Information components of apparel retail web sites: task relevance approach

Purpose – The objectives of this study are to: evaluate the task relevance of information components of apparel retail web sites from consumer perspectives; assess the performance of extant apparel retail web sites in providing both high and low task‐relevant information components; and explore whether differences in performance exist across different types of internet retailers. Design/methodology/approach – Survey methodology was used to assess the task relevance of apparel web site information components from the consumers' perspective and a content analysis of apparel retail web sites was conducted to assess the availability of information components from apparel retail web sites. Findings – The study finds that availability of high and low task‐relevant information varied regardless of task‐relevance. For both high and low task‐relevant information components, catalog e‐tailers provided the most information, followed in order by multi‐channel retailers, store e‐tailers, and pure e‐tailers. Originality/value – This study can assist web site designers in meeting the needs of consumers by providing comprehensive understanding of the role of task‐relevant information in relation to internet shoppers' perceptions of the web site. In addition, the coding guide developed in this study provides an easy and practical tool that can be used by internet retailers for the self‐assessment of web site service performance.