Abstract
Purpose - Due to the recent slowdown of growth in global luxury brands, which have been an engine of our domestic fashion market growth, there is an increasing need to develop a global market for domestic high-priced fashion brands. In spite of the large scale of trade between Korea and China with respect to fashion products, current trade concentrates on middle- and low-priced products rather than high-priced products. Diversification of the trade between Korea and China in terms of the price levels of trade products is needed. An understanding of Chinese consumption values and purchase intentions for luxury fashion brands will be very helpful for the establishment of strategies with the aim of increasing the level of trade with regard to high-priced fashion products. Therefore, the study aimed to identify the differences in the clothing consumption values of South Korean and Chinese women in their 20s, especially with reference to how those values affect their preference and purchase intention for luxury fashion brands. Research design, data, methodology - The study was implemented through a descriptive survey method using a self-administered questionnaire. The sample consisted of 283 Korean and 306 Chinese women in their 20s, residing in Seoul, Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shanghai. Data were collected from March 3 to 15, 2014. A total of 589 completed responses were analyzed. Data were analyzed by factor analysis, t-test, and multiple regression analysis. Results - Fivefactors for clothing consumption values were formulated: conspicuous/social value, fashionability value, personality expression value, hedonic value, and practical value. There were significant differences between Korean and Chinese consumers in clothing consumption values (except social value), preference, and purchase intention for luxury fashion brands. With regard to clothing consumption values, Chinese women attached more importance to fashionability value, personality expression value, hedonic value, and practical value than South Korean women. In addition, Chinese women's preference and purchase intention for luxury fashion brands were higher than South Korean women's. Second, in the case of South Korean women, social value, practical value, and fashionability value had positive effects on preferences for luxury fashion brands, while attractive/personality expression value and hedonic value had no influence. In contrast, in the case of Chinese women, social value and fashionability value had positive effects on preference for the luxury fashion brands. Third, in the case of South Korean women, social value and practical value had positive effects on purchase intentions for luxury fashion brands. In contrast, in the case of Chinese women, social value, personality expression value, and fashionability value had positive effects on purchase intention for luxury fashion brands. Conclusions - Considering the findings of the study, it is clear that differentiated marketing strategies are needed for luxury fashion brand markets in Korea and China. The results of the study could provide useful information that will help increase the effectiveness of luxury fashion brand marketing strategies in Korea and China.