Examining consumers’ attitude towards purchase of counterfeit fashion products

Abstract

Purpose: This paper aims to investigate the factors affecting consumers’ attitude towards counterfeit fashion products and the relationship of consumers’ attitude towards counterfeit fashion products with purchase intention. Design/methodology/approach: A conceptual model is proposed and validated by following the various studies on counterfeit products. A survey of 382 respondents was conducted in the Mumbai city. The researcher has used structural equation modelling to test the causal relationships among the constructs. Findings: The results of the study indicate that value consciousness, materialism and social influence positively relate to consumers’ attitude towards counterfeit fashion products which eventually leads to purchase intention. Brand consciousness and perceived risk have no significant relationship with consumers’ attitude towards counterfeit fashion products. Low-income group consumers are value conscious and brand conscious and perceive a low risk which influences their attitude towards counterfeit fashion products. Research limitations/implications: The study uses a self-reported measure to collect the data through email, and a printed copy of the questionnaire was circulated. Also, the method of sample selection was not random. These two aspects could limit the generalizability of the results. Practical implications: The paper provides assistance to the manufacturers and the retailers of genuine brand products to formulate better marketing strategies for attracting new customers. Originality/value: The study aims to investigate the factors affecting Indian consumers’ attitude towards counterfeit fashion products which is not much analysed. The factors were carefully chosen so as to meet the requirements of the study. Income is taken as a moderator for studying the relationship between factors and attitude towards counterfeit fashion products.