Towards more interactive and sustainable food retailing: An empirical case study of the supermarket of the future
International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management
ISSN: 0959-0552
Article publication date: 30 November 2018
Issue publication date: 21 March 2019
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the potential of digital displays to enhance consumers’ shopping experience and sustainable consumption by more specifically informing consumers on the origin and sustainability of products.
Design/methodology/approach
An experimental field study was conducted in the Supermarket of the Future at the World Expo where sustainability information was displayed on interactive screens. There were three experimental groups: supermarket visitors who were put in a sustainability mind-set, supermarket visitors without a sustainability mind-set activation and non-visitors.
Findings
Store visitors extensively used the interactive displays, they intent to behave more sustainable in the future, and act more sustainable outside the food domain. Sustainability information through digital displays thus triggers consumers to think more about environmental concerns. Consumers who were activated to process sustainability information before entering the supermarket, show increased interest in the innovative shopping concept. Strong evidence that the increased interest translates into more sustainable consumer choices in the supermarket itself is lacking.
Originality/value
The authors obtain insight in consumer use of sustainability information presented on interactive displays in a retail environment and how this in turn affects behaviour. The study reveals that consumers can successfully be motivated to become more sustainable through interactive displays.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors thank Millie Elsen (CentERdata), Maartje Elshout (CentERdata) and Marilena di Stasi (European Commission Directorate-General for Justice and Consumers) for their insightful comments on the study design. This study was conducted in the context of a contract with the Consumers, Health, Agriculture and Food Executive Agency (Chafea) on behalf of the European Commission Directorate-General for Justice and Consumers. The opinions expressed in this paper are those of Roxanne van Giesen and Jorna Leenheer only and do not represent the European Commission/Chafea position.
Citation
van Giesen, R. and Leenheer, J. (2019), "Towards more interactive and sustainable food retailing: An empirical case study of the supermarket of the future", International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management, Vol. 47 No. 1, pp. 55-75. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJRDM-11-2017-0280
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2018, Emerald Publishing Limited