Impulse
buying behaviour, defined as an unplanned, spontaneous purchase driven by a
strong urge to buy, challenges rational consumer decision-making models (Rook,
1987) [17]. This systematic literature review synthesises evidence
from 65 peer-reviewed studies (1990–2024) to identify antecedents of impulse
buying using the Stimulus–Organism–Response (SOR) framework. Antecedents are
categorised into psychological, environmental, and demographic factors.
Psychological elements such as trait impulsivity, hedonic motivation, and
emotional states underpin buying tendencies, while environmental triggers —
including store atmospherics, promotional cues, and online design — catalyse
purchases. Demographic variables like age, gender, and income influence the
likelihood and intensity of impulse buying. The review highlights the dynamic
interaction between emotional arousal and situational stimuli in driving
purchase decisions. Practical implications include strategic sensory marketing,
targeted promotions, and personalised layouts. Future research should address
cultural variations, digital platform influences, and ethical considerations in
leveraging impulse buying for sustainable marketing practices.
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