Barriers to Socially Responsible Apparel Purchasing Behavior: Are Consumers Right?

Abstract

This study lends insight into consumers’ commitment to socially responsible apparel purchasing. As part of this study, the validity of perceived barriers among consumers in engaging in socially responsible apparel purchasing behavior were explored. It was discovered that consumers may be correct in their perceptions that apparel sold by socially responsible retailers is more expensive than that sold by mainstream brands. However, consumers may be somewhat misguided in their perceptions that socially responsible retailers offer fewer product choices as compared to mainstream brands or that acquiring goods from socially responsible retailers requires additional time and effort.