Customer perceptions of retail service quality at a selected supermarket chain

This research investigates consumer perceptions of retail service quality at a particular supermarket chain located in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It expands upon the SERVQUAL paradigm to examine the determinants influencing consumer happiness and loyalty within the supermarket scenario. The study utilised a quantitative research design to gather data from 400 customers at four supermarket sites in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were employed to assess the dimensionality, reliability, and validity of variables evaluating retail service quality. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was utilised to examine the interrelations among these constructs. The study examined the impact of interpersonal interactions, loyalty, customer satisfaction, physical attributes, policies, and reliability on customer views. The results demonstrate that clients uphold favourable attitudes regarding all dimensions of service quality, with personal interaction, loyalty, and customer satisfaction being especially significant. The study establishes a substantial positive correlation among policy, physical attributes, interpersonal contacts, and customer happiness. Nonetheless, it fails to establish a substantial correlation between reliability and consumer pleasure. The study emphasises the significant impact of customer happiness on perceived loyalty. The study contributes by adapting and validating the SERVQUAL paradigm for the context of grocery chains. It provides pragmatic insights for service businesses seeking to improve customer experiences and cultivate loyalty.