Abstract
Shopping Behaviors of Tourists in Istanbul: A Qualitative Research on the Shopkeepers in Beyazıt
Istanbul is an important destination in terms of cultural attractiveness, historical sites, developed infrastructure, and shopping malls. There are various places where tourists can shop. In this context, this study aims to analyze the shopping behaviors of the tourists visiting Beyazit Istanbul, from the local shopkeepers’ perspective. In line with the purpose of this study, an interview technique was used. Semi-structured interview forms were created, and the data was collected from Beyazit’s shopkeepers. The obtained data were analyzed by using MAXQDA software. Based on the analysis, the shopping behavior of tourists has been examined under three categories. These were: (1) tourists’ bargaining behaviors, (2) tourists’ spending behaviors, and (3) tourists’ product choice. It was determined that tourists generally tend to bargain during shopping. It was found that the tourists from the US and Arabian countries spend the most among the tourists that visit Beyazit. Cheap souvenirs and imitation clothing products were selected as shopping products. In addition, three sub-themes are determined as shopping barriers for tourists. These were: (1) sales pressure (tourist harassment), (2) safety concerns, and (3) tour guide’s influence and time limitation.
Keywords
Shopping, shopping behaviours, tourists’ spending behaviors, Istanbul
