• Asia Marketing Journal
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• v.9 no.3
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• pp.1-32
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• 2007

In this study, we investigate the relative effectiveness of the two types of brand extensions (sequential extensions vs. direct extensions) in dissimilar extensions and examine the moderating role of two key variables - brand concept(functional brand vs. symbolic brand) and price of target extension product(low vs. high). The results from two experiments show that consumers evaluate the target extension product more favorably when brand is extended sequentially to dissimilar categories than when it is extended directly. However, the difference of target extension product evaluation between sequential extensions and direct extensions decrease when brand is symbolic and price of target extension product is high. Theoretical and managerial implications of the finding are discussed and inplications for future research are suggested.