• Journal of Fashion Business
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• v.5 no.4
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• pp.37-55
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• 2001

This study put its major concern in consumer behavior during a purchase of fashion products through the Internet marketing channels. Therefore, it investigated the Internet shopping and tried to find the reasons why clothes shopping through the Internet marketing channels is not popular enough. Then, alternative marketing strategies would be suggested which is accessible from the relationship marketing approach. The study adopted a qualitative research method to implement those purposes. In-depth interviews were conducted with the interviewees who had an experience of buying a fashion merchandise through the Internet or who had such an intention. And the information on stages of decision-making process and actual purchase was obtained by participating in and observing the process. The results revealed stages of decision-making in purchasing a fashion product through the Internet channels, the process of relationship development, and the elements of relationship marketing which affect purchase intention. The elements of relationship marketing to promote a purchase of a clothing product via the Internet marketing channels included convenience; communication and socal experience; sensual information; risk acknowledgement and pursuit for safety; and usage of complexed marketing channels. Based on these, a few strategic points such as remote reality, database of communication basis, strengthening individualized services, and development of complex marketing channels were suggested.