• Journal of Distribution Research
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.21-46
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• 2003

Despite importance of private brands in the retail industry, not many studies have been performed on factors affecting consumers' attitude formation toward private brands. This study tries to understand attitude formation toward private brands from the perspective of image congruence. Focusing on three types of image congruence-image congruence between a private brand and a consumer's self, image congruence between a store and a product category used for a private brand, and image congruence between a store and a consumer's self - this study explores relationships and effects of these three types of image congruence on attitudes toward private brands. According to results, image congruence between a private brand and a consumer's self has the strongest effect among three types of image congruence. Image congruence between a store and a product category also has a significant positive effect on attitudes toward private brands. Effects of image congruence between a store and a consumer's self on attitudes toward private brands were opposite to the hypothesized direction, and explanations about the unexpected result are provided.

• Journal of Global Scholars of Marketing Science
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.49-69
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• 2005

This study is to investigate causal relationship among store image, private brand image and purchase intentions through comparing national distributors with local distributors in Pusan city. More specifically, the objective of this study can be explained as follows; First, what store image have an effect on private brand image. Second, individual store image and their private brand image have different effects. Last, store image and private brand image influence purchase intention of private brands. The results of this study suggests a positive relationship between consumers' perceptions of individual private brands and their associated store image dimensions and purchase intentions toward private brands. A key implication of this research suggests it is desirable for retailers to build up a positive consumer's perceptions of private brand by improving store image. Especially, it is suggested that through the development of specific features of store images, retailers are to manage private brands.

• The Journal of Asian Finance, Economics and Business
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.1063-1070
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• 2021

The study aims to investigate the role of consumer's social risk perceptions in retailing private label brands. Since private label brands are exclusively available at retail stores, consumers make their purchase decisions regarding them based on the image of that retail outlet. While buying them, risk perceptions are influenced by the retail store's image. The study identifies various retail store dimensions. For this purpose, primary data was collected using a survey questionnaire that was administered to a representative sample of retail store consumers in Riyadh. The data was analyzed and exploratory factor analysis was applied using SPSS 25 version to extract store image dimensions. The results showed six significant dimensions of retail store image namely 'Sales Staff', 'Promotion', 'Store Environment', 'Store Services', 'Product Assortment', and 'Customer Convenience'. Regression Analysis was performed and the effect of these retail store image dimensions was tested on social risk perceptions of consumers. Results indicate that store image dimensions significantly influence consumer's perceived social risk perceptions. However, the relationship is not consistent across all the six identified store image dimensions. The study brings forth several valuable consumer insights and the findings of the study have some very interesting and practical implications for retailers.

• Journal of Distribution Research
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.59-74
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• 1999

Private brands play an important role in formulating the marketing strategies of fashion goods. Merchandisers of Korean department stores are now realizing that the effective marketing of private brands can increase customers store loyalty as well as store profitability. Thus, it is important to better understand customer's decision making processes underlying the purchase of private brand apparels. However, Little research had been undertaken to examine integrated factors influencing purchases of private brand apparel. Therefore, the objective of this study is to propose a model of purchasing intentions of private brand apparel. This study pays attention to (1) perceived value, (2) familarity, (3) store image, (4) differenciated needs, (5) perceived risk, and (6) perceived quality variation of private brand. The proposed model supports all hypotheses presented in the paper. Purchase intentions of private brand increased as perceived money, familiarity, positive store image of private brands, and satisfaction of individuals differentiated needs increase. Furthermore, perceive value of private brand increased as perceived risk and quality variation of private brand increased.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles
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• v.36 no.6
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• pp.616-630
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• 2012

This study examines the impact of consumer knowledge and familiarity with private label brands (PLBs) on perceptions and preferences toward PLBs and patronage intentions; in addition, it examines the incremental effects of a department store image over consumer knowledge and familiarity with perceptions, preferences, and patronage intentions. This study focused on midscale department store PLBs of apparel products and middle age consumers between the ages of 30 and 50 who are the main consumer group of private label brands of apparel products. A structured questionnaire was developed and data were collected from a convenience sample of 257 female consumers between the ages of 35 and 54, living in the Southeastern United States. A factor analysis identified the dimensions of department store image constructs; in addition, a hierarchical regression and multiple regression analyses examined the hypotheses. Consumer knowledge and familiarity with PLBs at department stores is recognized as a major determinant to shape consumer perceptions of and preferences for the PLBs as well as patronage intentions. The present study reveals the significant incremental effect of a store image on consumer preferences, perceptions, and patronage intentions beyond that explained by consumer knowledge and familiarity about PLBs. The study reveals that, among four store image constructs, the store atmosphere and store service factors had significant positive effects on consumer perceptions of PLBs. Store service and atmospheric aspects also affect consumer patronage intentions toward PLBs. The price factor shows a significant and positive influence on the preference consumers have for PLBs, but not on perceptions and patronage intentions. This study has practical implications for department store executives and managers on how to allocate resources in order to increase positive consumer perceptions toward PLBs, preferences over other brands, and patronage intentions of PLBs at a store as well as how to create effective store environments to promote PLBs.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles
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• v.24 no.5
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• pp.628-639
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• 2000

The purpose of this study is to propose a model of private brands proneness form-ation considering the six private brands proneness-related variables simultaneously. Since the theoretical framework is based on previous research in various areas, it serves as an integrative one. Data were collected via intercept surveys conducted at nine regional branches of two major department stores situated in Seoul. Participants(n=1,120), who had previously purchased women's private brand apparel, were asked to complete a questionnaire during two weeks from March 15, 1999 to March 28, 1999. LISREL and SPSS PC+ were used to test the model and analyze its variables. The fitness of the model show the reasonable fit between all indices(RMSR=.036, GFI=.99, AGFI=.92, and NFI=.95). The proposed model supports all the hypothesized relationships. Private brands proneness increases as perceived money value of products, familiarity, positive store image of private brands, and satisfaction of individuals' differentiated needs increase. Furthermore, perceived money value of products increase as perceived risk of private brand purchase and perceived quality variation between private brand products and manufacture's products decrease.

• Journal of Industrial Convergence
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.159-186
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• 2004

One of the biggest change in the distributive market recently is that the development of private brand is progress actively since consumers purchasing behavior is tend to shift to resonable and practical planned purchase from brand image or brand name. Once the development of private brands is done successfully, the independent merchandising distinguished from other distribution companies is established, store image through customer satisfaction is strengthen and volume of sales and profit are increased. However, the existing studies in this field have not dealt with this matter systematically. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to propose an integrated framework within which to view private brand proneness. Factors found to influence private brand proneness included perceived cost, with private brand, perceived value for money, store fame, perceived risk, perceived quality variation between national and private brand products. Foe empirical analysis, the data were collected from 211 consumers who purchased the private brands in discount store and department store. With the collected survey data, reliability test, factor analysis for validity test and regression analysis for hypotheses test were conducted. Most hypotheses were accepted but on hypotheses were rejected negative relation of perceived cost and private brand proneness. Research results indicate that private brand proneness is affected by perceived value, perceived fame and there are negative relation between private brand proneness and perceived quality variation.

• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.13 no.7
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• pp.73-83
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• 2015

Purpose - Recently, many large retailers have been frequently purchasing commercial brands. Not only the quality of products purchased but also the brand images are of concern in this process. Based on this rising trend, commercial brands have become an important issue in the retail business world, along with increasing general interest as well. Thus, this study focuses on the factors affecting commercial brand images and clarifies the impact of the resulting factors as well. First, store images and familiarity, price sensitiveness, and knowledge are presented as the effect factors for commercial brands. Second, the study tries to clarify the effect of commercial brand image on the reliability and loyalty of customers. Research design, data, and methodology - To conduct the study methodology, 250 questionnaires were distributed to retailers who have used large discount stores located in Busan to purchase a commercial brand a total of 234 valid questionnaires were used in the final analysis. To verify the hypotheses, a structure equation formula using Amos 20.0 was calculated. First, prior to the verification of hypotheses, the reliability and feasibility of the questions were tested, and as a result, the value of Cronbach's alpha was higher than 0.7, thereby showing reliability. Additionally, for the verification of the feasibility of the questions, a confirmation factor analysis was implemented. Results - First, variances such as store images, familiarity, price sensitivity, and knowledge were presented as the factors of effect on commercial brands. As a result of the hypotheses verification, all the effect factors presented in this study were confirmed as important variables of commercial brand images. The hypotheses were drawn based on the studies relating to existing commercial brands, and thereby, a result similar to previous studies was produced. However, the effect factors of the commercial brand image presented in this study shaped a new study model based on the previous studies. Second, it was found that commercial brand images had positive effects on the reliability and loyalty of customers. This study presented reliability and loyalty as the resulting factors of commercial brand image because they are the most important factors in relation to customer behavior and variables that can suggest marketing points for distribution businesses. Conclusions - This study focused on clarifying the factors that are important effect factors for commercial brand images. As a result, all the hypotheses were confirmed in this study, indicating a meaningful result, and thereby suggesting many points that can be presented to distribution businesses. First, the proper strategies should be developed based on the hypothesis that a store image, the familiarity of customers with brands, and the price sensitiveness and knowledge level of customers have an important effect on the choice of commercial brands. Additionally, the formation of such favorable images will have positive effects not only in terms of customer trust in the commercial brands but also in terms of their loyalty.

• Journal of Distribution Research
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.1-27
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• 2011

Introduction: Sales of private labels(PU have been growing m recent years. Globally, PLs have already achieved 20% share, although between 25 and 50% share in most of the European markets(AC. Nielson, 2005). These products are aimed to have comparable quality and prices as national brand(NB) products and have been continuously eroding manufacturer's national brand market share. Stores have also started introducing premium PLs that are of higher-quality and more reasonably priced compared to NBs. Worldwide, many retailers already have a multiple-tier private label architecture. Consumers as a consequence are now able to have a more diverse brand choice in store than ever before. Since premium PLs are priced higher than regular PLs and even, in some cases, above NBs, stores can expect to generate higher profits. Brand extensions and private label have been extensively studied in the marketing field. However, less attention has been paid to the private label extension. Therefore, this research focuses on private label extension using the Multi-Attribute Attitude Model(Fishbein and Ajzen, 1975). Especially there are few studies that consider the hierarchical effect of the PL's two parent brands: store brand and the original PL. We assume that the attitude toward each of the two parent brands affects the attitude towards the extended PL. The influence from each parent brand toward extended PL will vary according to the perceived fit between each parent brand and the extended PL. This research focuses on how these two parent brands act as reference points to one another in the consumers' choice consideration. Specifically we seek to understand how store image and attitude towards original PL affect consumer perceptions of extended premium PL. How consumers perceive extended premium PLs could provide strategic suggestions for retailer managers with specific suggestions on whether it is more effective: to position extended premium PL similarly or dissimilarly to original PL especially on the quality dimension and congruency with store image. There is an extensive body of research on branding and brand extensions (e.g. Aaker and Keller, 1990) and more recently on PLs(e.g. Kumar and Steenkamp, 2007). However there are no studies to date that look at the upgrading and influence of original PLs and attitude towards store on the premium PL extension. This research wishes to make a contribution to this gap using the perceived fit difference between parent brands and extended premium PL as the context. In order to meet the above objectives, we investigate which factors heighten consumers' positive attitude toward premium PL extension. Research Model and Hypotheses: When considering the attitude towards the premium PL extension, we expect four factors to have an influence: attitude towards store; attitude towards original PL; perceived congruity between the store image and the premium PL; perceived similarity between the original PL and the premium PL. We expect that all these factors have an influence on consumer attitude towards premium PL extension. Figure 1 gives the research model and hypotheses. Method: Data were collected by an intercept survey conducted on consumers at discount stores. 403 survey responses were attained (total 59.8% female, across all age ranges). Respondents were asked to respond to a series of Questions measured on 7 point likert-type scales. The survey consisted of Questions that measured: the trust towards store and the original PL; the satisfaction towards store and the original PL; the attitudes towards store, the original PL, and the extended premium PL; the perceived similarity of the original PL and the extended premium PL; the perceived congruity between the store image and the extended premium PL. Product images with specific explanations of the features of premium PL, regular PL and NB we reused as the stimuli for the Question response. We developed scales to measure the research constructs. Cronbach's alphaw as measured each construct with the reliability for all constructs exceeding the .70 standard(Nunnally, 1978). Results: To test the hypotheses, path analysis was conducted using LISREL 8.30. The path analysis for verification of the model produced satisfactory results. The validity index shows acceptable results(${\chi}^2=427.00$(P=0.00), GFI= .90, AGFI= .87, NFI= .91, RMSEA= .062, RMR= .047). With the increasing retailer use of premium PLBs, the intention of this research was to examine how consumers use original PL and store image as reference points as to the attitude towards premium PL extension. Results(see table 1 & 2) show that the attitude of each parent brand (attitudes toward store and original pL) influences the attitude towards extended PL and their perceived fit moderates these influences. Attitude toward the extended PL was influenced by the relative level of perceived fit. Discussion of results and future direction: These results suggest that the future strategy for the PL extension needs to consider that positive parent brand attitude is more strongly associated with the attitude toward PL extensions. Specifically, to improve attitude towards PL extension, building and maintaining positive attitude towards original PL is necessary. Positioning premium PL congruently to store image is also important for positive attitude. In order to improve this research, the following alternatives should also be considered. To improve the research model's predictive power, more diverse products should be included in study. Other attributes of product should also be included such as design, brand name since we only considered trust and satisfaction as factors to build consumer attitudes.

• Fashion & Textile Research Journal
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.173-185
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• 2011

This study aimed to clarify the difference between consumers and hands-on staff in evaluation of the attributes importance of asset evaluation attributes and the relationship between difference from consumers and hands-on staff in evaluation of the attributes and the performance. Subjects for the quantitative research, quota sampling was adopted in the areas where the subject brands were in place, and 452 questionnaires (141 of hands-on staff, 311 of consumers) were analyzed. The results were as follows; 1. The factors that hands-on staff and consumers regarded as most important as to asset evaluation attributes of department store-exclusive importation brands included preference and product quality in the order, and then image, recognition, reliability, and country of origin in the case of hands-on staff, and reliability, image, recognition, and country of origin in the case of consumers in the order. 2. As a result of examining the effect of the difference between hands-on staff and consumers regarding exclusive importation brands(GAP, ZARA) of certain department stores on business achievement and consumer attitude, it turned out that the smaller the difference between the two groups with regard to evaluation, the higher the business achievement and consumer attitude.