Consumer Regulatory Focus and Impulse Buying of Apparel

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the relationship between consumer regulatory focus and impulse buying of apparel products and the mediating effect of consumer fashion innovativeness . A large portion of consumer buying behavior is based on impulse. However, impulse buying is difficult to predict; moreover, factors that explain consumers’ impulse buying tendencies are not yet fully identified. In this study, consumer regulatory focus was considered as a factor that explains consumers’ impulse buying tendencies. The purpose of this study was to examine how fashion innovativeness and impulse buying tendencies differ, based on the consumer regulatory focus. A structural equation modeling was conducted to validate the research model. A questionnaire agency conducted online survey for 1 week and of the 400 copies distributed, total of 400 were collected. Promotion-focus and fashion innovativeness were positively correlated, which in turn had an effect on rational, emotional, and situational impulse buying. The promotion-focus had a negative effect on fashion innovation, but a positive effect on emotional impulse buying. On the other hand, prevention-focus had negative effect on emotional impulse buying, and situational impulse buying. Consumer regulatory focus and fashion innovativeness were useful predictors different consumer tendencies of impulse buying of apparel.