A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY ON CONSUMER PERCEPTION TOWARDS ONLINE SHOPPING

Online shopping has become a transformative force in the global retail sector, significantly altering consumer buying behavior and expectations. With rapid advancements in internet technology, digital payment systems, and mobile applications, the e-commerce landscape has evolved into a multibillion-dollar industry. This article delves into the dynamics of consumer perception towards online shopping, with an emphasis on the psychological, social, and technological factors that influence online purchase decisions.

While online shopping offers convenience, time savings, and access to a vast range of products, it also presents challenges such as data security concerns, lack of physical interaction with products, and issues related to delivery and returns. Consumer perception is not uniform; it varies by demographic variables such as age, gender, education, income, and geography. The objective of this study is to analyze these varying perceptions and identify the critical elements that shape them.

Through a comprehensive review of literature, market trends, and survey-based findings, the article examines the evolution of consumer attitudes over time. It also outlines the major problems faced by online consumers and provides practical suggestions for businesses to enhance consumer trust and satisfaction.The findings reveal that while consumers generally have a positive outlook towards online shopping due to its convenience and cost-effectiveness, concerns over privacy, product authenticity, and post-purchase service remain prevalent. To ensure long-term growth and customer loyalty, e-commerce platforms must prioritize transparency, improve logistics, offer robust customer support, and build secure, user-friendly interfaces.