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Counterfeit luxury consumption strategies in a collectivistic culture: the case of China

Author

Listed:
  • Jiahan Li

    (University of Portsmouth)

  • Mahsa Ghaffari

    (University of Portsmouth)

  • Lin Su

    (University of Portsmouth
    Coventry University London, University House)

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative study is to understand the risk-reducing strategies used by Chinese consumers in a collectivistic culture to balance the psychological dichotomy they face when consuming counterfeit luxury products to construct their social identities. Consumers, on the one hand, are tempted to buy counterfeit luxury products due to their remarkable price advantages, while on the other hand they are reluctant to use these products given the fear of being socially caught out. This dissonance intensifies in a collectivistic culture, where the concept of social face is important. The study involved reviewing a large volume of literature on the research of non-deceptive counterfeit luxury consumption, based on which 26 semi-structured in-depth interviews among Chinese consumers were conducted to explore strategies used by consumers to construct their social identity through using counterfeit luxury products. In addition, the ways they select and use these products to avoid being caught out in order to maintain their constructed social identity were investigated. The data were analyzed by adopting (Mitchell in Manag Decis 30(3):26–31, 1992) risk reduction framework, and the findings illustrate the different strategies taking place through two separate consumption phases: pre-purchase and post-purchase. This research offers new insights into non-deceptive counterfeit consumption by introducing perceived risk and risk-reducing strategies.

Suggested Citation

  • Jiahan Li & Mahsa Ghaffari & Lin Su, 2020. "Counterfeit luxury consumption strategies in a collectivistic culture: the case of China," Journal of Brand Management, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 27(5), pages 546-560, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:jobman:v:27:y:2020:i:5:d:10.1057_s41262-020-00197-4
    DOI: 10.1057/s41262-020-00197-4
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Shaun M. Powell, 2020. "Journal of Brand Management: year end review 2020," Journal of Brand Management, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 27(6), pages 623-628, November.

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