Journal of the Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles (한국의류학회지)

The Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles (한국의류학회)
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Consumer Perception of Social Presence in E-tail Websites

  • Park, Jee-Sun (Dept. of Retail, Hospitality, & Tourism Management, The University of Tennessee) ;
  • Fairhurst, Ann (Dept. of Retail, Hospitality, & Tourism Management, The University of Tennessee)
  • Received : 2010.05.20
  • Accepted : 2010.06.27
  • Published : 2010.06.06
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Abstract

This study examines the role of consumer perception of social presence in e-tailing websites. The study proposes that the perception of social presence influences the variables that are important for e-tailers to build a relationship with consumers, which are the attitudes of consumers toward an e-tailer and patronage intentions toward the e-tailer. This study hypothesizes that the attitudes of consumers are influenced by individual perceptions of social presence that guide their patronage intentions. Consumer trust and their affective states are hypothesized to serve as mediators in the relationship between consumer perception of social presence and the attitudes toward an e-tailer. Sixty-one female students were used to test the proposed model. The findings from regression and mediation analyses supported all hypotheses, suggesting that the perception of social presence plays a significant role in consumer shopping habits for apparel: consumer perception of social presence influences consumer trust and affective states that modify attitudes toward an e-tailer and consumer patronage intentions. The theoretical and managerial implications for apparel e-tailers are discussed.

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