Does COVID-19 change consumers' involvement in e-commerce last-mile delivery? An investigation on behavioural change, maintenance and habit formation

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerates e-commerce adoption, which naturally induces an expedited acceptance of innovative last-mile deliveries. Focusing on self-collection via parcel lockers technology, this study investigates consumers' behavioural change, maintenance and habit formation related to e-commerce deliveries in response to the pandemic. We use a survey instrument for data collection (n = 500) and structural equation modelling for data analysis. Anchored on the risk–attitude–norm–ability–self-regulation (RANAS) framework, this study found that risk, attitude, norm, ability and self-regulation factors related to using the contactless shopping-delivery channel lead to the formation of self-collection habits, and that the formation process is fully mediated by consumers' maintenance motivation to use the channel. Furthermore, consumers' online shopping habit partially mediates the relationship between the maintenance motivation and self-collection habit formation. Consumers who were already frequent online shoppers before the pandemic are less likely to pick up self-collection as a habit during the pandemic. Additionally, model comparisons are conducted which reveal the differentiated habit formation processes. The findings contribute to a theoretical understanding of the formation of delivery habit as driven by the pandemic. Practical implications are also created which guide logistics and e-commerce operators' interactions with consumers in the post-pandemic period.

Consumers' perceived value and use intention of cashless payment in the physical distancing context: evidence from an Asian emerging market

PurposeCOVID-19 and its measures such as physical distancing have shifted consumer payment behaviors toward cashless payment. Physical distancing is likely to remain a norm for some time to come and will be relevant in any future pandemics. This study aims to examine the impact of consumers' perceived value of cashless payment on their use intention in the physical distancing context, with the mediating role of psychological safety and the moderating role of trust propensity.Design/methodology/approachThis study used a survey method to obtain data from 690 consumers in an Asian emerging market, i.e. Vietnam. The data were analyzed using different statistical methods, including structural equation modeling.FindingsResults show that perceived value of cashless payment positively affects use intention, and this effect is mediated by psychological safety. Furthermore, trust propensity has a positive moderating effect on the link between perceived value and psychological safety.Practical implicationsThis study's findings provide implications for retailers and other stakeholders in implementing and promoting cashless payment systems, especially in the physical distancing context.Originality/valueThis study is among the first attempt to explain the relationships between consumers' perceptions, feelings of psychological safety and use intention toward cashless payment in the physical distancing context. The study's findings may also be relevant to any future pandemics.

Looking into shopping behavior and attitudes during the early transition phase of the COVID-19 pandemic

As Covid-19 vaccination in the U.S. begins and hopes of a gradual return to normalcy are raised after much disruption in the shopping behavior of consumers, there is a need to examine consumers' shopping patterns at different stages of the pandemic to adequately understand the potential impacts on shopping behavior. This study explored the shopping behavior of Florida residents during the early transition phase of the pandemic, using data collected from an online survey from February to April 2021. A comprehensive analysis was conducted examining the shopping patterns in terms of purchase frequency, expenditure, and shopping trip distance as well as individuals' shopping attitudes. Further analysis of the shopping behavior was also carried out to investigate whether and how key demographic variables, including age, income, and gender, might be associated with their shopping patterns and attitudes. The analysis reveals that finding and comparing products were big motivators for using online shopping, while concerns about putting personal information online, shipping costs, and the return process may discourage online shopping. Women spent less than men but had significantly higher purchase frequencies than men. People generally liked shopping without interacting with anyone, which suggests that in-store shopping was not necessarily motivated by the need for social interactions. However, price, safety, and parking availability were the top factors in choosing the stores to shop from. Thus, urban and transportation planners should promote compact, mixed-use development and parking management strategies to reduce vehicle shopping trips and the need for separate trips for different purposes. © 2023 ICE Publishing: All rights reserved.

The effects of online restaurant menus on consumer purchase intention: evidence from an emerging economy

PurposeThis study evaluates the impact of online menus and perceived convenience of online food ordering on consumer purchase intention and shows how a desire for food creates a relationship between an online menu and a customer's purchase intention. Suggestions for management are proposed to design an effective menu to improve business performance in the competitive market in Vietnam.Design/methodology/approachThe paper follows a quantitative method. Quantitative research aims to analyze and critically evaluate the research question(s) to discover new factors.FindingsFindings indicate a positive relationship between menu visual appeal (MV), menu informativeness (MI), desire for food (DF), the perceived convenience (PC) of ordering food online and intention to purchase (PI). The attractiveness of images and information is a significant factor affecting diners' desire to eat, while the demand for food and the convenience of ordering food online are also factors affecting purchase intention.Practical implicationsThe study confirms the importance of online menus to purchase intention. Economically, when supply and demand are reasonable, the market is stable and technology develops. In terms of social, hygiene, attractiveness and price factors, it is helpful to have an overview. Research is the premise for further studies with factors from menu to customer trust.Originality/valueThe study provides a solid foundation for further studies on restaurant menu elements as well as a new perspective on how restaurants improve their dishes.

Halal trust during the COVID-19 outbreak: the role of quality, perceived benefit and health risk evidence from mobile food purchasing

PurposeThis study aims to scrutinize the halal trust model by integrating the quality and valence theory in the mobile food purchasing service during the COVID-19 outbreak.Design/methodology/approachThis research uses data from 368 Muslim customers collected via an online survey from Bandung, West Java, Indonesia. This study uses partial least square modelling to appraise the formation of halal trust, including halal food quality, mobile apps quality, perceived benefit and health risk as drivers and loyalty as the consequence.FindingsThe data analysis notes that the combination of perceived quality and valence theory provides a comprehensive understanding of halal trust in mobile halal food purchasing during COVID-19. This study also verifies the crucial role of halal food quality and mobile apps quality in gaining halal trust.Research limitations/implicationsThis study used data from Muslim customers of the greater Bandung, Indonesia. The data limited the generalization of this study's findings. Moreover, this study predicted halal trust by integrating perceived benefit, perceived trust and quality as the predictors, whereas other determinants such as commitment and reputation were not included. Therefore, future researchers can incorporate these issues in their future halal trust research.Practical implicationsTo gain Muslim trust, this study recommends managers whose halal food is sold via mobile apps ensure that their halal food has a quality standard, made of, and processed according to Islamic values. Next, having a high-quality mobile app is also a must.Originality/valueThis study is early research that examines the integration of the quality and valence theory to evaluate halal trust in mobile halal food purchasing during COVID-19.

Over-ordering and food waste: The use of food delivery apps during a pandemic

There is a paucity of research on the role of food delivery apps (FDAs) in food waste generation. This gap needs to be addressed since FDAs represent a fast-growing segment of the hospitality sector, which is already considered to be a key food waste generator globally. Even more critically, FDAs have become a prominent source of ordering food during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, the growing usage of FDAs warrants an improved understanding of the complexities of consumer behavior toward them, particularly during a health crisis. The present study addresses this need by examining the antecedents of FDA users' food ordering behavior during the pandemic that can lead to food waste. The study theorizes that hygiene consciousness impacts the enablers and barriers to FDA usage, which, in turn, shape the attitude toward FDAs and the tendency to order more food than required, i.e., shopping routine. The conceptual model, based on behavioral reasoning theory, was tested using data collected from 440 users of FDAs during the pandemic. The results support a positive association of trust and price advantage with attitude, but only of trust with shopping routine. Perceived severity and moral norms did not moderate any associations. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)

Factors Affecting Consumer Behaviour during COVID-19:A Case Study in Bangladesh

Customer shopping behaviour has changed and people are becoming used to accessing, using and adapting to online shopping rather than visiting stores physically due to COVID-19 restrictions. It is not known how long the trend will last but it can be observed that there will be changes in current and future models in almost every business around the world. According to the 'Motivation-need theory' (1943), every individual considers five (5) key elements to fulfil their needs. It includes physiological survival, safety, love, esteem, and self-actualization. The big question is why consumers act differently during the global pandemic, which does not support Maslow's 'Motivation-need theory'. It might be the panic situation all over the world, frustration of losing jobs, mental stress while isolated and many other factors that are making consumers act differently while shopping from e-commerce or different social media platform. This research study aims to examine the factors affecting consumer behaviour toward online purchasing during COVID-19 in Bangladesh. . © 2023 IEEE.

Compulsive Buying Behavior and Online Shopping Addiction of Women

The rise of e-commerce and online shopping platforms has revolutionized the way we shop and make purchases. While the convenience and accessibility of online shopping have been a boon for consumers, it has also led to the rise of compulsive buying behavior and online shopping addiction among women. The purpose of this paper is to explore the phenomenon of compulsive buying behavior and online shopping addiction among women and to understand the factors that contribute to this problem. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the literature on compulsive buying behavior and online shopping addiction using a purposeful sample of two hundred women who consider themselves to be addicted to online shopping. The findings from this paper can help shed light on the issue and inform future research and interventions aimed at addressing compulsive buying behavior and online shopping addiction among women. © 2023 NSP Natural Sciences Publishing Cor.

Key Factors Related to Cyber Security Affecting Consumer Attitude in Online Shopping: A Study in Bangladesh

Cybersecurity is an increasingly important factor in consumer attitudes toward online shopping. Online shopping has become an essential part of our lives in this digital era. As the popularity of online and e-commerce shopping continues to grow, so does the potential for cyber threats and attacks. As more and more consumers turn to online shopping, cyber threats such as hacking, identity theft, and credit card fraud have become more frequent. Therefore, understanding the factors of cybersecurity that affect consumer attitude is essential to build trust and creating a safe and sound shopping environment. This research explores the factors of cybersecurity that affect consumers' attitudes to shopping online and uses a survey to test several hypotheses related to influential cyber factors. Bangladesh is a developing country in Southeast Asia, and like many other countries, has experienced an increase in cyber threats and attacks in recent years. Consumers in Bangladesh face many of the same cyber threats, such as phasing attacks, malware, data breach, and other types of cyber security threats over online shopping. As a result of these cyber threats, online consumers are increasingly concerned about online security risks which may impact their willingness to engage in online shopping. Therefore, it is essential to identify critical factors of cyber security that impact consumers's attitudes toward online shopping to mitigate cyber risk and improve consumer trust in online shopping. This paper provides the result of a research study that will provide a better understanding of factors that influence consumer's trust and engagement with online and E-commerce platforms in Bangladesh) . © 2023 IEEE.

Augmented Reality in Interactive Marketing: The State-Of-The-Art and Emerging Trends

Recent years have seen a swift embracement of augmented reality (AR) as an interactive marketing tool, which has been accelerated even more rapidly by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the general attitude toward the technology as well as the factors that inhibit or facilitate its adoption from both, the consumers, and practitioners, remain elusive. This prevents marketers from fully exploiting the potential related to AR marketing. This chapter (1) draws on current literature to conceptualize consumer experience in AR marketing and (2) complements these findings with a practitioner perspective by conducting interviews with small retailers. The results of the present chapter indicate that, from the consumer perspective, AR can give rise to diverse cognitive, affective, and social-psychological outcomes, which can translate into behavioral outcomes, including purchase intentions, word-of-mouth intentions, and brand engagement. From the practitioner's perspective, initial interview results reveal that advancements toward an easy integration of AR within existing IT infrastructures, as well as efficient ways to create virtual product replicas are crucial for the adoption of AR by small retailers. Based on the combined observations from literature and the conducted interviews, a comprehensive framework of interactive AR marketing is provided, and a way forward is discussed by addressing the emergent trends of AR as an interactive marketing technology. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2023.

The influence of consumer traits on impulsive buying: A study on Tokopedia users during the Covid-19 Pandemic

The e-commerce industry significantly expanded during a negative economic recession. This is because, during the COVID-19 epidemic, many countries enacted social limitations that caused various economic activities to diminish in many sectors and resulted in layoffs in various businesses because there was no production activity. Through consumer attributes such as impulsive buying tendencies, shopping enjoyment preferences, moods, and personal situations, this study aims to understand the factors contributing to impulsive buying. The SEM statistical method and PLS software were used to test the research model empirically. Sampling with a purpose was chosen. Two hundred legitimate respondents were used as samples to test the assumptions. First, the study found that impulsive buying patterns, moods, and situations all positively influence impulsive purchases. Second, other elements, such spending patterns, are not significant. This demonstrates that customers can enjoy looking up information about the desired goods, but it hasn't yet led customers to make impulsive purchases at online shops.

ZOOMING OUR WAY OUT OF THE FORUM NON CONVENIENS DOCTRINE

The effects of the pandemic have shed light on the evolution of technology in the legal space, including the use of technology in videoconferencing proceedings and facilitating court procedures. Despite the benefits associated with technology, the rapid adoption of videoconferencing proceedings in courts may have unprecedented impacts on the relevance and practicality of the forum non conveniens doctrine. Additionally, the drastically different approaches that federal courts have taken in response to the disproportionate geographic effects of the pandemic may give way to forum shopping. Plaintiffs may be more incentivized to bring their cases to forums that allow for videoconferencing proceedings as a strategic way to circumvent a defendant's potential forum non conveniens argument in a motion to dismiss. This Note argues that videoconferencing technology allows courts to effectively transcend the restrictions of geography while mitigating arguments about the relative convenience of different forums. Creating more uniform rules for videoconferencing proceedings will ensure easier predictability and uniformity in the forum non conveniens analysis. Specifically, this Note recommends that Congress and the courts mandate standardized technological videoconferencing requirements and adopt the original understanding of the forum non conveniens doctrine for lower courts to more explicitly consider the benefits of technology when making a forum non conveniens determination.

Influence of Social Media on Consumers' Online Purchasing Habits During: The COVID-19 Pandemic in Pakistan

Currently, businesses located all over the world are adjusting to a new standard of operation. Customers are encouraged to make their purchases of necessities through the favored e-commerce platform of the organization. For the purpose of marketing web-based enterprises, websites such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest are utilized. The purpose of the study was to investigate how the COVID-19 epidemic altered the purchase patterns of Pakistani customers shopping online, with a particular emphasis on the role played by social media. The study utilized a quantitative research model and a descriptive research technique in its data collection and analysis. In order to obtain responses from 400 Pakistani clients, an online questionnaire employing the "purposive sampling" method was used. When looking at the data and putting the hypothesis to the test, PLS-SEM analysis was utilized. During the COVID-19 pandemic in Pakistan, a PLS-SEM study indicated that advertising tools, online reviews, and endorsements from celebrities had a favorable and significant effect on how individuals bought products online. According to the findings of this study, online businesses can improve their use of social media for marketing and advertising by following a number of particular measures. Customers have a greater propensity to make purchases via social media platforms when they come across favorable evaluations and recommendations from celebrities.

The impact of coronavirus on business: Developing service research agenda for a post-coronavirus world

Purpose: The coronavirus (COVID-19) has had a tremendous impact on companies worldwide. However, researchers have no clear idea of the key issues requiring their attention. This paper aims to close this gap by analysing all business-related posts on a coronavirus subreddit ("r/coronavirus") and identifying the main research streams that are guiding the research agenda for a post-coronavirus world. Design/methodology/approach: We use data from reddit, particularly the subreddit "r/coronavirus" to identify posts that reveal the impact of coronavirus on business. Our dataset has more than 200,000 posts. We used an artificial intelligence-based algorithm to scrape the data with business-related search terms, clean it and analyse the discussion topics. Findings: We show the key topics that address the impact of coronavirus on business, combining them into four themes: essential service provision, bricolage service innovation, responsible shopping practices and market shaping amid crisis. We discuss these themes and use them to develop a service research agenda. The results are reported against the backdrop of service research priorities. Originality/value: The study identifies four key themes that have emerged from the impact of coronavirus on business and that require scholarly attention. Our findings can guide service research with unique insights provided immediately after the coronavirus outbreak to conduct research that matters to business and helps people in vulnerable positions in a post-coronavirus world. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)

Post-Lockdown Behaviors and Impacts of Avoiding COVID-19 in Individuals and Caregivers of Individuals at High-Risk of Severe COVID-19: A Qualitative Study

Objectives: Several populations are at greater risk of severe COVID-19 due to inadequate responses to COVID-19 vaccines. Many of these individuals, and their caregivers, continue practicing varying degrees of social isolation to avoid SARS-CoV-2 infection. Following the end of lockdowns, the behaviors and impacts of continued isolation on the quality-of-life of high-risk populations remain poorly understood. This study describes the main avoidance and protective behaviors and ongoing impacts experienced by adults and caregivers of adults at high-risk of severe COVID-19. Method(s): Four virtual focus groups (April-July 2022) were conducted with individuals at high-risk of severe COVID-19, or caregivers, recruited via a convenience sample from patient panels. A discussion guide of open-ended questions was prepared based on COVID-19 guidance documents and a literature review. For qualitative analyses, an inductive approach was used for behaviors, deductive for impacts. A pre-defined codebook was updated throughout as needed. Salient concepts were defined as those mentioned by >=30% of participants or in every focus-group session. Result(s): Fourteen participants were interviewed (12 patients, 2 caregivers). Participants highlighted continued behaviors greatly impacting their quality-of-life. Avoidance behaviors (staying home, avoiding bystanders, avoiding shopping facilities and gatherings, using delivery services, family protection [43%-64%]) and protective behaviors (masking [79%], vaccination [57%]) were reported. Negative impacts included family relationship impacts (71%), collapse of social relationships (57%), difficulties accessing healthcare (43%), anxiety, fear, loneliness and depression (36%-50%), and impacts on employment/finances (36%). Positive impacts included the advent of telehealth (57%) and recognizing family importance (36%). Lack of trust in authority (57%) and hoarding of medications (36%) were negative general impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted. Concepts reported by patients and caregivers were similar. Conclusion(s): Individuals at high-risk of severe COVID-19 and their caregivers maintained avoidance and protective behaviors similar to those reported during lockdowns. This study highlights the continued burden experienced by high-risk populations.Copyright © 2023

Role of Logistics Integration Capability in Enhancing Performance in Omni-Channel Retailing: Supply Chain Integration as Mediator

Although the importance and benefits of logistics integration in omni-channel (OC) retailing have been discussed in the literature, the impacts of logistics integration from the dimension of internal and external logistics remain unknown. To fill this gap, this study aims to investigate the relationships among internal and external logistics integration capabilities, supply-chain integration (SCI), and financial performance (FP) in OC retailing based on the dynamic capability view. An empirical study is conducted based on a survey of 230 OC retailers in China's market. Factor analysis and regression analysis are conducted to examine the hypotheses of the proposed conceptual model. The quantitative analyses show that the internal logistics integration capability is significantly related to the external logistics integration capability, and they both have positive effects on SCI, while the external logistics integration capability generates a higher impact (i.e., almost 1.5 times that of the internal logistics integration capability). The numerical results also demonstrate that the logistics integration capabilities and SCI have similar positive effects on FP (i.e., all the relevant regression coefficients show values around 0.25), and SCI plays a partial intermediary role in the relationships between logistics integration capabilities and FP. Furthermore, the quantitative evidence addresses the fact that the FP is not influenced by OC retailers' characteristics, indicating a fair business environment in the OC retail industry.

Exploring Plastic-Management Policy in China: Status, Challenges and Policy Insights

Plastic pollution is recognized as one of the most urgent global environmental concerns. China is the top producer and consumer of plastics and creates the most plastic waste globally. To evaluate policy options to control plastic pollution in China, we first reviewed the relevant policies and action plans in place. Then, we examined plastic-material flows and changes at the national level based on officially published data to evaluate the current situation and efficacy of policies at the macro-level. Results showed that 2016, the start of the 13th Five-Year Plan, was a pivotal year in the history of China's plastic policies tackling plastic issues nationally and internationally. Since 2016, the growth trend in the production and consumption of plastic products has slowed and the recycling rate has risen, surpassing 30% in 2021. To further tackle plastic pollution, key suggestions with important policy implications were provided, covering better integration of policies, the combined management of vertical–horizontal governance, tracking-system implementation, the introduction of a quality-certification system, the development of behaviour-based consumer-oriented solutions, the promotion of stakeholder collaboration, and the need for appropriate post-COVID-19 policies.

Adoption of electronic commerce as a resilience strategy for women's entrepreneurship in the Democratic Republic of Congo

PurposeThe present article aims to determine the factors that explain the intention to adopt electronic commerce among women traders in a developing country like Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) during a health crisis period.Design/methodology/approachThis study was conducted in the DRC, in Bukavu Town. A convenience sample of 282 respondents consisting of solely women entrepreneurs (importing traders) in Bukavu Town was selected and the structural equation model was used to test the research hypotheses resulted from Ajzen's theory of planned behaviour.FindingsThe finding results showed that only the factors attitude towards electronic commerce adoption and subjective norms which predict women traders' intention to adopt electronic commerce. The analysis shows that about 38.9% of the variation in the dependent variable is explained by the above variables.Originality/valueFew studies have presented technology and electronic commerce adoption as resilience of women entrepreneurs in a time of crisis, despite the abundance of the review literature on adoption. This study provides a new approach to assist women entrepreneurs as well as researchers in understanding the drivers of electronic commerce adoption factors in the DRC.

Industry Structure of Commercial Districts and the Impact of COVID-19

This paper aims to empirically analyze the difference in the closure rate of the commercial district according to the industry structure of the commercial district. Theoretically, the larger the number of stores in a commercial district, the greater the positive externality caused by the agglomeration economies in consumption, namely, the external economies of scale. However, the agglomeration economies could occur from comparison shopping or one-stop shopping, depending on the business structure of the commercial district. According to the empirical results of the regression analysis of all 1164 commercial districts in Korea, the more specialized a commercial district is by stores in a specific industry, the lower the closure rate of that commercial district. This means that the agglomeration economies in consumption are driven by comparison shopping rather than by one-stop shopping and implies that it is necessary to introduce incentives that allow stores in the same industry to cluster together in terms of policy. Meanwhile, if the closure is limited to a specific industry, it will cause an endogeneity problem since it affects the industry structure of the commercial district. Considering this, as a result of additional estimation by 2SLS and GMM using instrumental variables, the error in estimation due to the endogeneity problem was not large, confirming that COVID-19 corresponds to an overall external shock that is not limited to a specific industry. In addition, this paper presents diagnostic indicators for commercial districts to measure the impact of COVID-19. Through this, it will be possible to alleviate conflicts between social classes over compensation or subsidies for sanctions for quarantine. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first time to use all commercial districts in Korea for a research in evaluating the impact of COVID-19, and empirical results on agglomeration economies focusing on the consumption side are limited.

The impact of Covid-19 on consumer behaviour – lessons to be learnt from the Latin America real estate shopping centre sector

Purpose: The aim of this Real Estate Insight is to comment upon the impact of Covid on the shopping centre sector in the United States of America (USA) and lessons the USA can learn from Latin American shopping centres to survive and thrive. Design/methodology/approach: This Real Estate Insight will comment upon the real estate shopping centre sector. The nature of the "Insights” briefings mean that this is a personal view of the author based on her visit to over 70 shopping centres in Latin America, specifically Brazil, Peru, Chile, Argentina and Paraguay during her 2022 sabbatical. Findings: This paper looks at shopping centre industry in a transitional post-Covid 19 marketplace and concludes that the shopping centres in Latin American have taken many steps to integrate themselves into the fabric of the community. Practical implications: The lessons learnt by owners of shopping centres in Latin America may help other investors with their management strategies in other centres globally. Social implications: Shopping is all about behaviour and social interaction. Vibrant centres encourage the community to use the centre as a focal point. Originality/value: The value is to suggest strategies to help the shopping centre sector adapt, re-engineer change and thrive through challenging times. © 2023, Emerald Publishing Limited.