Abstract:

This paper is based upon the experience of the authors in researching general and specialized retailing and consumer behaviour, on related research projects in other countries and on a research program regarding the Internet Consumer, whose aim was to study family members’ relations with the Internet and consumer acceptance, barriers, and expectations towards various electronic commerce formats. The paper describes the conclusions and reflections on the above mentioned research experiences, allowing a global but also a specific perspective (about the Portuguese market status) on the developing changes and trends at the retailing scene. It presents a qualitative research theoretical and methodological approach on the characterisation of the transition mechanisms from traditional retailing places to virtual on-line environments.