• Journal of Global Scholars of Marketing Science
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.15-26
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• 2010

Due to the globalization across various industries and cultural trade among many countries, oriental concepts have been attracting world’s attentions. In fashion industry, one's traditional culture is often developed as fashion theme for designers' creation and became strong strategies to stand out among competitors. Because of the increase of preferences for oriental images, opportunities abound to introduce traditional fashion goods and expand culture based business to global fashion markets. However, global fashion brands that include Korean traditional culture are yet to be developed. In order to develop a global fashion brand with Korean taste, it is very important for native citizen to accept their own culture in domestic apparel market prior to expansion into foreign market. Loungewear is evaluated to be appropriate for adopting Korean traditional details into clothing since this wardrobe category embraces various purposes which will easily lead to natural adaptation and wide spread use. Also, this market is seeing an increased demand for multipurpose wardrobes and fashionable underwear (Park et al. 2009). Despite rapid growth in the loungewear market, specific studies of loungewear is rare; and among research on developing modernized-traditional clothing, fashion items and brands do not always include the loungewear category. Therefore, this study investigated the Korean loungewear market and studied consumer evaluation toward loungewear with Korean traditional fashion design elements. Relationship among antecedents of purchase intention for Korean traditional fashion design elements were analyzed and compared between lifestyle groups for consumer targeting purposes. Product quality, retail service quality, perceived value, and preference on loungewear with Korean traditional design elements were chosen as antecedents of purchase intention and a structural equation model was designed to examine their relationship as well as their influence on purchase intention. Product quality and retail service quality among marketing mixes were employed as factors affecting preference and perceived value of loungewear with Korean traditional fashion design elements. Also effects of preference and perceived value on purchase intention were examined through the same model. A total of 357 self-administered questionnaires were completed by female consumers via web survey system. A questionnaire was developed to measure samples' lifestyle, product and retail service quality as purchasing criteria, perceived value, preference and purchase intention of loungewear with Korean traditional fashion design elements. Also, loungewear purchasing and usage behavior were asked as well in order to examine Korean loungewear market status. Data was analyzed through descriptive analysis, factor analysis, cluster analysis, ANOVA and structural equation model was tested via AMOS 7.0. As for the result of Korean loungewear market status investigation, loungewear was purchased by most of the consumers in our sample. Loungewear is currently recognized as clothes that are worn at home and consumers are showing comparably low involvement toward loungewear. Most of consumers in this study purchase loungewear only two to three times a year and they spend less than US$10. A total of 12 items and four factors of loungewear consumer lifestyle were found: traditional value oriented lifestyle, brand-affected lifestyle, pursuit of leisure lifestyle, and health oriented lifestyle. Drawing on lifestyle factors, loungewear consumers were classified into two groups; Well-being and Conservative. Relationships among constructs of purchasing behavior related to loungewear with Korean traditional fashion design elements were estimated. Preference and perceived value of loungewear were affected by both product quality and retail service quality. This study proved that high qualities in product and retail service develop positive preference toward loungewear. Perceived value and preference of loungewear positively influenced purchase intention. The results indicated that high preference and perceived value of loungewear with Korean traditional fashion design elements strengthen purchase intention and proved importance of developing preference and elevate perceived value in order to make sales. In a model comparison between two lifestyle groups: Well-being and Conservative lifestyle groups, results showed that product quality and retail service quality had positive influences on both preference and perceived value in case of Well-being group. However, for Conservative group, only retail service quality had a positive effect on preference and its influence to purchase intention. Since Well-being group showed more significant influence on purchase intention, loungewear brands with Korean traditional fashion design elements may want to focus on characteristics of Well-being group. However, Conservative group's relationship between preference and purchase intention of loungewear with Korean traditional fashion design elements was stronger, so that loungewear brands with Korean traditional fashion design elements should focus on creating conservative consumers' positive preference toward loungewear. The results offered information on Korean loungewear consumers' lifestyle and provided useful information for fashion brands that are planning to enter Korean loungewear market, particularly targeting female consumers similar to the sample of the present study. This study offers strategic and marketing insight for loungewear brands and also for fashion brands that are planning to create highly value-added fashion brands with Korean traditional fashion design elements. Considering different types of lifestyle groups that are associated with loungewear or traditional fashion goods, brand managers and marketers can use the results of this paper as a reference to positioning, targeting and marketing strategy buildings.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles
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• v.28 no.12 s.138
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• pp.1545-1553
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• 2004

This study assumes a bidimensional model of acculturation theory in order to understand the acculturation patterns of Korean-Americans and their fashion and shopping behavior. Bidimensional models of acculturation suggest that acculturating individuals may possess the components of both the heritage culture and the new, host culture. A combination of email and paper and pencil surveys was conducted with a convenience sample of Korean-Americans who are living in Seattle and vicinity area (n=108). The questionnaire included questions related to the respondents' and their parents' demographic information, the respondents perceived relationship with their parents, self-reported ethnic identification, ethnicity-related behaviors/attitudes, clothing involvement, shopping motivations, and fashion reference groups. The results support the bidimensional models of acculturation process as opposed to the linear model. Three different groups among Korean-Americans based on their ethnic identification pattern were found: a group with dominant Korean identity(Segregation group), a group with dominant American identity(Assimilation group), and a group with dual identity(Integration group). According to the results of MANOVA and subsequent Duncan and Scheffe tests, the Integration group showed distinct characteristics from Segregation group or Assimilation group, in terms of their ethnicity-related behaviors/attitudes, clothing involvement, shopping motivations, and fashion reference group influence.

• Journal of Global Scholars of Marketing Science
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.245-276
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• 2008

Brand equity is one of the most important concepts in business practice as well as in academic research. Successful brands can allow marketers to gain competitive advantage (Lassar et al.,1995), including the opportunity for successful extensions, resilience against competitors' promotional pressures, and the ability to create barriers to competitive entry (Farquhar, 1989). Branding plays a special role in service firms because strong brands increase trust in intangible products (Berry, 2000), enabling customers to better visualize and understand them. They reduce customers' perceived monetary, social, and safety risks in buying services, which are obstacles to evaluating a service correctly before purchase. Also, a high level of brand equity increases consumer satisfaction, repurchasing intent, and degree of loyalty. Brand equity can be considered as a mixture that includes both financial assets and relationships. Actually, brand equity can be viewed as the value added to the product (Keller, 1993), or the perceived value of the product in consumers' minds. Mahajan et al. (1990) claim that customer-based brand equity can be measured by the level of consumers' perceptions. Several researchers discuss brand equity based on two dimensions: consumer perception and consumer behavior. Aaker (1991) suggests measuring brand equity through price premium, loyalty, perceived quality, and brand associations. Viewing brand equity as the consumer's behavior toward a brand, Keller (1993) proposes similar dimensions: brand awareness and brand knowledge. Thus, past studies tend to identify brand equity as a multidimensional construct consisted of brand loyalty, brand awareness, brand knowledge, customer satisfaction, perceived equity, brand associations, and other proprietary assets (Aaker, 1991, 1996; Blackston, 1995; Cobb-Walgren et al., 1995; Na, 1995). Other studies tend to regard brand equity and other brand assets, such as brand knowledge, brand awareness, brand image, brand loyalty, perceived quality, and so on, as independent but related constructs (Keller, 1993; Kirmani and Zeithaml, 1993). Walters(1978) defined information search as, "A psychological or physical action a consumer takes in order to acquire information about a product or store." But, each consumer has different methods for informationsearch. There are two methods of information search, internal and external search. Internal search is, "Search of information already saved in the memory of the individual consumer"(Engel, Blackwell, 1982) which is, "memory of a previous purchase experience or information from a previous search."(Beales, Mazis, Salop, and Staelin, 1981). External search is "A completely voluntary decision made in order to obtain new information"(Engel & Blackwell, 1982) which is, "Actions of a consumer to acquire necessary information by such methods as intentionally exposing oneself to advertisements, taking to friends or family or visiting a store."(Beales, Mazis, Salop, and Staelin, 1981). There are many sources for consumers' information search including advertisement sources such as the internet, radio, television, newspapers and magazines, information supplied by businesses such as sales people, packaging and in-store information, consumer sources such as family, friends and colleagues, and mass media sources such as consumer protection agencies, government agencies and mass media sources. Understanding consumers' purchasing behavior is a key factor of a firm to attract and retain customers and improving the firm's prospects for survival and growth, and enhancing shareholder's value. Therefore, marketers should understand consumer as individual and market segment. One theory of consumer behavior supports the belief that individuals are rational. Individuals think and move through stages when making a purchase decision. This means that rational thinkers have led to the identification of a consumer buying decision process. This decision process with its different levels of involvement and influencing factors has been widely accepted and is fundamental to the understanding purchase intention represent to what consumers think they will buy. Brand equity is not only companies but also very important asset more than product itself. This paper studies brand equity model and influencing factors including information process such as information searching and information resources in the fashion market in Asia and Europe. Information searching and information resources are influencing brand knowledge that influences consumers purchase decision. Nine research hypotheses are drawn to test the relationships among antecedents of brand equity and purchase intention and relationships among brand knowledge, brand value, brand attitude, and brand loyalty. H1. Information searching influences brand knowledge positively. H2. Information sources influence brand knowledge positively. H3. Brand knowledge influences brand attitude. H4. Brand knowledge influences brand value. H5. Brand attitude influences brand loyalty. H6. Brand attitude influences brand value. H7. Brand loyalty influences purchase intention. H8. Brand value influence purchase intention. H9. There will be the same research model in Asia and Europe. We performed structural equation model analysis in order to test hypotheses suggested in this study. The model fitting index of the research model in Asia was $X^2$=195.19(p=0.0), NFI=0.90, NNFI=0.87, CFI=0.90, GFI=0.90, RMR=0.083, AGFI=0.85, which means the model fitting of the model is good enough. In Europe, it was $X^2$=133.25(p=0.0), NFI=0.81, NNFI=0.85, CFI=0.89, GFI=0.90, RMR=0.073, AGFI=0.85, which means the model fitting of the model is good enough. From the test results, hypotheses were accepted. All of these hypotheses except one are supported. In Europe, information search is not an antecedent of brand knowledge. This means that sales of global fashion brands like jeans in Europe are not expanding as rapidly as in Asian markets such as China, Japan, and South Korea. Young consumers in European countries are not more brand and fashion conscious than their counter partners in Asia. The results have theoretical, practical meaning and contributions. In the fashion jeans industry, relatively few studies examining the viability of cross-national brand equity has been studied. This study provides insight on building global brand equity and suggests information process elements like information search and information resources are working differently in Asia and Europe for fashion jean market.

• Science of Emotion and Sensibility
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.97-108
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• 2017

The purpose of this study was to propose a product planning and design direction for smart fitness wear that will improve the impact of personal training based on researching the requirements of smart fitness wear and its acceptance level, as well as the functional demand. The study conducted in-depth interviews with professional fitness trainers and derived five categories and thirteen keywords by analyzing the categorical data analysis using the interview data. In addition, we surveyed general consumers to measure the acceptance level of smart fitness wear and the functional demand for product development. The results revealed that the difference in the acceptance level of smart fitness wear generally depended on the characteristics related to exercise involvement and exercise-related culture rather than on the demographic characteristics. With regard to the difference in the functional demand of smart fitness wear, the results showed that professional trainers focused on the scientific improvement of the effect of exercise while general consumers focused on the function that considers the sustainability of exercise. Based on the results, we proposed product planning and design directions such as 'mounting of heart rate sensing, muscle activity sensing, motion angle or posture sensing, and motion sensing', 'development of concepts and contents for expert line, ordinary line', 'compression wear design', and 'differentiation of product development according to exercise areas'.

• Journal of Intelligence and Information Systems
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.109-128
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• 2010

The purpose of our research is to figure out the 'non-financial value' of consumers applying networks amongst consumer groups, the data-based marketing strategy to the analysis and delve into the ways for enhancing effectives in marketing activities by adapting the value to the marketing. To verify the authenticity of the points, we did the empirical test on the consumer group using 'the Essence Cosmetics Products' of high involvement that is deeply affected by consumer perceptions and the word-of-mouth activities. 1) The empirical analysis reveals the following features. First, the segmented market for 'Essence Consumer' is composed of several independent networks, each network shows to have the consumers that is high degree centrality and closeness centrality. Second, the result proves the authenticity of the non-financial value for boosting corporate profits by the high degree centrality and closeness centrality consumer's word-of-mouth activities. Lastly, we verify that there lies a difference in the network structure of 'Essence Cosmetics Market'per each product origin(domestic, foreign) and demographic characteristics. It does, therefore, indicate the need to consider the features applying mutually complementary for the network targeting.

• Science of Emotion and Sensibility
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.59-69
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• 2019

The present study explored consumer's perception and preference on providing information of fashion products by using QR code and suggested the possibility for consumer-to-consumer and consumer-to-company connection. A survey was conducted on males and females in their 20s-a population among whom the rate of smart phone penetration is higher than in any other age group and who tend to exchange information online. The results showed that consumers are dissatisfied with the amount of information, terms of instructions, and ambiguous washing symbols currently provided. Therefore, the study identified the need for better methods of providing information and found that QR code, which is able to deliver high-quality information on fashion products, can be an efficient alternative. Moreover, respondents felt the need for detailed washing instructions, information on handling, and functionality of material on high-involvement fashion products such as outdoor, padding, suit, and underwear worn next to the skin. They also desire styling tips or purchasing information such as SNS OOTD (Outfit Of The Day) utilizing the product, other products that may go well with the one purchased, and similar products on casual wear and coat used on a daily basis. Therefore, QR code used as a link to information web pages or a social network can help consumers to satisfy information needs and to use the products effectively.

• Asia-pacific Journal of Multimedia Services Convergent with Art, Humanities, and Sociology
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.89-102
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• 2018

With the development of mobile technology, asset management on the Internet have also developed a lot. Drawing on Technology Acceptance Model, this study examines YUEBAO deployment to model consumers' purchase intention to use financial products offered online. In this study, we hypothesized that the characteristics of online asset management product will affect the purchase intention through perceived usefulness and conduct empirical analysis on Chinese consumers. In the study model, the independent variables were considered to include individual involvement, experience, product protection, corporate credibility, convenience, mobility, and familiarity. In addition, the parameters constitute the usefulness, and the dependent variable is the purchase. The results are as follows. First, YUEBAO's complementarity, corporate credibility, convenience, and familiarity have a significant influence on YUEBAO's usefulness. Second, The YUEBAO's usefulness has a noticeable effect on the purchase intention. To perceive the high usefulness, the practicality strategy of enhancing the protection property, corporate reliability, convenience and familiarity of the online asset management product is needed. The study of consumer purchase behavior and consumer purchase intention of online wealth management products is very valuable for academic and practical work.

• Information Systems Review
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.121-140
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• 2016

Today, consumers are interested in branded apps as new marketing channels. Consumers do not have ready access to information that will enable them to judge the quality of a particular product or service before purchase, but they will gain such information with branded apps. As they need to be actively chosen and downloaded to users' smartphone by the users themselves, branded apps have greater marketing effectiveness and influence than traditional channels. Therefore, corporations that place emphasis on interactions with customers anticipate a new marketing effect with their branded apps. With previous research on smartphone applications as a background, this research finds key factors in branded apps that influence users' satisfaction. Additionally, the study centers on the relationship in which satisfaction in the branded app significantly influences the purchase intention for the branded product/service.

• The Research Journal of the Costume Culture
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.385-398
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• 2016

In a world where opportunities and chances are common, the phenomenon referred to as "generation maybe" describes people in their 20s and early 30s who are usually being indecisive. With the increase in breadth of information and choices, the number of people who are hesitant in deciding whether to purchase increases at a fast pace, as does the number of products and services targeting this group. In order to enhance our understanding of the phenomenon of consumer hesitation, this study explores contextual factors and consumer characteristics that affect consumer hesitation in the purchase decision-making process. Specifically, this study examines whether seven contextual factors, self-determination tendencies, and five decision-making styles influence consumer hesitation in the product decision making process. An online survey was administered to test our research questions. A total of 309 Korean consumers (female=48.9%) aged from 20 to 35 were surveyed. A regression analysis revealed that four contextual factors (product involvement, need for information on alternatives, relative price, and uncertain need), two sub-dimensions of self-determination (perceived competence and relatedness), and two decision-making styles (price seeking and advice seeking) have noticeable influences on consumer hesitation. We also found that the degree of consumer hesitation positively influences consumer post-purchase satisfaction. The study concludes with discussions and practical implications.

• Journal of Families and Better Life
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.141-160
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• 2009

Recently, some policies for reducing standby power, which has quite an effect on electricity consumption, have been employed all over the world. This study surveys the present condition of standby power for major electric home appliances during three years and analyzes the result of technical development reducing standby power. It presents how the industry paid attention to applying the technique of reducing standby power to electric appliances and how it affects the product's energy efficiency. We survey the standby power's change for six items, which were selected from the major electric appliances available on the market. It analyzes the difference of standby power consumption between appliances with a standby power reducing technique and those without during the latest three years. The amount of the average standby power is also compared. The comparison data confirms that the industry's effort and application of reducing standby power contribution has contributed to increasing an appliance's energy efficiency. This study restricted the analyzed items to six appliances, which has been a low volunteered involvement in the standby power reducing program. It is important for reducing standby power consumption of appliances because it contributes to saving electric energy at home and abroad. The development of the standby power reducing technique is needed for more appliances. Along with the development of the standby power reducing technique in the industrial field, it also necessary for consumers to enlarge their understanding of standby power reduction for economic, social, and environmental values.