IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/eee/jotrge/v117y2024ics0966692324001078.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

The connections between e-shopping and sustainable transport choices – Comparing urban and rural environments

Author

Listed:
  • Arranz-López, Aldo
  • Blitz, Andreas
  • Elizondo-Candanedo, Raúl F.
  • Lanzendorf, Martin

Abstract

While e-shopping may trigger more but shorter trips, i.e., within walkable distances, frequent e-shoppers see private car as more reliable. However, research addressing the interplay between e-shopping and transport mode choice is scarce and mostly focused on urban areas. Against this background, the paper complements current literature by answering the following research question: Is e-shopping behaviour associated with walking to in-store retail instead of using a private car, and what are the differences between urban and rural environments? Germany serves as the spatial laboratory, with the data from the 2017 Mobilität in Deutschland (MiD) survey providing comprehensive insights on mobility and its socio-economic elements. Three logistic regression models are carried out to explore the impact of e-shopping frequency on transport mode choice for three different spatial settings: large agglomerations (≥100,000 inhabitants), urban counties, and rural counties. The results show that people who buy online more frequently in urban and rural counties tend to reach in-store destinations by car instead of walking. On the other hand, the frequency of e-shopping and walking mode choice do not present any association on large urban agglomerations. The socio-economic analysis shows that car owners tend to reach in-store retail by car, while those with higher household incomes are more likely to walk. The paper ends with a discussion of how the results can inform sustainable transport systems to find a balance between online and in-store shopping.

Suggested Citation

  • Arranz-López, Aldo & Blitz, Andreas & Elizondo-Candanedo, Raúl F. & Lanzendorf, Martin, 2024. "The connections between e-shopping and sustainable transport choices – Comparing urban and rural environments," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 117(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jotrge:v:117:y:2024:i:c:s0966692324001078
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jtrangeo.2024.103898
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0966692324001078
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://libkey.io/10.1016/j.jtrangeo.2024.103898?utm_source=ideas
    LibKey link: if access is restricted and if your library uses this service, LibKey will redirect you to where you can use your library subscription to access this item
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Scheepers, C.E. & Wendel-Vos, G.C.W. & den Broeder, J.M. & van Kempen, E.E.M.M. & van Wesemael, P.J.V. & Schuit, A.J., 2014. "Shifting from car to active transport: A systematic review of the effectiveness of interventions," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 70(C), pages 264-280.
    2. Yu Ding & Huapu Lu, 2017. "The interactions between online shopping and personal activity travel behavior: an analysis with a GPS-based activity travel diary," Transportation, Springer, vol. 44(2), pages 311-324, March.
    3. Buehler, Ralph, 2011. "Determinants of transport mode choice: a comparison of Germany and the USA," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 19(4), pages 644-657.
    4. Xu, Lu & Saphores, Jean-Daniel, 2024. "Does e-shopping impact household travel? Evidence from the 2017 U.S. NHTS," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 115(C).
    5. van Wee, Bert, 2011. "Evaluating the impact of land use on travel behaviour: the environment versus accessibility," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 19(6), pages 1530-1533.
    6. Christian Seitz & Ján Pokrivčák & Marián Tóth & Miroslav Plevný, 2017. "Online grocery retailing in Germany: an explorative analysis," Journal of Business Economics and Management, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 18(6), pages 1243-1263, November.
    7. Kunbo Shi & Long Cheng & Jonas De Vos & Yongchun Yang & Wanpeng Cao & Frank Witlox, 2021. "How does purchasing intangible services online influence the travel to consume these services? A focus on a Chinese context," Transportation, Springer, vol. 48(5), pages 2605-2625, October.
    8. Neves, Carlos Eduardo Teixeira & da Silva, Alan Ricardo & Arruda, Fabiana Serra de, 2021. "Exploring the link between built environment and walking choice in São Paulo city, Brazil," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 93(C).
    9. Zhen, Feng & Du, Xiaojuan & Cao, Jason & Mokhtarian, Patricia L., 2018. "The association between spatial attributes and e-shopping in the shopping process for search goods and experience goods: Evidence from Nanjing," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 66(C), pages 291-299.
    10. Patricia L. Mokhtarian, 2002. "Telecommunications and Travel: The Case for Complementarity," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 6(2), pages 43-57, April.
    11. Lee, Richard J. & Sener, Ipek N. & Mokhtarian, Patricia L. & Handy, Susan L., 2017. "Relationships between the online and in-store shopping frequency of Davis, California residents," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 100(C), pages 40-52.
    12. Iacono, Michael & Krizek, Kevin J. & El-Geneidy, Ahmed, 2010. "Measuring non-motorized accessibility: issues, alternatives, and execution," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 18(1), pages 133-140.
    13. Ozbilen, Basar & Wang, Kailai & Akar, Gulsah, 2021. "Revisiting the impacts of virtual mobility on travel behavior: An exploration of daily travel time expenditures," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 145(C), pages 49-62.
    14. Xinyu Cao & Susan Handy & Patricia Mokhtarian, 2006. "The Influences of the Built Environment and Residential Self-Selection on Pedestrian Behavior: Evidence from Austin, TX," Transportation, Springer, vol. 33(1), pages 1-20, January.
    15. Zhouying Song, 2022. "The geography of online shopping in China and its key drivers," Environment and Planning B, , vol. 49(1), pages 259-274, January.
    16. Huyen T. K. Le & Andre L. Carrel & Harsh Shah, 2022. "Impacts of online shopping on travel demand: a systematic review," Transport Reviews, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 42(3), pages 273-295, May.
    17. Shi, Kunbo & De Vos, Jonas & Yang, Yongchun & Witlox, Frank, 2019. "Does e-shopping replace shopping trips? Empirical evidence from Chengdu, China," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 122(C), pages 21-33.
    18. Farag, Sendy & Schwanen, Tim & Dijst, Martin & Faber, Jan, 2007. "Shopping online and/or in-store? A structural equation model of the relationships between e-shopping and in-store shopping," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 41(2), pages 125-141, February.
    19. Eldeeb, Gamal & Mohamed, Moataz & Páez, Antonio, 2021. "Built for active travel? Investigating the contextual effects of the built environment on transportation mode choice," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 96(C).
    20. Marquet, Oriol & Miralles-Guasch, Carme, 2014. "Walking short distances. The socioeconomic drivers for the use of proximity in everyday mobility in Barcelona," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 70(C), pages 210-222.
    21. Erik Elldér & Katarina Haugen & Bertil Vilhelmson, 2022. "When local access matters: A detailed analysis of place, neighbourhood amenities and travel choice," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 59(1), pages 120-139, January.
    22. Zhong-zhen Yang & Sun Yu & Feng Lian, 2021. "Online shopping versus in-store shopping and its implications for urbanization in China: based on the shopping behaviors of students relocated to a remote campus," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 23(2), pages 2846-2866, February.
    23. Sendy Farag & Jesse Weltevreden & Ton van Rietbergen & Martin Dijst & Frank van Oort, 2006. "E-Shopping in the Netherlands: Does Geography Matter?," Environment and Planning B, , vol. 33(1), pages 59-74, February.
    24. Ariza-Álvarez, Amor & Arranz-López, Aldo & Soria-Lara, Julio A., 2021. "Comparing walking accessibility variations between groceries and other retail activities for seniors," Research in Transportation Economics, Elsevier, vol. 87(C).
    25. Suel, Esra & Polak, John W., 2017. "Development of joint models for channel, store, and travel mode choice: Grocery shopping in London," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 99(C), pages 147-162.
    26. Calderwood, Eric & Freathy, Paul, 2014. "Consumer mobility in the Scottish isles: The impact of internet adoption upon retail travel patterns," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 59(C), pages 192-203.
    27. Orit Rotem-Mindali & Jesse Weltevreden, 2013. "Transport effects of e-commerce: what can be learned after years of research?," Transportation, Springer, vol. 40(5), pages 867-885, September.
    28. Gössling, Stefan & Choi, Andy & Dekker, Kaely & Metzler, Daniel, 2019. "The Social Cost of Automobility, Cycling and Walking in the European Union," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 158(C), pages 65-74.
    29. Weltevreden, Jesse W.J. & Rotem-Mindali, Orit, 2009. "Mobility effects of b2c and c2c e-commerce in the Netherlands: a quantitative assessment," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 17(2), pages 83-92.
    30. Mateos-Mínguez, Paloma & Arranz-López, Aldo & Soria-Lara, Julio A. & Lanzendorf, Martin, 2021. "E-shoppers and multimodal accessibility to in-store retail: An analysis of spatial and social effects," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 96(C).
    31. Aldo Arranz-López & Julio A. Soria-Lara & Martin Dijst & Hichem Omrani, 2023. "Does e-shopping increase walking time willingness to reach in-store locations? Exploring the spatial effects," Transportation Planning and Technology, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 46(6), pages 729-753, August.
    32. Neil Wrigley & Daniel Warm & Barrie Margetts & Amanda Whelan, 2002. "Assessing the Impact of Improved Retail Access on Diet in a 'Food Desert': A Preliminary Report," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 39(11), pages 2061-2082, October.
    33. Zhou, Yiwei & Wang, Xiaokun (Cara), 2014. "Explore the relationship between online shopping and shopping trips: An analysis with the 2009 NHTS data," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 70(C), pages 1-9.
    34. Ton, Danique & Duives, Dorine C. & Cats, Oded & Hoogendoorn-Lanser, Sascha & Hoogendoorn, Serge P., 2019. "Cycling or walking? Determinants of mode choice in the Netherlands," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 123(C), pages 7-23.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Shi, Kunbo & De Vos, Jonas & Yang, Yongchun & Witlox, Frank, 2019. "Does e-shopping replace shopping trips? Empirical evidence from Chengdu, China," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 122(C), pages 21-33.
    2. Mateos-Mínguez, Paloma & Arranz-López, Aldo & Soria-Lara, Julio A. & Lanzendorf, Martin, 2021. "E-shoppers and multimodal accessibility to in-store retail: An analysis of spatial and social effects," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 96(C).
    3. Li, Shengxiao (Alex), 2023. "Revisiting the relationship between information and communication technologies and travel behavior: An investigation of older Americans," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 172(C).
    4. Xu, Lu & Saphores, Jean-Daniel, 2024. "Does e-shopping impact household travel? Evidence from the 2017 U.S. NHTS," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 115(C).
    5. Shah, Harsh & Carrel, Andre L. & Le, Huyen T.K., 2021. "What is your shopping travel style? Heterogeneity in US households’ online shopping and travel," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 153(C), pages 83-98.
    6. Kunbo Shi & Long Cheng & Jonas De Vos & Yongchun Yang & Wanpeng Cao & Frank Witlox, 2021. "How does purchasing intangible services online influence the travel to consume these services? A focus on a Chinese context," Transportation, Springer, vol. 48(5), pages 2605-2625, October.
    7. Shi, Kunbo & De Vos, Jonas & Cheng, Long & Yang, Yongchun & Witlox, Frank, 2021. "The influence of the built environment on online purchases of intangible services: Examining the mediating role of online purchase attitudes," Transport Policy, Elsevier, vol. 114(C), pages 116-126.
    8. Limon Barua & Bo Zou & Yan Zhou & Yulin Liu, 2023. "Modeling household online shopping demand in the U.S.: a machine learning approach and comparative investigation between 2009 and 2017," Transportation, Springer, vol. 50(2), pages 437-476, April.
    9. Harsh Shah & Andre L. Carrel & Huyen T. K. Le, 2024. "Impacts of teleworking and online shopping on travel: a tour-based analysis," Transportation, Springer, vol. 51(1), pages 99-127, February.
    10. Jing Chen & Yong Zhang & Shiyao Zhu & Lei Liu, 2021. "Does COVID-19 Affect the Behavior of Buying Fresh Food? Evidence from Wuhan, China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(9), pages 1-15, April.
    11. Tri Basuki Joewono & Ari K. M. Tarigan & Muhamad Rizki, 2019. "Segmentation, Classification, and Determinants of In-Store Shopping Activity and Travel Behaviour in the Digitalisation Era: The Context of a Developing Country," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(6), pages 1-23, March.
    12. Figliozzi, Miguel & Unnikrishnan, Avinash, 2021. "Exploring the impact of socio-demographic characteristics, health concerns, and product type on home delivery rates and expenditures during a strict COVID-19 lockdown period: A case study from Portlan," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 153(C), pages 1-19.
    13. Colaço, Rui & de Abreu e Silva, João, 2022. "Exploring the e-shopping geography of Lisbon: Assessing online shopping adoption for retail purchases and food deliveries using a 7-day shopping survey," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 65(C).
    14. Pernot, Delphine, 2021. "Internet shopping for Everyday Consumer Goods: An examination of the purchasing and travel practices of click and pickup outlet customers," Research in Transportation Economics, Elsevier, vol. 87(C).
    15. Xi, Guangliang & Cao, Xinyu & Zhen, Feng, 2020. "The impacts of same day delivery online shopping on local store shopping in Nanjing, China," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 136(C), pages 35-47.
    16. Shi, Kunbo & Shao, Rui & De Vos, Jonas & Cheng, Long & Witlox, Frank, 2021. "Is e-shopping likely to reduce shopping trips for car owners? A propensity score matching analysis," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 95(C).
    17. Minh Hieu Nguyen & Jimmy Armoogum & Binh Nguyen Thi, 2021. "Factors Affecting the Growth of E-Shopping over the COVID-19 Era in Hanoi, Vietnam," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(16), pages 1-21, August.
    18. Bjørgen, Astrid & Bjerkan, Kristin Ystmark & Hjelkrem, Odd Andre, 2021. "E-groceries: Sustainable last mile distribution in city planning," Research in Transportation Economics, Elsevier, vol. 87(C).
    19. Lee, Richard J. & Sener, Ipek N. & Mokhtarian, Patricia L. & Handy, Susan L., 2017. "Relationships between the online and in-store shopping frequency of Davis, California residents," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 100(C), pages 40-52.
    20. Ozbilen, Basar & Wang, Kailai & Akar, Gulsah, 2021. "Revisiting the impacts of virtual mobility on travel behavior: An exploration of daily travel time expenditures," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 145(C), pages 49-62.

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:eee:jotrge:v:117:y:2024:i:c:s0966692324001078. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: Catherine Liu (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://www.journals.elsevier.com/journal-of-transport-geography .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.