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Impact of Web-Based e-Commerce on Channel Strategy

Author

Listed:
  • King, Ruth C.

    (U of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign)

  • Sen, Ravi

    (U of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign)

  • Xia, Mu

    (U of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign)

Abstract

The existing literature and industry trends suggest that web-based channels are fast becoming an integral part of the traditionally offline retailers' overall channel strategy. This paper takes a game theoretic approach to study the impact of web-based e-commerce on the choice of distribution channel strategy by the retailers. The current practice by most firms is to adopt a multi-channel strategy, which includes both web-based channels and preexisting offline channels. Our analysis validates this trend by identifying it as one of the equilibriums of the game, resulting from the competitive pressure induces by the other retailers. However, a more interesting outcome from our analysis is that there are other possible outcomes. The other possible outcomes include one where some sellers adopt a coordinated dual channel (i.e., both online and offline) strategy while the others continue selling through traditional offline channels, and another one where all the sellers switch to online channels. The latter outcome is unlikely to occur for industries where traditionally offline sellers have invested heavily in distribution-specific assets. However, it does provide an explanation for new web-based sellers' reluctance to include offline channels in their overall channel strategy.

Suggested Citation

  • King, Ruth C. & Sen, Ravi & Xia, Mu, 2002. "Impact of Web-Based e-Commerce on Channel Strategy," Working Papers 02-0123, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, College of Business.
    • Handle: RePEc:ecl:illbus:02-0123
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Cao, Lanlan & Li, Li, 2015. "The Impact of Cross-Channel Integration on Retailers’ Sales Growth," Journal of Retailing, Elsevier, vol. 91(2), pages 198-216.
    2. Cao, Lanlan & Li, Li, 2018. "Determinants of Retailers' Cross-channel Integration: An Innovation Diffusion Perspective on Omni-channel Retailing," Journal of Interactive Marketing, Elsevier, vol. 44(C), pages 1-16.

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