Customer Loyalty in e-Retailing: Concepts, Measurements, Antecedents

Despite the increasing popularity of online shopping, little is known about consumer behaviour and attitudes towards e-retailers, particularly how customer loyalty is developed and maintained among online shoppers. This study examines the concept of e-loyalty and its manifestation within an e-retailing context. Also considered are the antecedents of e-loyalty and their relationships within this environment. Based on an extensive review of the extant literature, a conceptual model is developed and subsequently tested on a sample of customers from four Web-based retailers. Results indicate that e-loyalty is a multi-dimensional construct which manifests itself in several ways, some of which may not be readily observable, and is driven by numerous predictors via a complex network of inter-relationships. The findings offer significant insights into consumer perceptions and behaviour within this context, thus having important implications for both business practitioners and academics, particularly those with an interest in emerging Internet-enabled consumer markets.

Khanh V. La, PhD, graduated from RMIT University, currently a researcher at MISC Australia Pty. Ltd.