Demographic Factors Associated with Online Shopping Experiences of Saudi Arabian Women

Abstract

Internet usage in Saudi Arabia is growing quickly; for example, e-commerce grew 300% between 2007 and 2009. However, very little research has been done considering online shopping within Middle Eastern countries, especially for Saudi Arabia. The survey relied on snowball sampling and was delivered electronically via emails. The sample analyzed here included 171 Saudi national women living in Saudi Arabia. Results show that education and income were significantly related to more frequent and extensive online shopping experiences while results were mixed for the remaining independent variables, which included age, parental status, marital status, length of employment, having a personal driver, and number of children. Implications for e-commerce in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East are discussed.