TitleCUSTOMERS’ CHOICE OF E-COMMERCE PLATFORMS OVER TRADITIONAL RETAIL SHOPS, WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO POLLACHI TALUK
Author(s)Dr Rajagopalan S and Ms Vaitheeswari M
FileDr.RG-and-Vaitheeswari.pdf
Abstract

The retail landscape in Pollachi Taluk is witnessing a transformative shift as consumers increasingly transition from conventional brick-and-mortar stores to digital marketplaces. This study examines the factors influencing customers' choice of e-commerce platforms over traditional retail shops, focusing on a sample of 120 respondents. Utilizing primary data collected through structured questionnaires and convenience sampling, the research employs percentage analysis, weighted average ranking, and Chi-square tests for data interpretation. The demographic profile identifies a predominantly male (59.2%), young (77.5%), and rural-based (64.2%) consumer base, largely consisting of students and private employees with high educational backgrounds. The findings reveal that "Home Delivery" (Rank I, 1.28) and "Offers/Discounts" (Rank II, 1.29) are the primary drivers for online adoption, while traditional retail remains valued for "Trust" and "Immediate Quality Check." Despite the deep-rooted presence of local retailers, 50.8% of respondents expressed a definitive willingness to shop online, citing time-saving benefits and superior variety as key motivators. Statistical analysis confirms that shopping preferences remain consistent across different age and income groups. The study concludes that an evolving hybrid model is emerging in Pollachi, where e-commerce offers logistical efficiency while traditional shops maintain relevance through immediate availability and personal reliability.