A systematic literature review of store atmosphere in alternative retail commerce channels

Abstract

The importance of store atmospherics on consumers’ shopping behavior has been widely studied since the 1970s. Over the years, and with the development of technology, store atmosphere has changed form and shape in alternative retail commerce channels, such as brick-and-mortar, 2D and 3D online, mobile, and virtual and augmented reality. However, despite its importance, there is not a holistic analysis of the components and dimensions of store atmosphere in retailing. This research fills this gap by denoting integrated knowledge and outcomes in alternative commerce channels and developing a unifying integrative framework that includes the components, the antecedents, and the consequences of store atmosphere. We follow a systematic literature review approach to (1) review past research and directions, (2) develop a map of the components of store atmosphere in the last 45 years, (3) explicate 208 variables that are directly linked with store atmosphere, and (4) draw an integrative framework and present future research directions and managerial implications.