• Journal of the Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles
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• v.36 no.6
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• pp.616-630
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• 2012

This study examines the impact of consumer knowledge and familiarity with private label brands (PLBs) on perceptions and preferences toward PLBs and patronage intentions; in addition, it examines the incremental effects of a department store image over consumer knowledge and familiarity with perceptions, preferences, and patronage intentions. This study focused on midscale department store PLBs of apparel products and middle age consumers between the ages of 30 and 50 who are the main consumer group of private label brands of apparel products. A structured questionnaire was developed and data were collected from a convenience sample of 257 female consumers between the ages of 35 and 54, living in the Southeastern United States. A factor analysis identified the dimensions of department store image constructs; in addition, a hierarchical regression and multiple regression analyses examined the hypotheses. Consumer knowledge and familiarity with PLBs at department stores is recognized as a major determinant to shape consumer perceptions of and preferences for the PLBs as well as patronage intentions. The present study reveals the significant incremental effect of a store image on consumer preferences, perceptions, and patronage intentions beyond that explained by consumer knowledge and familiarity about PLBs. The study reveals that, among four store image constructs, the store atmosphere and store service factors had significant positive effects on consumer perceptions of PLBs. Store service and atmospheric aspects also affect consumer patronage intentions toward PLBs. The price factor shows a significant and positive influence on the preference consumers have for PLBs, but not on perceptions and patronage intentions. This study has practical implications for department store executives and managers on how to allocate resources in order to increase positive consumer perceptions toward PLBs, preferences over other brands, and patronage intentions of PLBs at a store as well as how to create effective store environments to promote PLBs.

• Human Ecology Research
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• v.58 no.4
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• pp.517-537
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• 2020

This study investigated how consumers and company employees differ in their perceptions of boycotts based on the co-orientation model. Regarding the reasons of boycotts, consumers take both consumer damage cases and unethical conduct equally seriously, while company employees take consumer damage cases more seriously than unethical conduct. Consumer perceptions of the necessity for boycotts was higher than company employees, while employees were more aware of the negative impact of boycotts than consumers. Based on the co-orientation model, we examined how consumers and employees estimate differences in their perceptions of boycotts. The results showed that consumers and company employees are not accurately aware of each other's perceptions. Lastly, logistic regressions were conducted to identify the factors affecting three types of participation: online opinion expression, personal non-purchasing, and persuading other people to join the boycotts. The results showed that male consumers are more likely to participate in online opinion expression; consumer perceptions of effectiveness of boycotts and the perceived severity of consumer damage increase the likelihood of participation in online opinion expression. Consumer perceptions of the necessity of boycotts and their opinion leadership increased the likelihood of non-purchasing. Finally, consumers with higher opinion leadership and female consumers were more likely to encourage others to take part in boycotts. In addition, consumers are more likely to persuade others to join the boycotts if they have stronger beliefs that companies will not seriously consider consumer problems.

• International Journal of Human Ecology
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.39-50
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• 2010

This paper compares a cross-cultural and gender differences and similarities about consumer ethical perceptions and behaviors, and ethical ideologies between Korean and the US college students. It also examines the relationships between consumers' ethical perceptions and behaviors, and the relationships between consumer ethics and ethical ideologies. This research provides some evidence that supports the premise that consumer ethics is influenced to an extent by consumers' nationality and gender. The differences are not universal, however, and could perhaps be described as situational. The American college consumers were found to be more idealistic and relativistic than the Korean college consumers. But the differences were minor The American male college consumers were found to be more idealistic than the American female college consumers. The ethical consumer groups were found to be more idealistic and less relativistic than were the unethical consumer groups. Perceptions were positively related to behaviors in the consumer ethics. But the magnitude of impacts is different between the nations and in the dimensions of consumer ethics.

• Journal of Distribution Research
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.35-57
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• 1997

In retailing, it seems very important to examine how consumers perceive in store design factors such as instore space for walking, product arrangement styles, instore display types, window sizes, and possibly others. Furthermore, consumers perceptions of various designs would be differentiated by consumers shopping patterns such as actual shopping versus window shopping. This article empirically investigates how various desings create different consumer reactions measured by consumer mood and store image depending on the types of consumer shopping. It was found that design factors such as open, focused, and big would create better consumer mood and consumer perceptions of store image than closed, unfocused, and small. Another finding was that consumer perceptions would interact with consumer shopping patterns. Based on the research findings, some implications are discussed in the article.

• The Journal of Asian Finance, Economics and Business
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.1063-1070
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• 2021

The study aims to investigate the role of consumer's social risk perceptions in retailing private label brands. Since private label brands are exclusively available at retail stores, consumers make their purchase decisions regarding them based on the image of that retail outlet. While buying them, risk perceptions are influenced by the retail store's image. The study identifies various retail store dimensions. For this purpose, primary data was collected using a survey questionnaire that was administered to a representative sample of retail store consumers in Riyadh. The data was analyzed and exploratory factor analysis was applied using SPSS 25 version to extract store image dimensions. The results showed six significant dimensions of retail store image namely 'Sales Staff', 'Promotion', 'Store Environment', 'Store Services', 'Product Assortment', and 'Customer Convenience'. Regression Analysis was performed and the effect of these retail store image dimensions was tested on social risk perceptions of consumers. Results indicate that store image dimensions significantly influence consumer's perceived social risk perceptions. However, the relationship is not consistent across all the six identified store image dimensions. The study brings forth several valuable consumer insights and the findings of the study have some very interesting and practical implications for retailers.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles
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• v.22 no.5
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• pp.628-638
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• 1998

This study, the second in two part series, focuses on effect of product involvement and consumer knowledge on consumers' perceptions of six dimensions of clothing price: price -quality schema, prestige sensitivity: sale proneness, price mavenism, value consciousness, and price consciousness. Additionally, correlation between product involvement and consumer knowledge was examined. Multi-item measures of six dimensions of price, product involvement, and consumer knowledge were included in the questionnaires. The subjects were 264 college students living in Seoul, Korea. The data were collected by self-administered questionnaires and analyzed by factor analysis, regression analysis, and correlation analysis using SPSS PC. In addition, two focus group interviews were conducted to obtain qualitative data for the result interpretation. Results of this study showed that the degree of consumers' product involvement significantly affects consumers' perceptions of each price dimension except price consciousness dimension. Consumers' knowledge about clothing has a significant effect on consumers' perceptions of all price dimensions. Dimensions of product involvement and consumer knowledge were partially correlated. Marketing implications based on these results were suggested.

• International Journal of Human Ecology
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.75-86
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• 2009

The direct impacts of individual materialism on price perceptions and price perceptions on patronage behavior have been limited in previous research. This study examined the impact of materialism on consumer perceptions of clothing price and the influence that price perceptions have on store patronage by consumers. Using factor analysis and stepwise regression analysis, results indicated that materialistic values revealed four factors (pursuit of happiness, acquisition centrality, success, and practical-consuming). Materialistic four values influence consumer attitudes toward the positive and negative roles of price. In turn, patronage is predicted by positive and negative price-perception. Implications and future research directions are also discussed.

• Fashion & Textile Research Journal
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.481-494
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• 2020

This study examined consumer perceptions and consumer responses of Halal cosmetics and compared them with vegan cosmetics, which is a term similarly used. Twitter API of Python 3.7 was used to collect the keywords '#halalcosmetics' and '#vegancosmetics'. First, the main perception of consumers on Halal cosmetics focused on the original concept, image, expected efficacy, and factors to consider before purchase, religious keywords, labels and packaging for Halal cosmetics. Second, the main consumer perception of vegan cosmetics was the product concept, expected efficacy, factors to consider before purchase, related vegan industry, image, and vegan cosmetic components. Third, the consumer perceptions of Halal cosmetics and vegan cosmetics were similar in multiple ways, and both concepts included the Cruelty-free concept. Fourth, consumer satisfaction factors included cosmetics color, brand's consumer service, efficacy, smell, packaging design, reasonable price, effects, and formulation of cosmetics as well as satisfaction with Halal certification, and satisfaction of Vegan consumers. Consumer dissatisfaction factors included smell, flavor, delay in shipping, dissatisfaction with formulation, discrepancy between actual color and computer screen, concern and distrust about the use of prohibited ingredients for Halal products. This study examined consumer perceptions and reactions to Halal and vegan cosmetics to create basic knowledge for niche markets that are emerging as an ethical beauty consumption trend.

• Journal of Information Technology Applications and Management
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.63-74
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• 2024

This study analyzes Korean and Chinese consumer perceptions of Hanbang (traditional Korean herbal) cosmetics, specifically focusing on Sulwhasoo's Jaum two-piece set. Using topic modeling, 7,000 consumer reviews from Naver (Korea) and Baidu (China) were examined to uncover the key themes that influence consumer satisfaction and dissatisfaction. The results reveal significant similarities and differences between the two markets. In both countries, the product is frequently purchased as a gift, and price sensitivity is a major concern. However, Korean consumers prioritize delivery experiences and product functionality, while Chinese consumers focus more on product quality and effectiveness. These findings highlight the need for targeted strategies in each market. For success in Korea, competitive pricing and improved logistics are crucial, whereas in China, maintaining high product quality and capitalizing on the gifting culture are essential. Additionally, global expansion requires educating consumers on the benefits of Hanbang cosmetics, ensuring product consistency, and adapting to regional preferences. This research provides valuable insights for cosmetic companies aiming to enhance their market presence both locally and internationally.

• Korean Journal of Human Ecology
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• v.13 no.6
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• pp.891-901
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• 2004

This study is to investigate the degree of consumers' non-ethical perceptions and behaviors, and to explore related variables such as demographic variables, idealism and relativism. The data used in this study were obtained by surveying 237 college students from 10th through 24th of October, 2002 in Kimhae city. We conducted a statistical analysis of the data, using percentiles, frequencies, means, t-test, ANOVA, and Multiple Regression. Consumers' non-ethical perceptions and behaviors were measured by modifying Consumer Ethics Scale(CES, Muncy & Vitell, 1992). The CES scale comprises 4 sub-factors: actively benefiting from illegal activity(CES1), passively benefiting(CES2), actively benefiting from questionable action(CES3), no harm/no foul(CES4). Average scores of consumers' non-ethical perceptions and behaviors marked below a mid-value, which means that most of the students are basically ethical. The related variable of consumers' non-ethical perceptions was idealism. The related variables of consumers' non-ethical behaviors were idealism and the amount of discretionary money. The results show that most of the participants are basically ethical as a consumer. However, the results related with the CES4 sub-factor which includes consumer attitudes toward copyrights of consumer softwares and music CDs tell us that they are relatively non-ethical. This claims an importance of consumer education to college students in regards to intellectual property.