Eunjoo Cho

Conceptualization of a holistic brand image measure for fashion-related brands

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to conceptualize the holistic nature of brand image for fashion-related products and to complete the initial stage of scale development, determining content validity, for a new brand image measure. Design/methodology/approach – The conceptualization of brand image was based on a review of academic and industry literature and analysis of qualitative data from 11 in-depth interviews. To help assess content validity, four trained judges assessed the face validity of the initial 140 items generated; 137 scale items were retained. Findings – Analysis of the interview data revealed that cognitive (mystery), emotional (intimacy) and sensory (sensuality) dimensions were important for brand image of fashion-related products. The results aligned with major themes proposed in the literature, but one additional theme (self-congruity) was uncovered. These findings support content validity of the brand image scale items. Research limitations/implications – The interviews were limi...

Effects of brand familiarity and brand loyalty on imagery elaboration in online apparel shopping

Abstract Consumers tend to imagine product features, functions, or usage that they have learned from previous exposure to and experiences with brands, especially when they engage in online apparel shopping. Prior brand-related factors, such as brand familiarity and brand loyalty, may influence imagery elaboration – the activation of stored information in the production of mental images beyond that provided by the stimulus – evoked through virtual product experience tools with online apparel websites. Thus, the purpose of this study was to empirically examine how brand familiarity and brand loyalty impact imagery elaboration at online apparel websites and consequently influence attitudinal and behavioral intention relative to the brand. Utilizing MacInnis and Joworski’s model of brand attitude formation, a conceptual model was developed. Using an Internet-based survey, data was collected from 403 undergraduates at a Midwestern university in the US. Results indicated participants familiar with, and loyal to, a brand engaged in greater imagery elaboration as evoked through virtual product experiences, resulting in positive brand attitudes and online purchase intention. Managerial implications are discussed to highlight the important roles of brand familiarity and brand loyalty on imagery elaboration, brand attitudes, and online purchase intentions.

Impact of fashion innovativeness on consumer-based brand equity

This study aims to examine the relationships between fashion innovativeness (FI) and brand image dimensions (cognitive, sensory and affective associations) for favorite fashion-related brands, the contribution of these dimensions to lovemarks (brand love and respect) and lovemarks’ consequent effect on brand loyalty.,A Web-based survey was conducted using a national sample of 2,492 US male and female consumers between the ages of 18 and 76. Structural equation modeling tested the hypotheses.,Results indicated positive, statistically significant associations between the six variables. Among the three brand image dimensions, sensory associations exhibited the strongest relationship with FI, whereas lovemarks displayed stronger relationships with cognitive and affective associations. Lovemarks affected loyalty toward fashion-related brands.,The survey of the US consumers and the focus on fashion-related brands may limit the generalizability of the findings. This empirical study illustrated how FI impacts an extended consumer-based brand equity model.,Fashion-related brand managers should not only promote pleasant sensory associations to attract those with a high level of FI but also promote cognitive and affective associations to foster lovemarks (high brand love and respect) to achieve the end goal of customer loyalty.,Even though consumers with a high level of FI may contribute significantly to long-term brand success, past research has not explored the relationship between FI and the factors that lead to consumer-based brand equity. The present study is the first to examine the role of FI in fostering brand equity.