Supply chain integration in omni-channel retailing: a logistics perspective

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to apply resource-based theory to identify the relationships between logistics integration capability, supply chain integration (SCI), and performance in the context of omni-channel retailing (OCR).

Design/methodology/approach

An empirical study was conducted based on a mixed methodology that integrates survey research and focus group. In total, 243 retailers in China have been surveyed to examine the hypotheses of the proposed conceptual model, and focus group discussion has been applied to interpret the results and identify the critical concerns on the implementation of omni-channel (OC) strategy.

Findings

This study reveals that the information integration capability and organization integration capability in logistics management significantly affects SCI, while the integrated supply chain has a greater significant influence on financial performance than operational performance to OC retailers. Moreover, a firm’s characteristics can be regarded as contextual factors influencing performance in OCR.

Research limitations/implications

The authors obtained valuable insights for both academics and practitioners based on the findings. On the one hand, this is an early attempt to empirically study SCI of OCR, revealing the importance of a firm’s nature in the performance. Therefore, this study fills a current research gap. On the other hand, this research provides top managers of OC retailers, particularly supply chain managers, the awareness of the importance of improving of organizational integration and human-resource management capability. Additionally, this study proposes future research based on its limitations.

Originality/value

SCI is investigated in the context of OCR from a logistics perspective. Moreover, this study reveals that the human-resource management and organization management are the main concerns in the implementation of OCR.

Citation

Song, G., Song, S. and Sun, L. (2019), "Supply chain integration in omni-channel retailing: a logistics perspective", The International Journal of Logistics Management, Vol. 30 No. 2, pp. 527-548. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJLM-12-2017-0349