Informative and peripheral metaverse: Which leads to experience? An investigation from the viewpoint of self-concept

The growth of the Metaverse has been massive in the last two years. However, limited evidence exists to understand how consumers perceive it as a potential retail space. This study investigates the effect of information (central route) and design (peripheral route) to experience and its subsequent impact on purchase intention and continuation intention in the Metaverse. The study also employed actual and ideal self-congruence to test its indirect effect on the model. This study was conducted using a simulated metaverse space by employing a 3x3 factorial design in which the data was collected from 354 participants. The results indicate that information and design are crucial in developing a metaverse experience, which builds positive purchase and continuation intentions in metaverse space. It was also found that ideal self-congruence with the Metaverse significantly creates an indirect relationship effect. The study extends theoretical knowledge of various theories and metaverse literature and suggests implications to managers. •Experience building is key for positive metaverse engagement.•Clear, accurate info and vivid design boost metaverse experiences.•Consumers align their identity with metaverse info and design.•Ideal self-congruence mediates info/design impact on experience.