Food shopping behavior in the Arabian Gulf region: a comparative study

Abstract

This paper examines the transferability of supermarkets into developing countries by using Saudi Arabia as a case in point. Results of an empirical study comparing

the grocery shopping habits of Saudi and Western expatriates are presented.

The paper provides insights into the diffusion of supermarkets among the local population in Saudi Arabia and offers strategies to facilitate the diffusion process.

Keywords:

• Comparative marketing
• Cross-cultural consumer behavior
• Grocery shopping
• Saudi Arabia
• Perceived risk