The Developing Factors of Purchase Intentions: The Emerging Trend of Private to Mega Store Environment in Pakistan

Abstract

This research study is highlighting the shifting trend of purchasing from private retail shops to mega/big box stores. Currently, many developing economies like Pakistan are witnessing a growing trend of the shift in shopping options, and moving on mega/big box stores is one of them. This research identifies some underlying factors of big box stores which affect purchase intentions. In this study store environment is considered as an independent variable whereas purchase intention is taken as the dependent variable. Customer satisfaction and behavioral loyalty are considered mediators and the effect of price (factor) has been checked as a moderator. The philosophy of positivism is followed for this research. The research design is explanatory in nature. Data is collected through structured questionnaires from the customers of FMCG and daily routine products. The sample size is 174 and both (male and female customers were considered). Non- Probability convenience sampling technique is used. For data analysis, SMART PLS 3 software and structural equation modeling are used. The results of this research suggested that the store environment has a significant impact on purchase intention. Similarly, the store environment significantly develops purchase intention with the mediation of customer satisfaction as well. Store environment has a positive impact on behavioral loyalty, whereas behavioral loyalty does not significantly impact purchase intentions. Prices have a significant impact as moderators on store environment and customer satisfaction.