Copyright © 2026 Authors retain the copyright of this article. This article is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

@article{180025,
        author = {Abhishek and Dr. Avinash Rana and Dr. Jyoti Sondhi and Dr. Divya Rai and Mr. Hemant Kapoor},
        title = {Attitudes of College Students Towards Online Shopping: A Study in Mandi Town, Himachal Pradesh},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2025},
        volume = {12},
        number = {1},
        pages = {891-896},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=180025},
        abstract = {This study explores the online shopping behaviors and perceptions of a predominantly young, rural population in Solan district, Himachal Pradesh. Findings reveal that respondents generally hold positive views toward online shopping, appreciating its convenience, time-saving nature, and 24/7 accessibility. However, concerns regarding security risks such as credit card fraud, identity theft, and payment limitations remain significant barriers, particularly among those lacking formal banking access. Delivery delays, insufficient product information, and the inability to physically inspect products also impact consumer confidence. Price competitiveness emerges as a key factor influencing purchase decisions. To address these challenges, recommendations include enhancing product transparency through detailed descriptions and authentic reviews, strengthening cybersecurity measures, offering flexible payment options like cash-on-delivery and digital wallets, and improving delivery efficiency alongside hassle-free returns. Educating consumers on safe online practices and fostering trust through clear communication are also emphasized. The study concludes that addressing these critical factors is essential for e-commerce platforms to build consumer trust, increase accessibility, and sustain growth in emerging rural and semi-urban markets. This research contributes to understanding the evolving dynamics of online shopping behavior in India’s digital economy.},
        keywords = {Online Shopping Behavior, Consumer Trust, E-commerce in Rural India, Digital Payment Barriers, Delivery and Product Transparency},
        month = {June},
        }