A Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Award of the Degree of Master of Business Administration (MBA) of Mzumbe University
Despite producing quality products or services to meet expectations of customers in order to win the hearts and minds of targeted market, the promotion aspect cannot be overlooked given the today’s complex marketing environment.This study surveyed the effectiveness of sales promotion, one among the promotional mix elements in stimulating stronger market response at Mlimani City Shopping Centre in Dar es Salaam. It focused on identifying the effects of sales promotion in influencing product purchase decision, determining the impact of sales promotions on business firm sales, studying the position of sales promotion in stimulating stronger market response among other promotional tools and assessing the role of sales promotion in fostering brand loyalty. It made use of interview and observation to gather the research data.The study revealed that sales promotion was an effective tool for stimulating stronger market response. Results indicated that sales promotion played a significant role in influencing product purchase decision, adding extra value to new brands as well as acting as a competitive weapon. It was also found that sales promotion can accomplish both short-term and long-term goals. However, it was found that inappropriately designed sales promotion programmes and frequently adopted ones make customers deal prone than being brand loyal. Bearing in mind, the perceived significance of sales promotion in stimulating stronger market response, the researcher advises sales managers for Dar es Salaam malls to improve their promotional efforts including ensuring that target customers’ beliefs and attitudes are reflected in their promotion programmes, using sales promotion to suppress competition, familiarizing new brands to users as well as integrating sales promotion with other promotional tools such as; PR, Direct selling, Personal selling, Direct mailing, Media and Social Network advertising.