Volume 7 Issue 2

T.M Wanniarachchi

Peoples’ Leasing & Finance PLC, Sri Lanka

B. L. Sanjaya Thilakarathne

University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka

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Bimali Wijesundara

University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka

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ABSTRACT

This paper focuses on the impact made by social media characteristics on purchasing Intention towards fashion clothing through the online platforms. The main research objective of the study is to identify the level of influence made by the characteristics of trust, perceived online risk, convenience, and online reviews on the consumer buying intention. The survey method was used to collect data from the sample and a sample of 204 consumers were selected through convenient sampling method. A properly structured questionnaire was distributed among the selected sample. Likert scale questions were analyzed by coding different values for each response. Correlation and regression analysis have been employed to test the hypotheses based on the result. Qualitative data via open ended questions were used to get a deeper understanding on consumer purchasing intention and online platforms used by the industry. There is a strong positive relationship between online reviews and the consumer purchasing intention. Further, it was found out that there is a moderately positive relationship exists between the trust and the consumer purchasing intention. The empirical evidence suggesting the negative relationship of risk and the consumer purchasing intention was not supported with the statistical data and analysis of the study. This research would have given a broader idea on online buying intention if conducted covering all the segments in Sri Lanka. As a conclusion remark of the study, researchers recommend fashion and clothing companies to focus more on their core business activities on online platforms which may lead to positive reviews and recommendations. This would enhance the consumers’ purchasing intention in the long run. Further the study recommends that the online businesses should pay more attention on factors emphasized by the customers in purchasing clothing online.

Keywords: Convenience, Purchase Intention, Reviews, Risk, Trust

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