When location and content matter: effects of mobile messages on intention to redeem
International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management
ISSN: 0959-0552
Article publication date: 10 July 2017
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of mobile messages on intention to redeem a coupon or promotional offer, depending on location and content. Location (home, city, shop) and content (coupon, promotional message) were used as independent factors.
Design/methodology/approach
Participants in two online surveys (using 3×3 and 3×2 between-subjects factorial designs) received both simulated and real application smartphone messages and they got the location where the smartphone shopping message scenario is located. The surveys produced 528 responses for analysis in the first study and 146 answers for the second study.
Findings
The results indicate that mobile messages can be highly effective for users of discount apps when the consumer is near the shop. However, the high perceived risk associated with such a message could deter potential customers from using mobile coupons.
Research limitations/implications
The main limitation of this study is that few consumers used the discount mobile applications examined. Future research should implement field experiments with real and potential users to investigate this low usage rate.
Practical implications
Brick-and-mortar retailers can compete with digitization by using mobile messages, as users’ intention to redeem is quite high. However, they should be aware of the privacy concerns preventing some customers from using these apps.
Originality/value
Current research highlights the importance of digitization in retailing by using new technologies for brick-and-mortars, e.g., mobile messages as part of mobile targeting. This study provides evidence of the potential risks and benefits of sending mobile messages to customers in a different context.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors want to thank K.A. Tafreshi for her contributions to implement the first study and helpful ideas. The authors also thank the conference participants at the Colloquium on European Research in Retailing (CERR) 2016 for their valuable comments and suggestions.
Citation
Beeck, I. and Toporowski, W. (2017), "When location and content matter: effects of mobile messages on intention to redeem", International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management, Vol. 45 No. 7/8, pp. 826-843. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJRDM-09-2016-0171
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2017, Emerald Publishing Limited