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A Comparative Study of Korean and British Consumers for the Diffusion of Green Fashion Products

그린패션제품 확산을 위한 한국과 영국 소비자 비교 연구

  • Lee, Jieun (Dept. of Clothing & Textiles, Gyeongsang National University) ;
  • Sung, Heewon (Dept. of Clothing & Textiles, Gyeongsang National University)
  • Received : 2012.07.18
  • Accepted : 2012.10.08
  • Published : 2012.10.31

Abstract

This study investigated the purchase intention of green fashion products based on Rogers' Diffusion of Innovation theory and compared the differences between Korean and British consumers. In order to identify the impact of personal characteristics, this study also examined the effects of fashion innovativeness and LOHAS tendency on perceived attributes of innovation and intention to purchase. With a convenience sampling method, a survey questionnaire was distributed at popular fashion streets in each country. A total of 426 data were obtained, 203 from the UK and 223 from Korea. About 52% were females, and 69% were in their twenties. A factor analysis generated two LOHAS factors (health concerns and eco concerns) and four attributes of green fashion products (image improvement, symbolic superiority, observability, and compatibility). Two types of green fashion products (organic cotton t-shirts and organic cotton t-shirts with an environmental message) were provided to measure the purchase intention, respectively. The findings were as follows. British consumers were more likely to show LOHAS tendency and to perceive positive advantages of green products compared to Koreans; in addition, British consumers presented higher mean scores on the purchase intentions of organic cotton products. Fashion innovativeness was significant to predict image improvement and symbolic superiority, while eco concerns were significant in compatibility for both nations. Compatibility was important for both countries in order to explain the intention to adopt two types of organic products. In addition, image improvement was another predictor for purchase intention of organic t-shirts with an environmental message. Managerial implications were provided.

Keywords

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