J 2025

How online retailers compete: duplication of purchase and natural monopoly in e-commerce

KLEPEK, Martin

Basic information

Original name

How online retailers compete: duplication of purchase and natural monopoly in e-commerce

Authors

KLEPEK, Martin

Edition

INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF RETAIL DISTRIBUTION AND CONSUMER RESEARCH, 2025, 0959-3969

Other information

Language

English

Type of outcome

Article in a journal

Field of Study

50204 Business and management

Country of publisher

Czech Republic

Confidentiality degree

is not subject to a state or trade secret

References:

URL

Impact factor

Impact factor: 3.000 in 2024

Organization unit

School of Business Administration in Karvina

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1080/09593969.2024.2448787

UT WoS

001388665800001

EID Scopus

2-s2.0-85213884549

Keywords in English

Brand-switching; consumer behavior; e-commerce; empirical generalization; marketing strategy
Changed: 15/12/2025 16:10, doc. Ing. Martin Klepek, Ph.D.

Abstract

In the original language

This study explores the application of two marketing empirical generalizations in the e-commerce context: the Duplication of Purchase Law, which posits that brands share customers in proportion to market share, and the Natural Monopoly Law, suggesting that popular brands dominate light buyer choices. Using a sample of 953 consumers, the study assessed purchasing patterns in online retail. The analysis revealed that online retailer brands exhibit a pattern consistent with the Duplication of Purchase, with customer duplication level in correlation with market share. Furthermore, large online retailers of electronic goods were found to benefit from a competitive advantage under the Natural Monopoly Law, marginalizing smaller competitors by attracting light buyers. These findings offer valuable insights into the e-commerce market dynamics, with implications for marketing strategies and competitive positioning.
Displayed: 10/2/2026 04:40