A Comparative Study of Korean and the US College Female Students′ Clothing Buying Behavior

This study analyzed the buying patterns of American and Korean female college students in terms of criteria for clothing selection； store preferences； criteria for store selection； fashion information sources； expressions of customer dissatisfaction； purchasing frequency and motivations for purchasing clothes. The study was implemented through self-administered questionnaires which were back translated for validity. The samples consisted of 730 female college students majoring in the fields related to clothing and textiles： 310 U.S. and 412 Korean students. Likert scales were used for most measures with 1＝never or very unimportant and 5＝always or very important. Data were analyzed by factor analysis, analysis of covariance, Duncans multiple comparison, and t-test. Results are as follows： 1) Design factor was the most important criteria in clothing selection with no differences between country groups. There were, however, significant differences for psychological exhibition factors, practical and economic factors. 2) Both groups preferred specialty and department stores, with department stores more popular in Korea. 3) Merchandise was the most important store selection criterion and fashion magazines and self-experience were rated as the most important information sources for the both groups. 4) Korean group expressed their dissatisfaction with and observable problem with a product before purchase more often than U.S. group, but the U.S. group was more vocal about color loss or shrinkage after care procedures. 5) Some clear differences between the two countries emerged. Marketers targeting American consumers should pay more attention to practicality and service； to Korean consumers more symbolic meaning of products.