Logistics Management Practices and Customer Patronage of Rice Distributors in South-East Nigeria

Abstract

The paper determined the relationship between logistics management and customer patronage among rice distributors in South-East Nigeria. The study adopted purposive and multi-stage sampling methods in selecting 288 rice distributors. Descriptive statistics and correlation analysis were used to analyze the data collected. The findings revealed that logistic management practices are significant in determining the present and future inventory requirements to avoid overstocking or understocking. Further, it revealed significant increases in customer purchases. The result of the correlation analysis revealed a weak significant relationship between logistics management and customer patronage (r = 0.111). Thus, it was concluded that logistics management practices significantly impact customer patronage of rice distributors. The implication is that logistics management improves sales and customer attrition, thereby contributing to competitive advantage. Specifically, rice distributors in South-East Nigeria should prioritize investments in logistics infrastructure and technology to improve the efficiency and reliability of operations. This may include implementing and upgrading inventory management systems and optimizing warehouse layouts. Therefore, it is recommended that marketing management practices, especially logistics management approaches, should be effectively integrated into the operations of the ventures to impact customer patronage positively.