Exploring the urban geography of online grocery shopping in Romania: trends and transformations

In Malaysia, online grocery shopping is an emerging field where consumer trust has become a key factor affecting its growth and prosperity. Although grocery shopping does not account for a significant share of total consumer spending, it plays an irreplaceable role due to its unique characteristics of perishability and variability, which makes it relevant to consumers' quality of life. This article aims to explore false advertising, quality issues, logistics and reputation in relation to consumer trust in grocery shopping, using non-probability sampling research techniques in 390 questionnaires from consumers aged between 18 and 45. This article finds that false advertising and logistics have little direct association with consumer trust, while quality issues and reputation have a positive impact on consumer trust in online grocery shopping. Our study fills a gap in this area at this stage. And makes further recommendations to the government, online shopping platforms and grocers, so as to strengthen their regulation, purify the business activities in the market and promote the growth and prosperity of online grocery shopping in Malaysia in light of this research finding.

Digital marketplaces are sites that provide online transaction facilities for their customers. As such, business transactions can be done anytime and anywhere between sellers and buyers through digital platforms, making them very flexible compared to physical stores or traditional marketplaces. Digital marketplaces are not new as they were among earlier e-commerce business models introduced in the 1990s, such as eBay and Amazon. However, local digital marketplace platforms are relatively new in Brunei Darussalam, as most such platforms started only a few years ago, although Bruneians are used to buying products from well-known global platforms. Several reasons have caused the emergence of local digital marketplace platforms, such as the very high internet penetration, the limitations of social media in supporting business transactions, the experience in making transactions using global digital marketplaces, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic which forced people to conduct online transactions to avoid physical contact and the availability of digital technology for setting up platforms. This chapter discusses Brunei’s digital marketplace. It examines theories of the digital marketplace, such as transaction cost economics and multisided markets. Four examples of Brunei’s digital marketplace are analysed—Al-Huffaz Management, Babakimpo, Naindah and Super Squad Soccer—and opportunities and challenges for them to survive and grow are discussed.

Grocery shopping is a vital activity in people’s lives. During the Coronavirus 19 (COVID-19) pandemic, many consumers turned to online platforms to purchase food, resulting in a significant increase in online grocery shopping. Hence, this study aims to investigate the post COVID-19 online grocery shopping intentions in the USA using quantitative research conducted via online surveys on Amazon’s Mechanical Turk (MTurk). The sample of this study is composed of two hundred fifty-two (252) validated data collected for analysis. The majority of participants perceive online grocery shopping as a reassuring, useful, and convenient method for purchasing food. Merits of online grocery shopping include reduced impulse buying and a lower risk of injury compared to traditional grocery shopping. Suggestions regarding online grocery shopping from peers or other influential people do not directly impact participants’ future purchasing decision. Participants diligently review grocery items on website before making online purchases. The availability of a wide range of high-quality food products in online grocery stores encourages continued online shopping post-pandemic. It is anticipated that in the near future, online grocery stores may become the preferred choice for consumers to purchase their foods.

This study investigates the impact of Social Proof and User-Generated Content (UGC) on brand perception among digital consumers, with a particular focus on the mediating role of consumer trust. As digital platforms become central to consumer interactions, Social Proof—such as product reviews, testimonials, likes, and shares—has emerged as a powerful factor shaping consumer decisions and enhancing brand credibility. Similarly, UGC, which includes consumer-generated content like photos, videos, and honest product reviews, provides an authentic perspective often viewed as more trustworthy than traditional brand-generated content. These digital peer influences play a pivotal role in modern brand perception, as consumers increasingly seek real, relatable experiences when assessing brand value. This research employs a quantitative approach, targeting digital consumers in the Jabodetabek area to examine how Social Proof and UGC contribute to brand perception through the intermediary of consumer trust. By analyzing survey data, this study aims to reveal the extent to which trust, fostered by Social Proof and UGC, can strengthen brand perception and consumer loyalty. The findings are anticipated to provide valuable insights into digital marketing strategies, underscoring the importance of peer recommendations and user-generated authenticity in building trusted consumer-brand relationships. Ultimately, this research seeks to guide marketers in optimizing digital strategies that resonate with the expectations and trust preferences of today’s digital consumers. Keyword: Social Proof; User-Generated Content; Consumer Trust; Brand Perception; Digital Consumers; Digital Marketing

The COVID‐19 pandemic altered daily activities. Many consumers reverted to online grocery shopping and home delivery. We analyze factors associated with the decision to grocery shop online and whether this will persist post‐COVID using data collected via a representative online Qualtrics panel in the State of New Jersey (N = 1,419). Around half of respondents either decreased in‐person shopping, increased online shopping, or pursued a combination of both. We used factor analysis to decompose attitudes towards the pandemic, finding that attitudinal responses broke down into ‘fearful’, ‘believers’, and ‘deniers’. Binomial regressions were used to analyze patterns of frequency of grocery shopping during the pandemic and changes in behavior during the pandemic. Results suggest that age, gender, ethnicity, educational attainment, having children at home, and attitudes towards COVID‐19 are likely to influence frequency of online and in‐person grocery shopping. Specifically, being 50 years or older is negatively associated with online grocery shopping. Those who deny COVID‐19 were less likely to decrease in‐person grocery shopping. People who had children at home, who had advanced degrees, or who were of Hispanic origin were more likely to increase online shopping and decrease in‐person shopping during the pandemic. While our results suggest that in‐person grocery shopping will return to prepandemic levels, we found that respondents report some increased persistence in online grocery shopping post‐COVID.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Online Purchasing Pilot (OPP) authorised the use of SNAP benefits online in Maryland in May 2020. We assessed shopping behaviour and intentions associated with uptake and intended future use of online grocery shopping during and after COVID-19 among SNAP-eligible households. In this mixed-methods study, participants completed a survey on online grocery shopping, and a purposefully sampled subset participated in focus groups or in-depth interviews between November 2020 and March 2021. Predominantly urban households in Maryland. Primary shoppers of SNAP-eligible households with young children (n 310). Most participants reported first shopping for groceries online after the OPP was implemented (57 %). Families who purchased groceries in-store less frequently were less likely to report ever buying groceries online (rate ratio (RR): 0·66, 95 % CI 0·46, 0·93) compared with weekly grocery shoppers. Shoppers who intended to purchase more groceries online in the next 6 months were more likely to have online shopping experience, although this differed by timing of online grocery service adoption. Participants reported more negative attitudes towards in-store grocery shopping during the pandemic than prior to its onset and cited COVID-19 as a motivator for ordering groceries online in focus groups. Most participants who had shopped online planned to continue after the pandemic (79 %). Most participants who shopped online started during the COVID-19 pandemic and considered the pandemic a key motivator. Findings suggest that low-income households will continue to shop online, affirming the need for policies that promote equitable access to healthy food online.

The convenience and accessibility of online shopping have revolutionized the retail industry, with online grocery shopping experiencing significant growth in recent years. This research paper explores the current trends in online grocery shopping, focusing on key factors driving its popularity and the challenges it faces. By analyzing consumer behavior, technological advancements, and market dynamics, this study aims to provide valuable insights into the evolving landscape of e-commerce within the grocery sector. The research delves into the shifting preferences of consumers towards online grocery shopping, emphasizing the convenience, time-saving benefits, and extensive product range offered by digital platforms. Furthermore, it examines the impact of changing lifestyles, especially in urban areas, on the rising demand for online grocery services. The study also addresses the crucial role of data analytics and AI-driven technologies in enhancing the customer experience and optimizing supply chain management for online grocery retailers. Moreover, the paper investigates the challenges associated with online grocery shopping, including issues related to delivery logistics, product quality, and customer satisfaction. It discusses strategies adopted by online retailers to overcome these challenges and build trust among consumers. Additionally, the research highlights the competitive landscape of the online grocery market, analyzing the strategies employed by key players to stay ahead in this rapidly evolving industry.

In the Spring of 2021, a survey of college students’ perceptions and behaviors regarding grocery shopping methods, including online purchases of fresh produce, in the post-response to COVID-19 was conducted. The purpose of this research was to analyze the perceptions of online grocery shopping and identify specific factors that significantly influenced the grocery shopping experience. A sample of 203 responses was collected from undergraduate and graduate students within the College of Agricultural & Life Sciences (CALS) at the University of Florida. Participants perceived in-store grocery shopping as superior in terms of product quality, shopping experience, store loyalty, and hygiene while convenience was perceived as an advantage with online grocery shopping. Participants identified product quality and greater transparency regarding food handling as important concerns and factors when purchasing fresh produce online. Although COVID-19 pandemic caused students to explore various online grocery services, it had limited effect on their purchasing of fresh produce. The implications for this study are far reaching, applicable to industry retailers interested in consumer willingness to pay for online grocery options and in identifying value-adding services that would increase consumer participation. This study also provides baseline data useful to researchers interested in consumer behavior, acceptance, and food marketing.

This study investigated the influence of the perceived value of ballet performances (personal, artistic, and sociocultural) on consumer satisfaction, trust, and intention to rewatch (revisit). Participants included 240 Americans, 272 South Africans, and 227 Koreans, for a total of 739 (female = 50.2%) who watched a ballet performance in the last two years (2019–2020). Measures included perceived value of ballet performances (personal, artistic, and sociocultural) consumer satisfaction, trust, and intention to rewatch (revisit). Following structural equation model analysis (using SmartPLS) we found perceptions of personal, artistic, and sociocultural value to enhance consumer satisfaction. Sociocultural value had an enhanced consumer trust, while personal and artistic value did not. Consumer trust mediated the relationship between consumer satisfaction and intention to rewatch (revisit).

A notable shift toward online grocery shopping is occurring. To examine the prevalence and frequency of online grocery shopping, the methods of receiving groceries purchased online, and the primary motivators prompting U.S. consumers to buy groceries online, this report uses nationally representative data from the USDA, Economic Research Service’s 2022 Eating and Health Module of the American Time Use Survey. The analysis reveals that about one in five individuals who usually do any grocery shopping in their household purchased groceries online at least once in the past month. Shoppers more likely to buy groceries online than their counterparts and who shopped online more frequently were female, ages 15–24, non-Hispanic White, married or partnered, from a household with young children, more educated, income ineligible for SNAP benefits, or frequently did the grocery shopping in their households. Pick-up and delivery options were chosen almost equally, and more than two in five online grocery shoppers cited time constraints as the main reason the shoppers chose to buy groceries online. Examining the drivers of online grocery shopping can inform program, policy, and retailer decision-making—given the potential for online grocery shopping to improve food access, foster healthier purchases, and alter the food retail landscape. -- c Provided by publisher

The Indian online grocery market has been propelling since last few years. The size of online grocery market in 2020 was estimated as $2.9 billion and it is further anticipated to reach at the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 37.1% during 2021 to 2028. Companies such as Amazon, Flipkart grocery, BigBasket, Grofers and Jiomart have been coming up with new attractions for consumers such as providing timely no contact delivery, accepting various digital modes of payment and offering several discounts which have fascinated consumers towards buying their regular grocery from various online platforms. Corona virus has also fuelled up the safety concerns of people; due to which a large section of the citizens are working from home and are dependent on the online platform for various purposes including grocery shopping. This has provided several growth opportunities to the online grocery market. This research investigates about the purchase behaviour of customers towards online grocery shopping. The study aims to understand the purchase behaviour of e-grocery shoppers of India and to examine the association between satisfactions with online purchase, trust on online grocers, perceived risk and online repurchase intention of grocery items. The study uses primary data collected from 555 online grocery buyers. The findings of the study indicate that online customer satisfaction is a significant factor that influences repurchase intentions of online grocery shopping. Perceived risk negatively influence trust as well as repurchase intentions. Trust is found to be a mediating factor between shopping satisfaction and repurchase intentions. The study also builds and tests an online customer behavioural model with actual purchasing behaviour and identifies the continued presence of perceived risk, shopping satisfaction and trust in grocery e-retailing.

Research purpose. In India’s rapidly growing digital economy, cybersecurity has become a key factor shaping consumer perception and behaviour on digital marketing platforms. Rising data breaches and privacy concerns have elevated the importance of user trust. Cybersecurity is now seen not only as a technical safeguard but also as a strategic element for retaining consumers. Despite its growing significance, there is limited research on how cybersecurity directly influences consumer trust and loyalty in the Indian context. This study addresses that gap. The purpose of the research is to analyse the impact of cybersecurity measures on consumer trust and loyalty toward digital marketing platforms in India. To achieve that, such factors as data protection, privacy practices, and incident response, and their influence on consumer trust, engagement, and long-term loyalty to digital marketing platforms are assessed. The visibility of cybersecurity practices and their meaning to consumers are also analysed, as well as the translation of such perceptions into repeat purchasing behaviour and brand advocacy. By achieving that, the paper not only contributes to the scientific purpose but also provides actionable guidance for practitioners. The research analyses how trust serves as a mediating factor between cybersecurity measures and loyalty outcomes. Design / Methodology / Approach. A mixed-methods approach is used. Quantitative data from a structured online survey (50 participants across India) is combined with qualitative insights from an interview with a digital marketing professional. Analytical methods include regression, factor analysis, and thematic evaluation. Findings. Results show a strong positive link between effective cybersecurity and consumer trust, which significantly affects loyalty. Transparent data protection policies and visible cybersecurity efforts enhance consumer confidence and repeat usage. The study provides practical recommendations for strengthening user trust via improved cybersecurity. The findings are also intended to support digital platforms in designing security strategies that strengthen consumer confidence and create sustainable competitive advantage. Originality / Value / Practical implications. This research is one of the few studies that empirically examines how cybersecurity measures directly influence consumer trust and loyalty in the Indian digital marketing context. Its originality lies in combining consumer perception analysis with expert insights to reveal that visible and transparent cybersecurity practices are more influential than technical certifications. The findings provide practical guidance for digital platforms on how to build consumer trust and loyalty by integrating cybersecurity as a core element of brand strategy.

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the food insecurity issue across the nation, especially for vulnerable population groups. As an important way to access food, online grocery shopping has gained substantial popularity during COVID-19. However, it is not clear how COVID-19 impacted both the in-store and online grocery shopping simultaneously and how the impacts varied among different population groups. To gain a comprehensive understanding of the impacts of COVID-19 on food access, we conducted two rounds of online survey during the initial and middle stages of COVID-19 in Maricopa County, Arizona, United States. In addition to the factors that have been examined in the literature, we examined how travel behavior, food environment, and lifestyle change affected both in-store and online shopping during COVID-19 when compared with before COVID-19. Analysis results suggest that the methods people used for grocery shopping varied with different stages of COVID-19 and among different population groups. Changes of people’s daily life and travel behavior during COVID-19 are found to be associated with people’s grocery shopping method selection. While people with better food environment were more likely to keep in-store grocery shopping, as the pandemic progressed, food environment became less important as a factor influencing the adoption of online grocery shopping. Food assistance program participants had a higher demand for the online grocery shopping service. However, the barriers associated with redeeming their benefits online prohibited them from becoming new online grocery shoppers during COVID-19. The study provides important insights into planning of food provision and formulating effective intervention strategies during future shocks.

The rapid development of internet technology in this era makes consideration of renewal in business, especially in marketing strategy. Nowadays, the online platform starts to replace grocery shopping habits from the traditional market. Therefore, it is necessary to identify reason behind customer behaviour towards grocery shopping online. This study aimed to determine factors behind consumer behaviour in buying online using the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) approach. Data were collected from 127 grocery shoppers using questionnaires and analysed by Structural Equation Modelling - Partial Least Square (SEM-PLS). Results have shown that Attitude Towards Behaviour (ATB), Subjective Norm (SN), and Perceived Behavioural Control (PBC) have significant influences on purchase intention (PI). It also shown that PI (willingness, online preferential, and recommendation) had a significant effect on online grocery purchasing behaviour. The higher the intention, the greater behaviour reflected in the online purchase. Therefore, this study can be used to assist online grocery retailers to formulate effective strategies to gain more customers’ confidence to do online grocery shopping.

This article explores the factors that have an impact on consumers' satisfaction and behavioural loyalty in relation to ordering and delivery applications, focusing on the emerging trend of online grocery shopping. Considering the digital revolution in retail, it is critical to comprehend consumer behaviour in this space. This study offers insights from a sample of 445 respondents in South Africa. A quantitative descriptive research methodology and a non-probability convenience sampling method were employed for the study. Structural equation modelling was utilised to validate the research measurement model and to test the study’s hypotheses. The results highlight the critical roles of design aesthetics, usefulness and confirmation and show robust positive correlations that support the linkages that the study's model postulates. Notably, design aesthetics, satisfaction and usefulness are all positively influenced by confirmation, and these factors, in turn, improve consumer satisfaction and behavioural loyalty. This study stands out because it provides a fresh viewpoint on the factors that influence customer satisfaction and behavioural loyalty, particularly when it comes to grocery shopping Apps. The distinctiveness of this study resides in its thorough analysis of important concepts and how they interact with one another, all against the backdrop of an African consumer base. The results obtained have numerous applications in the real world. Prioritising the factors that influence customer satisfaction and behavioural loyalty will help marketers and companies to improve app design and marketing tactics, which will increase user satisfaction and behavioural loyalty. Such a strategy could help close the gap between the rather different literatures on consumer behaviour and digital retailing, while also increasing sales through grocery shopping applications. Through this approach, stakeholders can obtain practical insights aimed at augmenting user engagement and loyalty within the fiercely competitive online grocery sector. All things considered, this study not only clarifies the essential elements that influence consumer satisfaction and behavioural loyalty in the online grocery industry but also lays out a roadmap for future research in this quickly developing field.