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Sustainably sustaining (online) fashion consumption: Using influencers to promote sustainable (un)planned behaviour in Europe's millennials

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  • Johnstone, Leanne
  • Lindh, Cecilia

Abstract

This study explores if, how and through what channels millennials' sustainability values translate into action when it comes to fashion garments. By testing a research model on 448 European millennials, it contrasts extant theories of planned behaviour, finding that purchase intent is often guided by unintentional, non-linear processes wherein trust in intermediaries such as celebrity influencers, rather than the fashion retailers’ corporate social responsibility (CSR) approach condition behaviour. For fashion retailers, it suggests the strategic use of influencers to (un)consciously market sustainable garments. Its novelty is built on sustainably sustaining fashion consumption in a post-pandemic world, characterised by increased online sales.

Suggested Citation

  • Johnstone, Leanne & Lindh, Cecilia, 2022. "Sustainably sustaining (online) fashion consumption: Using influencers to promote sustainable (un)planned behaviour in Europe's millennials," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 64(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:joreco:v:64:y:2022:i:c:s0969698921003416
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jretconser.2021.102775
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    3. Asuamah Yeboah, Samuel, 2023. "Sustaining Change: Unravelling the Socio-cultural Threads of Sustainable Consumption," MPRA Paper 117981, University Library of Munich, Germany, revised 10 Jun 2023.
    4. Pankaj Tiwari, 2023. "Analysing Green Self-efficacy and Green Altruism of Millennials Customers Toward Green Purchases Through the lens of the Theory of Planned Behaviour," Public Organization Review, Springer, vol. 23(4), pages 1545-1561, December.
    5. Xue, Zhebin & Li, Qing & Zeng, Xianyi, 2023. "Social media user behavior analysis applied to the fashion and apparel industry in the big data era," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 72(C).
    6. Kondort Giulia & Pelau Corina & Gati Mirko & Ciofu Ioana, 2023. "The Role of Fashion Influencers in Shaping Consumers’ Buying Decisions and Trends," Proceedings of the International Conference on Business Excellence, Sciendo, vol. 17(1), pages 1009-1018, July.
    7. Dabiran, Ehsan & Farivar, Samira & Wang, Fang & Grant, Gerald, 2024. "Virtually human: anthropomorphism in virtual influencer marketing," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 79(C).
    8. Dash, Ganesh & Alharthi, Majed & Albarrak, Mansour & Aggarwal, Shalini, 2024. "Saudi millennials’ panic buying behavior during pandemic and post-pandemic: Role of social media addiction and religious values and commitment," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 79(C).
    9. Dan-Cristian Dabija & Veronica Câmpian & Anna-Rebeka Pop & Raluca Bãbu?, 2022. "Generating loyalty towards fast fashion stores: a cross-generational approach based on store attributes and socio-environmental responsibility," Oeconomia Copernicana, Institute of Economic Research, vol. 13(3), pages 891-934, September.
    10. Jiang, Kan & Zheng, Junyuan & Luo, Shaohua, 2024. "Green power of virtual influencer: The role of virtual influencer image, emotional appeal, and product involvement," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 77(C).
    11. Shang, Dawei & Wu, Weiwei & Schroeder, Daniel, 2023. "Exploring determinants of the green smart technology product adoption from a sustainability adapted value-belief-norm perspective," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 70(C).
    12. Apetrei Andreea & Constantin Marius & Deaconu Elena-Mădălina & Dinu Mihai & Pătărlăgeanu Simona Roxana & Petrescu Irina-Elena, 2024. "Eco-chic or trendy-chic? Decoding consumer preferences in sustainable and fast fashion across the EU," Management & Marketing, Sciendo, vol. 19(2), pages 179-210.
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    14. Shafqat, Tehmeena & Ishaq, Muhammad Ishtiaq & Ahmed, Anzar, 2023. "Fashion consumption using minimalism: Exploring the relationship of consumer well-being and social connectedness," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 71(C).

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