The effect of social interaction on economic transactions: Evidence from changes in two retail formats

Journal Article (Journal Article)

Examining changes in two different retail formats, we show that consumers alter their purchases depending on the retail environment. In both settings, the change in behavior coincides with a reduction in the interpersonal interaction required to complete a transaction. As such, we contend that the format changes reduced a "social friction" that would otherwise inhibit consumers due to an implicit cost associated with ordering certain items in social settings.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Goldfarb, A; McDevitt, RC; Samila, S; Silverman, BS

Published Date

  • December 1, 2015

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 61 / 12

Start / End Page

  • 2963 - 2981

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 1526-5501

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 0025-1909

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1287/mnsc.2014.2030

Citation Source

  • Scopus