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The Role of Walkability in Shaping Shopping and Delivery Services: Insights into E-Consumer Behavior

Author

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  • Leise Kelli de Oliveira

    (Department of Industrial and Transport Engineering, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90035-190, Brazil)

  • Rui Colaço

    (CERIS, Civil Engineering Research and Innovation for Sustainability, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal)

  • Gracielle Gonçalves Ferreira de Araújo

    (Department of Civil Engineering, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife 50740-530, Brazil)

  • João de Abreu e Silva

    (CERIS, Civil Engineering Research and Innovation for Sustainability, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal)

Abstract

Background : As e-commerce expands and delivery services diversifies, understanding the factors that shape consumer preferences becomes critical to designing efficient and sustainable urban logistics. This study examines how perceived walkability influences consumers’ preferences for shopping channels (in-store or online) and delivery methods (home delivery versus pickup points). Method : The analysis is based on structural equation modeling and utilizes survey data collected from 444 residents of Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Results : The findings emphasize the importance of walkability in supporting weekday store visits, encouraging pickup for online purchases and fostering complementarity between different modes of purchase and delivery services. Perceived walkability positively affects the preference to buy in physical stores and increases the likelihood of using pickup points. Educated men, particularly those living in walkable areas, are the most likely to adopt pickup services. In contrast, affluent individuals and women are less likely to forgo home delivery in favor of pickup points. Conclusions : The results highlight the role of perceived walkability in encouraging in-person pickup as a sustainable alternative to home delivery, providing practical guidance for retailers, urban planners, and logistics firms seeking to align consumer convenience with sustainable delivery strategies.

Suggested Citation

  • Leise Kelli de Oliveira & Rui Colaço & Gracielle Gonçalves Ferreira de Araújo & João de Abreu e Silva, 2025. "The Role of Walkability in Shaping Shopping and Delivery Services: Insights into E-Consumer Behavior," Logistics, MDPI, vol. 9(3), pages 1-17, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlogis:v:9:y:2025:i:3:p:88-:d:1692419
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    References listed on IDEAS

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