Impulse Buying Behaviors in a Digital World

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Technological Sustainability and Business Competitive Advantage

Part of the book series: Internet of Things ((ITTCC))

  • 519 Accesses

Abstract

Impulse buying behaviors have received a lot of research attention over the years, starting with investigating customer experiences in brick-and-mortar stores in the 1950s and not ending with gauging customer impulse buying tendencies on the digital shop** platforms of today. Indeed, marketers and scholars are interested in understanding more about the customers’ motivations to engage in impulse buying behaviors, as they are tied to desirable marketing outcomes, including increased sales and profits.

This paper presents an overview of impulse buying in a modern, digital world, based on a study of the literature. It, first, defines the concept and highlights its different types. Following this, it contrasts offline impulse buying behaviors with impulse buying in e-commerce and social media platforms and discusses the factors that influence impulse buying in customers. Finally, the authors provide relevant recommendations for future research in the field of impulse buying behaviors.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Subscribe and save

Springer+ Basic
EUR 32.99 /Month
  • Get 10 units per month
  • Download Article/Chapter or Ebook
  • 1 Unit = 1 Article or 1 Chapter
  • Cancel anytime
Subscribe now

Buy Now

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 189.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Hardcover Book
USD 249.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free ship** worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Abdelsalam, S., et al. (2020). Understanding online impulse buying behavior in social commerce: A systematic literature review. IEEE Access, 8, 89041–89058.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Almahdi, M. (2018). The evolution of interactivity in the context of social commerce: A multi-faceted investigation. University of Bath.

    Google Scholar 

  • Almahdi, M. H. (2021). Social commerce: A concept explication. In A. M. A. Musleh Al-Sartawi, A. Razzaque, & M. M. Kamal (Eds.), Artificial intelligence systems and the internet of things in the digital era (pp. 398–404). Springer: Proceedings of EAMMIS 2021.

    Google Scholar 

  • Almahdi, M. H., & Archer-Brown, C. (2022). The role of interactivity in social commerce websites: A content analysis study. In A. M. A. M. Al-Sartawi (Ed.), Artificial intelligence for sustainable finance and sustainable technology. Springer.

    Google Scholar 

  • Almahdi, M. H., Alsayed, N., & Alabbas, A. (2022). In influencers we trust? A model of trust transfer in social media influencer marketing. In A. Hamdan et al. (Eds.), Future of organizations and work after the 4th industrial revolution (pp. 159–173). Springer.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Aminosharieh, S., & Mowlaie, S. (2017). An investigation into individual and situational factors effective in the level of impulse buying behavior of customers. Journal of Ecophysiology and Occupational Health, 17(1/2), 68–71.

    Google Scholar 

  • Amos, C., Holmes, G. R., & Keneson, W. C. (2014). A meta-analysis of consumer impulse buying. Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, 21(2), 86–97.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Applebaum, W. (1951). Studying customer behavior in retail stores. Journal of Marketing, 16(2), 172–178.

    Article  MathSciNet  Google Scholar 

  • Aragoncillo, L., & Orus, C. (2018). Impulse buying behaviour: An online-offline comparative and the impact of social media. Spanish Journal of Marketing-ESIC, 22(1), 42–62.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Argo, J. J., Dahl, D. W., & Manchanda, R. V. (2005). A non-interactive social presence in a retail setting: An investigation of its impact on consumers’ emotions, cognitive performance, and self-presentation behaviors. ACR North American Advances.

    Google Scholar 

  • Atalay, A. S., & Meloy, M. G. (2011). Retail therapy: A strategic effort to improve mood. Psychology & Marketing, 28(6), 638–659.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Baker Qureshi, P. A., Murtaza, F., & Kazi, A. G. (2019). The impact of social media on impulse buying behaviour in Hyderabad Sindh Pakistan. International Journal of Entrepreneurial Research, 2(2), 8–12.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Beatty, S. E., & Ferrell, M. E. (1998). Impulse buying: Modeling its precursors. Journal of Retailing, 74(2), 169–191.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bratko, D., Butkovic, A., & Bosnjak, M. (2013). Twin study of impulsive buying and its overlap with personality. Journal of Individual Differences, 34(1), 8.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chan, T. K., Cheung, C. M., & Lee, Z. W. (2017). The state of online impulse-buying research: A literature analysis. Information & Management, 54(2), 204–217.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chen, S., Zhi, K., & Chen, Y. (2022). How active and passive social media use affects impulse buying in Chinese college students? The roles of emotional responses, gender, materialism and self-control. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 1–15.

    Google Scholar 

  • Clover, V. T. (1950). Relative importance of impulse-buying in retail stores. Journal of Marketing, 15(1), 66–70.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cobb, S. C. (2009). Social presence and online learning: A current view from a research perspective. Journal of Interactive Online Learning, 8(3), 241–254.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cortes, R. (2004). Generation wars. Caribbean Business, 32(4), 18–22.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dawson, S., & Kim, M. (2009). External and internal trigger cues of impulse buying online. Direct Marketing: An International Journal, 3(1), 20–34.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dawson, S., & Kim, M. (2010). Cues on apparel web sites that trigger impulse purchases. Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management: An International Journal, 14(2), 230–246.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Der Hovanesian, M. (1999). Spending it, investing it–coming on strong: The children of the baby boomers are affecting spending and investing as significantly as their parents did; the similarity ends there. Wall Street Journal, 12(2), 23–28.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dittmar, H., Beattie, J., & Friese, S. (1995). Gender identity and material symbols: Objects and decision considerations in impulse purchases. Journal of Economic Psychology, 16(3), 491–511.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dodoo, N. A., & Wu, L. (2019). Exploring the anteceding impact of personalised social media advertising on online impulse buying tendency. International Journal of Internet Marketing and Advertising, 13(1), 73–95.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Donovan, R., & Rossiter, J. (1982). Store atmosphere: An environmental psychology approach. Journal of Retailing, 58(1), 34–57.

    Google Scholar 

  • Donovan, R. J., et al. (1994). Store atmosphere and purchasing behavior. Journal of Retailing, 70(3), 283–294.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Faber, R. J. (2010). Impulsive and compulsive buying. Wiley international encyclopedia of marketing.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Gardner, M. P., & Rook, D. W. (1988). Effects of impulse purchases on consumers’ affective states. ACR North American Advances.

    Google Scholar 

  • Greenfield, D. N. (1999). Psychological characteristics of compulsive Internet use: A preliminary analysis. Cyberpsychology & Behavior, 2(5), 403–412.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gupta, P. (2011). Shop** impulses, online vs off. The New York Times. p. 2.

    Google Scholar 

  • Han, Y. K., et al. (1991). Impulse buying behavior of apparel purchasers. Clothing and Textiles Research Journal, 9(3), 15–21.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hausman, A. (2000). A multi-method investigation of consumer motivations in impulse buying behavior. Journal of Consumer Marketing, 17(5), 403–426.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Holbrook, M. B., & Anand, P. (1990). Effects of tempo and situational arousal on the listener’s perceptual and affective responses to music. Psychology of Music, 18(2), 150–162.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Huang, L.-T. (2016). Flow and social capital theory in online impulse buying. Journal of Business Research, 69(6), 2277–2283.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hultén, P., & Vanyushyn, V. (2011). Impulse purchases of groceries in France and Sweden. Journal of Consumer Marketing, 28(5), 376–384.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jeffrey, S. A., & Hodge, R. (2007). Factors influencing impulse buying during an online purchase. Electronic Commerce Research, 7(3), 367–379.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jeon, J.-O. (1990). An empirical investigation of the relationship between affective states, in-store browsing, and impulse buying. The University of Alabama.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jones, M. A., et al. (2003). The product-specific nature of impulse buying tendency. Journal of Business Research, 56(7), 505–511.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kacen, J. J., & Lee, J. A. (2002). The influence of culture on consumer impulsive buying behavior. Journal of Consumer Psychology, 12(2), 163–176.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kalla, S. M., & Arora, A. (2011). Impulse buying: A literature review. Global Business Review, 12(1), 145–157.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kaur, P., & Singh, R. (2007). Uncovering retail shop** motives of Indian youth. Young Consumers. https://doi.org/10.1108/17473610710757491

  • Kollat, D. T., & Willett, R. P. (1967). Customer impulse purchasing behavior. Journal of Marketing Research, 4(1), 21–31.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lahath, A., et al. (2021). Exploring food waste during the COVID-19 pandemic among Malaysian consumers: The effect of social media, neuroticism, and impulse buying on food waste. Sustainable Production and Consumption, 28, 519–531.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • LaRose, R. (2001). On the negative effects of e-commerce: A sociocognitive exploration of unregulated on-line buying. Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 6(3), JCMC631.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lee, B. (2022). 13 online shop** trends for 2022. Available from: https://www.sofi.com/learn/content/online-shop**-trends/

  • Lee, J. A., & Kacen, J. J. (2008). Cultural influences on consumer satisfaction with impulse and planned purchase decisions. Journal of Business Research, 61(3), 265–272.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liu, Y., Li, H., & Hu, F. (2013). Website attributes in urging online impulse purchase: An empirical investigation on consumer perceptions. Decision Support Systems, 55(3), 829–837.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mattila, A. S., & Wirtz, J. (2008). The role of store environmental stimulation and social factors on impulse purchasing. Journal of Services Marketing, 22(7), 562–567.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Median News. (2020) [cited 2022, 19th of December]. Impulse buying: Will it thrive in a digital, pandemic world? Available from: https://www.medianews4u.com/impulse-buying-will-it-thrive-in-a-digital-pandemic-world/

  • Milliman, R. E., & Fugate, D. L. (1993). Atmospherics as an emerging influence in the design of exchange environments. Journal of Marketing Management (10711988), 3(1), 66–75.

    Google Scholar 

  • Moe, W. W., & Fader, P. S. (2004). Dynamic conversion behavior at e-commerce sites. Management Science, 50(3), 326–335.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Moran, B. (2015). Effect of stress, materialism and external stimuli on online impulse buying. Journal of Research for Consumers, 27, 26.

    Google Scholar 

  • Muruganantham, G., & Bhakat, R. S. (2013). A review of impulse buying behavior. International Journal of Marketing Studies, 5(3), 149.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nuseir, M. T. (2020). The extent of the influences of social media in creating 'impulse buying' tendencies. International Journal of Business Innovation and Research, 21(3), 324–335.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Parboteeah, D. V., Valacich, J. S., & Wells, J. D. (2009). The influence of website characteristics on a consumer’s urge to buy impulsively. Information Systems Research, 20(1), 60–78.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Parsad, C., Prashar, S., & Tata, V. S. (2017). Understanding nature of store ambiance and individual impulse buying tendency on impulsive purchasing behaviour: An emerging market perspective. Decision, 44(4), 297–311.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Peck, J., & Childers, T. L. (2006). If I touch it I have to have it: Individual and environmental influences on impulse purchasing. Journal of Business Research, 59(6), 765–769.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Piron, F. (1991). Defining impulse purchasing. ACR North American Advances.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ramanathan, S., & Menon, G. (2006). Time-varying effects of chronic hedonic goals on impulsive behavior. Journal of Marketing Research, 43(4), 628–641.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rook, D. W. (1987). The buying impulse. Journal of Consumer Research, 14(2), 189–199.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rook, D. W., & Hoch, S. J. (1985). Consuming impulses. ACR North American Advances.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shapiro, M. F. (2001). Impulse purchases. NPN, National Petroleum News, 93(7), 40.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sharma, P., Sivakumaran, B., & Marshall, R. (2010). Impulse buying and variety seeking: A trait-correlates perspective. Journal of Business Research, 63(3), 276–283.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shen, K. N., & Khalifa, M. (2012). System design effects on online impulse buying. Internet Research, 22(4), 396–425.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Stern, H. (1962). The significance of impulse buying today. Journal of Marketing, 26(2), 59–62.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Szymkowiak, A., Gaczek, P., & Padma, P. (2021). Impulse buying in hospitality: The role of content posted by social media influencers. Journal of Vacation Marketing, 27(4), 385–399.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Valdez, G., & OTROS. (1999). Computer-based technology and learning: Evolving uses and expectations. North Central Regional Educational Laboratory.

    Google Scholar 

  • Verhagen, T., & Van Dolen, W. (2011). The influence of online store beliefs on consumer online impulse buying: A model and empirical application. Information & Management, 48(8), 320–327.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang, P., & Chapa, S. (2022). Online impulse buying behavior and marketing optimization guided by entrepreneurial psychology under COVID-19. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 1–12.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wells, J. D., Parboteeah, V., & Valacich, J. S. (2011). Online impulse buying: Understanding the interplay between consumer impulsiveness and website quality. Journal of the Association for Information Systems, 12(1), 3.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Xu, Y. (2007). Impact of store environment on adult generation Y consumers’ impulse buying. Journal of Shop** Center Research, 14(1), 39–56.

    MathSciNet  Google Scholar 

  • Youn, S., & Faber, R. J. (2000). Impulse buying: its relation to personality traits and cues. ACR North American Advances.

    Google Scholar 

  • Yu, C., & Bastin, M. (2017). Hedonic shop** value and impulse buying behavior in transitional economies: A symbiosis in the Mainland China marketplace. In Advances in Chinese Brand Management (pp. 316–330). Springer.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Zafar, A. U., et al. (2021). The impact of social media celebrities’ posts and contextual interactions on impulse buying in social commerce. Computers in Human Behavior, 115, 106178.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2023 The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG

About this chapter

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this chapter

Almahdi, M.H., Radhi, J., Alhawaj, F., Najeeb, A. (2023). Impulse Buying Behaviors in a Digital World. In: Al Mubarak, M., Hamdan, A. (eds) Technological Sustainability and Business Competitive Advantage . Internet of Things. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-35525-7_13

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-35525-7_13

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-031-35524-0

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-031-35525-7

  • eBook Packages: EngineeringEngineering (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Navigation