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Romancing the alpaca: Passionate consumption, collection, and companionship

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  • McMullen, Cathi

Abstract

With their inquisitive nature, apparent intelligence, and aesthetic appeal, alpacas draw humans to them. This article spotlights alpaca breeders in an exploration of collecting as passionate consumption [BelkRussell, W. Collecting in a Consumer Society. London: Routledge, 1995.] and consumers' relationships with their animal companions [Hirschman Elizabeth. Consumers and their animal companions. Journal of Consumer Research 1994; 20 (March): 616-32.; Holbrook MB. Stephens DL. Day E. Holbrook SM. Strazar G. A collective stereographic photo essay on key aspects of animal companionship: The truth about dogs and cats. Academy of Marketing Science Review 2001; (1) 1-16.]. Multiple data sources provide stories of alpaca ownership. These sources comprise books, newspaper clips, and magazine articles about alpacas, as well as the author's own experiences as an alpaca breeder over the past 10Â years. Building from Belk's work on collection, this article both introduces the idea of dynamic-and-transforming collections and illustrates how passionate consumption can lead to rejuvenation and re-enchantment with life. By concentrating on consumption experiences, this work adds to the growing body of consumer research that moves beyond a narrow focus on purchase behavior.

Suggested Citation

  • McMullen, Cathi, 2008. "Romancing the alpaca: Passionate consumption, collection, and companionship," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 61(5), pages 502-508, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jbrese:v:61:y:2008:i:5:p:502-508
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Hirschman, Elizabeth C, 1994. "Consumers and Their Animal Companions," Journal of Consumer Research, Journal of Consumer Research Inc., vol. 20(4), pages 616-632, March.
    2. Belk, Russell W & Ger, Guliz & Askegaard, Soren, 2003. "The Fire of Desire: A Multisited Inquiry into Consumer Passion," Journal of Consumer Research, Journal of Consumer Research Inc., vol. 30(3), pages 326-351, December.
    3. Richins, Marsha L, 1994. "Valuing Things: The Public and Private Meanings of Possessions," Journal of Consumer Research, Journal of Consumer Research Inc., vol. 21(3), pages 504-521, December.
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    Cited by:

    1. Kirk, Colleen P., 2019. "Dogs have masters, cats have staff: Consumers' psychological ownership and their economic valuation of pets," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 99(C), pages 306-318.

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