• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Culture
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.143-153
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• 2023

This study examined the MZ Generation Consumers' perception and needs of HMR (Home Meal Replacement) using local food. The paper provides basic data for deriving a plan to promote local food consumption and reports the implications for various development and distribution strategies regarding HMR using local food. In this study, a quantitative survey was conducted targeting 600 consumers to examine the general consumption status of HMR using local food by MZ consumers. In addition, a qualitative survey was conducted targeting 21 people to derive the specific perceptions and unmet needs of MZ consumers. These results showed that MZ consumers require healthy and fresh HMR but have low awareness of HMR using local food. Therefore, it is necessary to deliver sufficient information and promote it. In particular, MZ consumers have high expectations for 'healthy and safe' food when purchasing HMR using local food, which plays an important role in purchasing decisions. They also valued 'convenience', which means 'simple cooking', 'subdivision packaging', and 'accessibility of purchasing channels', as important when purchasing HMR using local food. Lastly, MZ consumers positively evaluated the values of 'healthy eating' and 'revitalization of the local economy' through local food.

• Journal of Wellbeing Management and Applied Psychology
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.31-37
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• 2024

Purpose: Pop-up stores have emerged in the retail industry in recent years, offering consumers a new shopping experience for a limited time and location, and are used for a variety of purposes, including driving purchase behavior. In particular, they have become an important marketing tool among Gen MZ consumers who are quick to acquire information and sensitive to trends. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the impact of pop-up store characteristics on the purchasing behavior of MZ consumers. Research design, data and methodology: Based on a qualitative research approach, the study analyzed successful pop-up stores in Korea to closely examine how the limited operating period and experience-oriented marketing strategy of pop-up stores affect the perceptual attitudes and purchase decision process of Generation MZ. Results: The results of the case study revealed that selling limited edition items, maximizing customer experience factors, and differentiated concepts are the main factors that positively influence the purchase behavior of Gen MZ consumers. These factors contribute to the enhanced purchasing behavior of Gen MZ, making pop-up stores an effective marketing strategy. Conclusions: Pop-up stores are more than just a sales space, but an important communication channel that can strengthen the emotional connection with Gen MZ and effectively communicate brand values. This study provides useful insights for brands and companies to develop marketing strategies for MZ.

• Human Ecology Research
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• v.61 no.4
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• pp.647-661
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• 2023

This study explored the relationship between Generation MZ female consumers' participation in sports activity, consumption of body-exposing sportswear, body-esteem, and appearance management behavior. In-depth interviews were conducted with twenty Generation MZ female consumers who regularly participate in sports activity and consume body-exposing sportswear. Based on transcriptions of in-depth interviews conducted with research subjects, the researcher and two assistant researchers collectively categorized and compared common characteristics found in their responses, categorized according to themes using units of words/terms and paragraphs. The main finding were as follows. Firstly, Generation MZ female consumers participated in various sports activities for an average of approximately one hour, three times per week. The effects of such participation were improvements in physical and psychological health. Secondly, Generation MZ female consumers considered aesthetical, functional, and economical factors when they consumed body-exposing sportswear, regardless of the activity in which they participated. This sportswear served to increase the efficiency of exercise and also played a motivational role. Thirdly, the overall body-esteem of Generation MZ female consumers who participated in sports activity regularly and consumed body-exposing sportswear was high. Fourthly, Generation MZ female consumers who regularly participated in sports activity and consumed body-exposing sportswear were practicing active appearance management behavior in order to show how their body had been shaped by sports activity. In addition, they were pursuing four self-images: "polished image pursue", "self-care image pursue", "natural image pursue", and "trustworthy image pursue".

• The Korean Journal of Food & Health Convergence
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.1-8
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• 2024

This study investigates the impact of servicescape elements in franchise fast food restaurants on the attitudes and revisit intentions of Generation MZ. Employing a mixed-methods approach, we surveyed 231 MZ consumers across five major urban centers. Our findings reveal that ambient conditions, spatial layout, and technology integration significantly influence MZ consumers' perceptions and behaviors. Specifically, sustainability-oriented design, customizable spaces, and seamless digital integration emerged as key drivers of positive attitudes and increased revisit intentions. Furthermore, we identify important generational differences, with Gen Z placing higher importance on Instagram-worthy aesthetics and contactless service options compared to Millennials. This research contributes to servicescape theory by proposing a novel framework tailored to MZ consumers in the fast food context. It offers practical implications for franchise operators seeking to attract and retain this crucial demographic. Our study highlights the evolving preferences of younger consumers and underscores the need for adaptable servicescape strategies in the fast food industry. The results suggest that franchises investing in environmentally conscious designs, flexible spaces, and cutting-edge technology are likely to see improved customer satisfaction and loyalty among MZ consumers. Future research could explore the long-term effects of these servicescape elements on brand perception and market share within the competitive fast food landscape.

• Fashion & Textile Research Journal
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.418-430
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• 2022

This study aims to analyze consumers' purchase decision-making process of buying avatar fashion items on the Metaverse platform. Drawing on the connection between the self-expression tendency of the MZ generation and that of avatars in the Metaverse, this study uses a qualitative research method to analyze how consumers express their self-image through the appearance of their avatars. Unlike previous studies on the clothing purchase decision-making process, this study shows that purchasing and consumption behavior involve the following six stages: recognizing desire, collecting information, evaluating alternatives, making purchases, evaluating the consumption, and post-purchase action-taking. In the first stage of the purchase decision-making process, consumers' desire arises with self-image expression and confirmation. In the second stage, consumers have a high tendency to shop in the best item category. In the alternative evaluation stage, consumers tend to seek items that match their highest standard while considering their personal preferences. In the fourth stage, when making actual purchases, unplanned purchase behavior often occurs along with an active practice of alternative evaluation. In the fifth stage, the evaluation of the consumption shows that consumers achieve satisfaction by applying a style to their avatars that they are unable to try in the real world. In the last stage, consumers often use their purchases to communicate their various styles with other online consumers. Therefore, we conclude that the online purchase decision-making process differs from the offline process as it is divided into six stages.

• Fashion & Textile Research Journal
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.291-303
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• 2023

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of technical acceptance factors of Chinese MZ generation consumers' use of online fashion platforms on behavioral intentions and usage behavior, and to determine whether satisfaction plays an additional role in the relationship between behavioral intentions and usage behavior. The research results can be summarized as follows. First, among the technology acceptance factors that influence Generation MZ consumers when they use online fashion platforms, it was found that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, facilitating conditions, hedonic motivation, price value, habit, and content quality significantly influence the behavioral intention to use online fashion platforms. Second, the facilitating conditions and the platform usage intention of Chinese Generation MZ consumers directly and significantly influence the usage behavior on online fashion platforms. In contrast, it was confirmed that habit does not significantly influence actual usage behavior. Third, this study confirmed the moderating effect of satisfaction on the relationship between behavioral intention and usage behavior on online fashion platforms. This research, which proposes a research model explaining the usage intention and behavior of online fashion platforms based on UTAUT2, integrating not only the organizational aspect but also the consumer aspect to empirically verify the usage intention and the final usage behavior from the general consumer's perspective, has academic significance.

• The Korean Journal of Food & Health Convergence
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.1-8
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• 2024

The global nutraceuticals market continues to grow due to rising income levels, increasing life expectancy, and a growing interest in personal health. Especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, the market for nutraceuticals has expanded rapidly with positive perceptions driven by increased attention to immune management for disease prevention. However, there is still a lack of research on the relationship between nutraceuticals and consumer behavior. This study aims to provide new insights into the dietary supplement market and help establish marketing strategies by analyzing consumer behavior toward dietary supplements in the post-COVID-19 era, focusing on Generation MZ. An online survey was conducted among consumers who have purchased dietary supplement products to test the hypotheses. The collected data were analyzed for validity and reliability using SPSS and AMOS programs. The results showed that the taste, price, brand, and design of dietary supplements significantly positively affect the satisfaction of MZ consumers. This study provides an in-depth understanding of the mechanisms of consumer behavior toward dietary supplements in the post-COVID-19 era, focusing on Generation MZ. By offering insights into consumers' health concerns and consumption behaviors, this study provides valuable perspectives on the future development of the market and helps companies develop effective strategies to meet consumer needs.

• Fashion & Textile Research Journal
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• v.24 no.6
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• pp.756-765
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• 2022

The purchase-related responses of MZ generation consumers may vary depending on the environmental factors of the fitting room. Therefore, this study extracted and systematized fitting room characteristics in the retail fashion environment. In-depth interviews were conducted with a total of 50 informants to collect data on the experience of using the fitting room. Then, a qualitative analysis was performed. First, results confirmed that the environmental factors of the fitting room include physical (spatiality, functionality, comfort, and convenience) and human (interactivity and congestion) aspects. Next, additional analysis was performed on functionality and interactivity to clarify the influence of environmental characteristics of the fitting room. These factors were classified into qualitative categories. The study results confirmed that, in the case of functionality, preferred lighting and mirror factors vary depending on the clothing product type, the place and situation for wearing, and individual characteristics. Furthermore, regarding interactivity, the preference for the presence of sales staff or companions differed according to personal traits and the need for additional information and evaluation. The study provides valuable information for effective fitting room space planning for offline fashion stores to meet the needs of MZ generation consumers.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles
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• v.46 no.5
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• pp.848-867
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• 2022

As an emerging market with rapid economic growth, while being a key region of the K-culture expansion, Vietnam draws increasing scientific attention. This study focuses on the MZ generation, Vietnam's leading consumer group, revealing their consumption value structure. An online survey was used for data collection purposes, investigating 368 Vietnamese consumers between 18-37 years of age. Six value dimensions were derived as results of the present analysis: functional, emotional, social, ethical, self-expression, and autonomy-oriented value. Among them, functional value includes two sub-dimensions of utility and price, while emotional value entails three sub-dimensions, namely hedonism, novelty, and aesthetics. 'Self-expression value' and 'autonomy-oriented value', reflecting the characteristics of the MZ generation, who actively express themselves and respect proactive decision-making, are becoming important standards of the consumption attitude of young Vietnamese. Moreover, the pursuit of 'novelty' was derived as a factor reflecting emotional values, revealing an association between hedonic consumption, and seeking for newness and difference. Furthermore, the relationships between each consumption value dimension, respective demographic characteristics, and global consumption propensity were investigated. The present findings aim to provide insights into young Vietnamese consumers' attitudes and intend to serve as a foundation for future research.

• Journal of Sport and Applied Science
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• v.8 no.3
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• pp.13-19
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• 2024

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the consumption patterns of the MZ generation in relation to eSports and traditional professional sports, focusing on the similarities and differences in spending behavior on game items and professional sports viewing. Research design, data, and methodology: The research utilizes a comparative analysis of eSports and professional sports consumption trends within the MZ generation. Data was collected through surveys targeting MZ generation consumers and analyzed using statistical methods to assess the impact of consumption behaviors on spending. The study particularly focuses on the expenditure behaviors in game items (eSports) versus traditional sports viewing expenses. Results: The analysis revealed that the MZ generation displays distinct consumption behaviors between eSports and traditional sports. eSports consumption is characterized by higher spending on in-game items, driven by personalization and competitive advantages, whereas spending on professional sports viewing is influenced by fan loyalty and event participation. Conclusions: The findings underscore the growing economic significance of eSports, driven by the unique consumption behaviors of the MZ generation. These insights suggest that the eSports industry should continue to adapt its strategies to capitalize on this trend, while traditional sports organizations may need to innovate in engagement strategies to maintain consumer interest and expenditure.