Revenge buying after the lockdown: Based on the SOR framework and TPB model

Abstract

With the end of the pandemic and the lifting of the lockdown, the consumer market experienced revenge buying. The purpose of this study is to investigate the causes of revenge buying using the stimulus–organ–response (SOR) framework and the theory of planned behavior (TPB) model. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze data collected from 350 residents of Shanghai, China, after the city’s lockdown was lifted. The findings imply that perceived scarcity, perceived susceptibility, and social influence regarding the lockdown can stimulate individuals’ anxiety, inducing behavioral intentions and ultimately leading to revenge buying consumer behavior. Theoretically, this study provides a novel explanation of revenge buying behavior. Additionally, conclusions offer ramifications for management and implementation strategies for dealing with revenge buying after sudden disasters.