Examining the moderating role of perceived risk and web atmospherics in online luxury purchase intention

Purpose: Recently, internet has turned out to be the fastest growing channel for luxury sales. Surprisingly, very few studies have focused on understanding the major drivers behind online luxury goods consumption, particularly in the emerging market context. Therefore, the key objectives of this study are to, first, develop a framework to understand factors affecting consumers' intention to purchase luxury fashion goods online. Second, measure the moderating effect of perceived risk and web atmospherics on the relationship between attitude toward buying luxury fashion goods online and online luxury purchase intention. Design/methodology/approach: Data were collected through structured questionnaires from a sample of 250 luxury fashion consumers in India. Collected data were analyzed through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and Hayes Process macro in SPSS. Findings: Study findings indicate that perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, perceived enjoyment and price consciousness have a direct as well as an indirect relationship via attitude on online luxury purchase intention. The results also revealed that web atmospherics moderate the relationship between attitude toward buying luxury fashion goods online and online luxury purchase intention. Originality/value: This is one of the first studies that explores the moderating role of perceived risk and web atmospherics in the context of luxury market. It will help luxury marketers to develop appropriate strategies for selling luxury goods online in emerging markets like India.