted transaction, which was completed in March 2023: the possibility that the anticipated benefits of the transactions will not be realized when expected or at all; the possibility of increased legal and compliance costs, including with respect to any litigation or regulatory actions related to the business practices of acquired companies or the combined business; diversion of management’s attention from ongoing business operations and opportunities; the possibility that we may be unable to achieve expected synergies and operating efficiencies in or as a result of the transactions within the expected timeframes or at all; and revenues following the transactions may be lower than expected.

More information regarding some of these factors is provided in the Risk Factors section of our Annual Report on Form 10‐K for the year ended December 31, 2025, and in other reports we file with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (the “OCC”) and voluntarily file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), and which are also available on our Investor Relations website. Our forward‐looking statements may also be subject to other risks and uncertainties, including those we may discuss in this news release, on our conference call, during investor presentations, or in our securities disclosure filings. All such files are accessible on our website at ir.flagstar.com, on the OCC’s website at www.occ.gov, and on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

Investor Contact:
Salvatore J. DiMartino
(516) 683-4286

Media Contact:
Jessica Torchia
(248) 312-6451

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/flagstar-bank-na-announces-250-million-share-repurchase-program-302833763.html

SOURCE Flagstar Bank, N.A.

Continue Reading

Trending