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Mobile shopping behaviour: insights into attitudes, shopping process involvement and location

Holmes, Alastair; Byrne, Angela; Rowley, Jennifer

Authors

Alastair Holmes

Jennifer Rowley



Abstract

Purpose
Although there is evidence that adoption of mobile shopping has been slow, the increased functionality offered by smart phones offers significant potential for the development of marketing and retailing through the mobile channel. The purpose of this paper is to add to knowledge on consumer shopping behaviour through mobile devices by exploring attitudes to the use of mobiles in shopping, the use of mobile phones at different stages in the consumer decision-making process, the impact of involvement on the mobile consumer decision-making process and mobile shopping location.

Design/methodology/approach
An online panel survey was conducted with a UK panel of nationally representative consumers. The survey collected data in respect of the following products that were ranked on level of involvement on the basis of the importance and effort consumers' associated with their purchase: bread (lowest), washing powder, DVD, footwear, phone and TV (highest).

Findings
Use of mobiles for shopping is significant, but remains lower than use of computers in shopping. In general, respondents were more positive regarding their use of computer shopping than they were in relation to their use of a mobile. In using their mobile phone in shopping, respondents value its convenience and accessibility. There is higher use of the mobile phone in the information search and consideration of alternatives phases, than in the purchase transaction. The extent of use of mobile devices in the decision-making process is higher with higher involvement products, in relation to all stages in the decision-making process. The most frequent location for the use of their mobile in shopping is at home, which is consistent with the finding that the highest level of use of mobiles occurs in the information search and consideration of alternatives phases. Recommendations are offered for retailers and for further research.

Originality/value
This is the first research to explore the use of mobile phones in different stages in the consumer-decision-making process across a number of product categories.

Citation

Holmes, A., Byrne, A., & Rowley, J. (2014). Mobile shopping behaviour: insights into attitudes, shopping process involvement and location. International Journal of Retail and Distribution Management, 42(1), 25-39. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijrdm-10-2012-0096

Journal Article Type Article
Online Publication Date Jan 1, 2014
Publication Date Jan 1, 2014
Deposit Date May 23, 2023
Journal International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management
Print ISSN 0959-0552
Publisher Emerald
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 42
Issue 1
Pages 25-39
DOI https://doi.org/10.1108/ijrdm-10-2012-0096
Keywords Business and International Management; Marketing