Trust in customer-salesperson relationship in China's retail sector

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to examine consumer attitudes and purchase intentions toward three major retail types within China-department stores, independent specialty stores, and franchising/chain specialty stores. Of particular interest is perceived risk of purchase, the relative importance of frontline sales staff, trust, and the relationships among satisfaction, trust, and customers' commitment to the salesperson. Design/methodology/approach - Data were obtained by a street intercept personal interview survey from 554 Chinese consumers to test hypotheses about consumer behavior and attitudinal reactions to the three types of retail store formats. Personal interviews were conducted in four urban cities, each in a different region of China. Two measures of trust were studied - affective trust and cognitive trust. Findings - There was a difference in perceived risk in purchasing from the different types of stores, but the importance of the frontline salesperson's influence on consumers did not differ. Increased satisfaction by consumers with the salesperson leads to a higher level of both cognitive and affective trust. Intention to maintain a relationship with the salesperson is positively related to both types of trust. Originality/value - This study is the first to examine three major types of retail institutions in China and how trust in retailer salespersons is linked to customer satisfaction.