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Online shopping, also known as electronic shopping, online purchasing, Internet shopping or Internet buying, can be defined as the process of purchasing products or/ and services over the Internet infrastructure (Mastercard Worldwide Insights, 2008). Alternatively, according to Kim (2004), it is defined as examining, searching for, browsing for or looking at a product to get more information with the possible intention of purchasing on the Internet. Nowadays, online shopping is one of the most widely used-non store formats and is broadly utilized from customers all over the world. The growth in the number of online shoppers is greater than the growth in Internet users, indicating that even more users are becoming comfortable to purchase online (Magee, 2003). Characteristically, the number of Internet shoppers has globally increased up to 40% in 2006-2008 period (Nielsen AC, 2008), and from 53% to 58% in 2009-2011 in the European Union (Seybert, 2011). Furthermore, not only does the number of adopters grow, but also the volume of their purchases is proportionally increased (Monsuwe et al., 2004; Special Eurobarometer 298, 2008). As a result, it has been predicted that online shopping would amount to 8.8% of all retail business in 2012 (Centre for Retail Research, 2011). Furthermore, statistics by Forrester Research Inc. predicts that online retail revenue will grow from $191.7 billion in 2011 to $248.7 billion in 2014, representing an 8% compound annual growth rate (Schonfeld, 2010). Consequently, online shopping, a term that used to be unknown; has become one of the most tremendous and exciting trends in all types of businesses (Diacon & Donici, 2011).
Online shopping offers various advantages not only to customers, but also to enterprises. On the consumer’s side, the two most commonly cited reasons for online shopping have been convenience and price (Ahmad, et al., 2010; Chen & Chang, 2003). The capability of purchasing without leaving your place is of great interest to many consumers. Moreover, the use of Internet tools for price searching and comparison provides an additional advantage in consumers’ final decision, as they can purchase their desired products in the lowest available price (Haubl & Trifts, 2000). Additionally, it is characterized for its limitless feature; that is every customer can theoretically purchase anything from anywhere. In other words, it has further stimulated the process of cross-border shopping, allowing fast, less costly communication, as well as access to a wider variety of goods and services (SEC 283, 2009). On the enterprise’s side, it is significantly changing the way retailers present, advertise, sell, and communicate with existing and potential consumers. Furthermore, it offers them access to a global market that extends well beyond the traditional geographic markets serviced by their brick-and-mortal stores (Ahmad, et al., 2010).