December 8, 2020

Here’s why people splurge with online shopping

WHAT:  When elected officials and health leaders established in-person restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic last spring, many people increased their online shopping. Many businesses were able to make the switch and increase their online presence.

Eugene Chan, associate professor of consumer science in Purdue University’s College of Health and Human Sciences, says there are subtle psychological drivers behind not only the increase in online shopping but also why people splurge on items they might not need.

EXPERT:  Chan specializes in how consumers make better decisions. His research investigates the factors that underlie consumers’ financial, political and health/sustainability decisions.

QUOTE: "Shopping can be a way to cope with stress. In fact, higher levels of distress have been linked with higher purchase intentions. And this compulsion to buy is often part of an effort to reduce negative emotions. In other words, shopping is an escape.” 

THE CONVERSATION: Chan co-authored an article for The Conversation, “Can’t resist splurging on online shopping? Here’s why.” The Conversation publishes news analysis pieces from university experts and makes the articles available to other media outlets. News outlets may republish this article at no charge by following Creative Commons guidelines; details are available on the article webpage.

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Writer: Matthew Oates, 765-586-7496 (cell), oatesw@purdue.edu, @mo_oates

Source: Eugene Chan, eychan@purdue.edu, @euges116 

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Note to journalists: Eugene Chan is available for phone or web-based video interviews. Please contact Matthew Oates at oatesw@purdue.edu for information. Journalists visiting campus should follow visitor health guidelines.

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