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The use of e-commerce and the COVID-19 outbreak: A panel data analysis in Japan

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  • Kawasaki, Tomoya
  • Wakashima, Hisayuki
  • Shibasaki, Ryuichi

Abstract

This study analyzes the changes in Japanese consumers' psychological intentions toward the use of e-commerce and the corresponding reasons before and after the COVID-19 outbreak using panel data. Several insights emerge on changes in consumers’ fundamental behaviors. First, the share of e-commerce use differs across the types of goods. Grocery goods showed a significant increase immediately after the COVID-19 outbreak. In contrast, machinery/PC applications and book/DVD/software showed only a slight increase immediately after the outbreak. However, only a slight decrease was observed during the third survey. Overall, consumers recognized the importance of e-commerce immediately after the pandemic, with no subsequent significant decline. Second, there may be a positive relationship between the time spent at home and the importance of e-commerce One reason is that an increase in stay-at-home duration decreases the opportunity to shop at retail stores. Consequently, trips to stores decreased during the initial spread of COVID-19. The modes of transportation for shopping and in the living area (infection status) were not significant factors of e-commerce usage. Finally, if consumers recognize its usefulness, they continued to consider e-commerce as important. However, their attitudes toward e-commerce improved after the COVID-19 outbreak because they wanted to avoid infection risks and follow social distancing and safety protocols.

Suggested Citation

  • Kawasaki, Tomoya & Wakashima, Hisayuki & Shibasaki, Ryuichi, 2022. "The use of e-commerce and the COVID-19 outbreak: A panel data analysis in Japan," Transport Policy, Elsevier, vol. 115(C), pages 88-100.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:trapol:v:115:y:2022:i:c:p:88-100
    DOI: 10.1016/j.tranpol.2021.10.023
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Higueras-Castillo, Elena & Liébana-Cabanillas, Francisco J. & Villarejo-Ramos, Ángel F., 2023. "Intention to use e-commerce vs physical shopping. Difference between consumers in the post-COVID era," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 157(C).
    4. Haodong Chen & Hengyi Zhang & Eias Al Humdan & Mohammed Alharithi & Yu Gong, 2023. "Research on Multi-Channel Supply Chain Decisions Considering Carbon Emission Cost and Consumer Loyalty," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(14), pages 1-28, July.
    5. Van Hove, Leo, 2023. "Survey-based measurement of the adoption of grocery delivery services: A commentary," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 176(C).
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