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The density–satisfaction relationship revisited: The role of scarcity and consumers affective reactions in a crowded retail situation

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  • Pons, Frank
  • Mourali, Mehdi
  • Giroux, Marilyn

Abstract

This article examines how individuals react in crowded utilitarian settings and investigates the specific role of scarcity in the density–dissatisfaction relationship. This paper also highlights the mediating role of affective states (i.e. positive and negative) in determining consumers' satisfaction or dissatisfaction in these contexts. The results suggest that the scarcity of the situation can reduce the extent to which consumers perceive negative experiences in a dense retail situation. In addition, it supports the critical role played by affective states in mediating the relationship between density perceptions and negative reactions. The article provides potential explanations and managerial insights on how managers can deal with crowding in diverse retail and services situations.

Suggested Citation

  • Pons, Frank & Mourali, Mehdi & Giroux, Marilyn, 2014. "The density–satisfaction relationship revisited: The role of scarcity and consumers affective reactions in a crowded retail situation," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 21(1), pages 54-60.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:joreco:v:21:y:2014:i:1:p:54-60
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jretconser.2013.09.004
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    Cited by:

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    2. Pons, Frank & Giroux, Marilyn & Mourali, Mehdi & Zins, Michel, 2016. "The relationship between density perceptions and satisfaction in the retail setting: Mediation and moderation effects," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 69(2), pages 1000-1007.
    3. Dash, Ganesh & Alharthi, Majed & Albarrak, Mansour & Aggarwal, Shalini, 2024. "Saudi millennials’ panic buying behavior during pandemic and post-pandemic: Role of social media addiction and religious values and commitment," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 79(C).
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    5. Lucia-Palacios, Laura & Pérez-López, Raúl & Polo-Redondo, Yolanda, 2020. "How situational circumstances modify the effects of frontline employees’ competences on customer satisfaction with the store," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 52(C).
    6. Page, Bill & Trinh, Giang & Bogomolova, Svetlana, 2019. "Comparing two supermarket layouts: The effect of a middle aisle on basket size, spend, trip duration and endcap use," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 47(C), pages 49-56.
    7. Jacobsen, Jens Kr. Steen & Iversen, Nina M. & Hem, Leif E., 2019. "Hotspot crowding and over-tourism: Antecedents of destination attractiveness," Annals of Tourism Research, Elsevier, vol. 76(C), pages 53-66.
    8. Park, Soobeen & Zhang, Shaoqing, 2019. "A pilot study of circulation layout based on perceived retail crowding," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 49(C), pages 305-315.
    9. Barbara Ester Adele Piga & Nicola Rainisio & Gabriele Stancato & Marco Boffi, 2023. "Mapping the In-Motion Emotional Urban Experiences: An Evidence-Based Method," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(10), pages 1-26, May.
    10. Andersson, Pernille K. & Gustafsson, Anders & Kristensson, Per & Wästlund, Erik, 2016. "The effect of frontline employees’ personal self-disclosure on consumers’ encounter experience," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 30(C), pages 40-49.
    11. Huang, Rui & Huang, Minxue & Zhao, Jing & Liu, Yuan, 2024. "Absence makes the heart grow fonder: The interactive effect of crowding information and spatial distance on consumers’ patronage intention," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 176(C).

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