Accessible environments are vital for inclusive societies. However, research on the retail experiences of blind consumers remains scarce, despite the significant role these spaces play in socialization and leisure. This systematic literature review examines the existing research on blind consumers through the frameworks of Transformative Service Research (TSR) and vulnerability. Reviewing 65 articles, the study uncovers a narrow body of work, mainly centered on technology-based accessibility solutions. We argue that future research should focus on specific areas, such as 1. addressing the limitations of vision in addition to broader applications of TSR; and 2. developing tailored training programs and inclusive service models for retail settings. Overall, to raise awareness about mobility challenges, these studies should also explore how sighted individuals perceive disability and inclusion. These points emphasize the need for retailers to actively adapt by improving social policy design for this population. Retailers face a growing need to create more inclusive shopping spaces for blind consumers, but their understanding of these specific needs still remains limited. This systematic literature review provides key managerial insights for enhancing the retail experience. Currently, accessibility efforts mainly focus on technology-based solutions, while critical elements like staff training, inclusive service design, and perceptions of disability among sighted individuals are often overlooked. To improve service performance, managers should: 1. Invest in training—Develop employee training programs that foster empathy and understanding of the challenges faced by blind consumers. 2. Design inclusive service models—Implement service models that emphasize personalized support, tactile signage, navigation assistance, and provide information in accessible formats such as audio and braille. 3. Advocate for inclusive social policies—Collaborate with advocacy groups and policymakers to increase awareness of disabilities, enact systemic changes to improve accessibility in public spaces, and expand the customer base for physical stores. By adopting these strategies, retailers can boost customer satisfaction, show a commitment to social responsibility, strengthen their brand reputation, and secure a competitive advantage in an increasingly diverse marketplace.

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Blind Consumers and Ways Forward: An Up-to-Date Systematic Literature Review

  • Adriana Beatriz Madeira,
  • Douglas Christian Ferrari de Melo,
  • Gilberto Perez,
  • Guilherme de Farias Shiraishi,
  • Sérgio Silva Dantas

摘要

Accessible environments are vital for inclusive societies. However, research on the retail experiences of blind consumers remains scarce, despite the significant role these spaces play in socialization and leisure. This systematic literature review examines the existing research on blind consumers through the frameworks of Transformative Service Research (TSR) and vulnerability. Reviewing 65 articles, the study uncovers a narrow body of work, mainly centered on technology-based accessibility solutions. We argue that future research should focus on specific areas, such as 1. addressing the limitations of vision in addition to broader applications of TSR; and 2. developing tailored training programs and inclusive service models for retail settings. Overall, to raise awareness about mobility challenges, these studies should also explore how sighted individuals perceive disability and inclusion. These points emphasize the need for retailers to actively adapt by improving social policy design for this population. Retailers face a growing need to create more inclusive shopping spaces for blind consumers, but their understanding of these specific needs still remains limited. This systematic literature review provides key managerial insights for enhancing the retail experience. Currently, accessibility efforts mainly focus on technology-based solutions, while critical elements like staff training, inclusive service design, and perceptions of disability among sighted individuals are often overlooked. To improve service performance, managers should: 1. Invest in training—Develop employee training programs that foster empathy and understanding of the challenges faced by blind consumers. 2. Design inclusive service models—Implement service models that emphasize personalized support, tactile signage, navigation assistance, and provide information in accessible formats such as audio and braille. 3. Advocate for inclusive social policies—Collaborate with advocacy groups and policymakers to increase awareness of disabilities, enact systemic changes to improve accessibility in public spaces, and expand the customer base for physical stores. By adopting these strategies, retailers can boost customer satisfaction, show a commitment to social responsibility, strengthen their brand reputation, and secure a competitive advantage in an increasingly diverse marketplace.