PurposeThis study employed the commitment–trust theory in social psychology and relationship marketing to explore female customers' perception of channel integration quality in omnichannel retailing and its influence on their relationship commitment to and trust in the relationship with retailers, and thus on their stickiness. Channel integration quality consists of two dimensions: channel service configuration (channel choice breadth and channel service transparency) and integrated interactions (content consistency, process consistency and perceived fluency).Design/methodology/approachThe study was carried out via a questionnaire survey, to which 868 valid responses were collected. The partial least squares technique was used to test the hypotheses.FindingsChannel service transparency and perceived fluency influence relationship commitment; content consistency, process consistency and perceived fluency all have significant effects on trust. Interestingly, although less influential than integrated interactions, channel service configuration is the foundation of channel integration quality, testifying to its significant role.Originality/valueThis study provides strong evidence on how channel integration quality affects customer stickiness. Moreover, this study replicates the finding of significant relationships among relationship commitment, trust and stickiness in omnichannel retailing.

The popularity of mobile devices and the advancement of modern technology have resulted in more diversified consumer shopping channels, and many retailers have consequently embraced omnichannel retailing. The core concept of omnichannel retailing is to provide consumers with a seamless experience. Using commitment-trust theory as a framework, this study examines the effects of omnichannel integration quality on consumers' stickiness intention. Analysis of data of 194 respondents reveals that consumer trust affects relationship commitment. Consumer trust and relationship commitment have a strong influence on stickiness intention, and breadth, transparency, and process consistency directly affect trust. Contrary to our expectation, omnichannel integration quality does not affect relationship commitment. Our results show that high levels of omnichannel integration quality can increase consumer trust, which helps retailers maintain favorable customer relationships. The findings of this study provide important theoretical and practical implications for omnichannel retailing research.

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