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Panic‐Buying Behavior Is No More a Cosmetic Behavior: A Bibliometric Review and Future Research Agenda

Author

Listed:
  • Shalini Sahni
  • Vikas Arya
  • D. El‐Manstrly
  • Amee Agrawal
  • Smita M. Gaikwad
  • Rani Susmitha

Abstract

The proliferation of consumer panicbuying behavior is unpredictable and sudden in situations such as wars, pandemics, and oil crises, indicating its multifarious nature. Despite global prevalence, understanding the phenomenon holistically remains a challenge. This study systematically reviews the literature on panic buying through bibliometric analysis combined with content analysis of 73 articles published between 1998 and 2022. To provide comprehensive understanding of panic‐buying behavior during pandemics, the literature is divided into timeframes based on each pandemic's magnitude. The study examines the thematic evolution of PB research based on pandemics and utilizes co‐citation network to identify the intellectual structure of scholarly work. The co‐citation analysis identified four distinct clusters clarifying the conceptual structure of panic buying. Content analysis uncovered emerging and declining themes, revealing two additional hidden clusters that illustrate panic buying evolution over time. This study offers valuable insights into consumer behaviors associated with crises and scarcity events, and suggests directions for future research.

Suggested Citation

  • Shalini Sahni & Vikas Arya & D. El‐Manstrly & Amee Agrawal & Smita M. Gaikwad & Rani Susmitha, 2026. "Panic‐Buying Behavior Is No More a Cosmetic Behavior: A Bibliometric Review and Future Research Agenda," Journal of Consumer Affairs, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 60(1), March.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:jconsa:v:60:y:2026:i:1:n:e70036
    DOI: 10.1111/joca.70036
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