Abstract
The rise of e-commerce has transformed the way businesses operate, and online shopping has become an integral part of modern retail. As consumers increasingly turn to online platforms for their shopping needs, businesses must adapt to meet these changing demands while prioritizing sustainability. The dependent variable in this study is business sustainability, which is operationalized through key indicators such as customer retention, profitability and revenue growth, market reach and expansion, operational efficiency, and business continuity. The independent variable is online shopping, which is examined through components such as the Digital Platform Use (including websites and social media), digital payment methods (such as mobile money and bank cards), and online customer engagement. Understanding the relationship between online shopping practices and business sustainability is essential in today’s evolving commercial landscape, especially in regions like Kasese District where digital transformation is gradually taking root. As consumer behaviour increasingly shifts toward digital channels, businesses must adapt by integrating e-commerce tools that can drive growth, improve efficiency, and enhance resilience. This chapter introduces the study, outlining its background, problem statement, objectives, research questions, hypotheses, significance, scope, and the operational definitions of key terms. The focus is on exploring how online shopping practices influence the sustainability of businesses operating in Kasese District, Uganda.