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Understanding multi-channel research shoppers: an analysis of Internet and physical channels

Author

Listed:
  • Yu-Min Wang

    (National Chi Nan University)

  • Hsin-Hui Lin

    (National Taichung University of Science and Technology)

  • Wei-Chun Tai

    (Southern Taiwan University)

  • Yi-Ling Fan

    (National Taichung University of Science and Technology)

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to analyze how channel characteristics influence the channel attitudes of multi-channel research shoppers. In addition, the study also considers consumers’ complex shopping behaviors that involve using one channel for search and another for purchase simultaneously. Survey data were collected from 191 consumers with recent (i.e., in the last 3 months) multi-channel experiences. Qualified respondents had either searched in physical retail stores and purchased on the Internet or searched on the Internet and subsequently purchased in physical retail stores. The research hypotheses were examined using multiple regression analysis. The results show that customer perceptions of channel characteristics drive channel choice attitudes. Importantly, we find the significance of channel characteristics varies between the Internet and the physical channel. The research findings deepen our understanding of shopping behaviors in the multi-channel context. Practitioners may use the findings to manage the characteristics of the complementary channels while also designing marketing programs to create positive consumer attitudes toward search and purchase.

Suggested Citation

  • Yu-Min Wang & Hsin-Hui Lin & Wei-Chun Tai & Yi-Ling Fan, 2016. "Understanding multi-channel research shoppers: an analysis of Internet and physical channels," Information Systems and e-Business Management, Springer, vol. 14(2), pages 389-413, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:infsem:v:14:y:2016:i:2:d:10.1007_s10257-015-0288-1
    DOI: 10.1007/s10257-015-0288-1
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    Cited by:

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    3. Sudarsan Jayasingh & T. Girija & Sivakumar Arunkumar, 2022. "Determinants of Omnichannel Shopping Intention for Sporting Goods," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(21), pages 1-19, October.
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    6. Aw, Eugene Cheng-Xi & Kamal Basha, Norazlyn & Ng, Siew Imm & Ho, Jo Ann, 2021. "Searching online and buying offline: Understanding the role of channel-, consumer-, and product-related factors in determining webrooming intention," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 58(C).
    7. Zerbini, Cristina & Bijmolt, Tammo H.A. & Maestripieri, Silvia & Luceri, Beatrice, 2022. "Drivers of consumer adoption of e-Commerce: A meta-analysis," International Journal of Research in Marketing, Elsevier, vol. 39(4), pages 1186-1208.
    8. Shankar, Amit & Rishi, Bikramjit, 2020. "Convenience matter in mobile banking adoption intention?," Australasian marketing journal, Elsevier, vol. 28(4), pages 273-285.
    9. Acquila-Natale, Emiliano & Iglesias-Pradas, Santiago, 2021. "A matter of value? Predicting channel preference and multichannel behaviors in retail," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 162(C).

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