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Constructing Consumer-Masstige brand relationships in a volatile social reality

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  • Moorlock, Emily
  • Dekel-Dachs, Ofer
  • Stokes, Peter
  • Larsen, Gretchen

Abstract

This article conceptualises how consumers construct their relationships with masstige brands. Drawing on a two-stage methodology of consumer interviews and online content analysis of brands’ social media pages, we offer innovative insight into how consumers navigate consumer-masstige brand relationships (CMBRs). We present CMBRs as multiple, dynamic and capricious relationships, departing from the view of enduring brand relationships as monogamous marriages. The unique symbolic nature and more central role of masstige brands in consumers’ identity projects, make CMBRs more intense and transient. The findings illustrate that ‘masstige’ brand status is continually negotiated within a complex web of on– and off-line dialogues between multiple actors (the consumer, masstige brand, other consumers and other brands (masstige, low/middle market and luxury)). Consumers expect masstige brands to be more responsive to their needs. The role of marketers as collaborators and enablers in consumers’ identity projects is therefore more intense in CMBRs.

Suggested Citation

  • Moorlock, Emily & Dekel-Dachs, Ofer & Stokes, Peter & Larsen, Gretchen, 2023. "Constructing Consumer-Masstige brand relationships in a volatile social reality," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 155(PA).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jbrese:v:155:y:2023:i:pa:s0148296322008463
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jbusres.2022.113381
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    2. Pedro, Yael & Friedmann, Enav & Loureiro, Sandra Maria Correia, 2024. "High-end fashion as a social phenomenon: Exploring the perceptions of designers and consumers," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 79(C).

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