• The Research Journal of the Costume Culture
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.324-337
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• 2013

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the differences in purchase behaviors, buying motives of secondhand clothing and the perception toward secondhand clothing products among the groups as determined by their gender and age. Data were collected by a pilot test and the final questionnaire survey administered to 450 subjects in the age range from 20 to 59, living in Seoul; 430 were used for data analyses. The results showed that 3 factors for buying motives (distinction, affordability, and quality & attractiveness) and 2 factors for perception toward secondhand clothes (positive and negative perceptions) were formulated. Women tended to buy more secondhand clothing products for themselves as well as their family, and put more importance on most of selective criteria than men did. The young were more likely to have negative perception and to buy at diverse places. Those having experiences of buying secondhand clothes showed more positive perception on such products. It is expected that this study provides basic information needed for secondhand apparel companies to develop their marketing strategies to increase customer satisfaction.