Effects of Chinese Consumers' Ethnocentrism and Animosity on Brand Attitude

Abstract

The Chinese fashion market is a fierce battlefield for foreign brands and domestic brands. This research carefully analyzed several effects based on theories related to the country of origin for brands and consumer attitudes. All data were collected by a questionnaire distributed to Chinese consumers who have experienced global fashion brands. Data collection was conducted in March 2011. A total of 382 complete responses were used for the analysis. The results were as follows: First, for Chinese brands, there was a direct consumer ethnocentrism (CET) effect on brand attitudes. Second, CET showed no effect for European brands; however, conspicuous consumption had a significant positive influence. Third, there existed direct effects of CET and economic animosity on brand attitudes for brands from an unfriendly country. There was a positive moderating effect of conspicuous consumption on the association between CET and Japanese brand attitudes; in addition, a negative situation perception aggravates the negative relationship between economic animosity and Japanese brand attitudes. The results of the study can help marketers obtain more specific knowledge of brand attitudes for target consumer groups as well as enable them to plan and implement well-suited strategies for fashion businesses in China.