In online retail, what does 'abandoned cart' refer to?

In the context of online retail, 'abandoned cart' specifically refers to the situation where a customer adds items to their online shopping cart but ultimately leaves the website without completing the purchase. This can happen for various reasons, such as unexpected costs, a complicated checkout process, or simply changing their mind about the purchase.

Understanding the concept of an abandoned cart is crucial for online retailers, as it directly impacts sales conversion rates. Retailers often use strategies like email reminders or retargeting ads to encourage customers to return and complete their purchases, making it a significant topic in e-commerce.

The other options, while they may relate to shopping in some way, do not capture the essence of the 'abandoned cart' phenomenon in an online context. A shopping cart left unattended in a physical store does not pertain to the online shopping experience, and a physical cart used for delivery does not address any aspect of online shopping behavior. Additionally, a cart containing only discounted items also does not correlate with the concept of abandonment, which is more focused on the customer’s decision-making process rather than the content of the cart itself.