Title: Dimensions of shopping preferences by women in India and the USA - a cross country study

Authors: Jacqueline Williams; Justin Paul

Addresses: School of Management, CMR Technical Campus, Survey No. 1A, 2A, 3A, Kandlakoya, Medchal Road, Hyderabad – 501401, Andhra Pradesh, India ' Graduate School of Business, University of Puerto Rico, Residencia d.9, Barbosa Avenue, San Juan 00923, USA

Abstract: The growth in women's education and disposable income, has led to a consequent rise in affluence and spending habits among women across the globe. This study examines the shopping behaviour of women across India and in the USA using primary data collected from 300 respondents by surveys. The rationale and dimensions of shopping were analysed to elicit their views on shopping experience, frequency of shopping, shopping accompaniment and their favourite stores. The study revealed significant differences; country-wise, among the women across age, income and status. This paper also seeks to provide an insight into the shopping behaviour of women across India and the USA. The findings confirm that differences do exist in the shopping behaviour of the women. The study is giving a serious thought to the marketers on reaching the women across cultures, product segments, shopping patterns and preferences, in this era of growing affluence where the marketers need to respond without delivery time lag to the specialised needs and demands of the customers to ensure their existence.

Keywords: behavioural research; shopping preferences; shopping frequency; USA; United States; India; women; female shoppers; shopping experience; shopping behaviour.

DOI: 10.1504/IJICBM.2014.062483

International Journal of Indian Culture and Business Management, 2014 Vol.8 No.4, pp.519 - 542

Received: 09 Sep 2012
Accepted: 06 Feb 2013
Published online: 24 Jul 2014 *

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