This paper aims to identify marketing strategies incentivizing consumers to purchase used goods and explain how socio-material arrangements frame second-hand retail (SHR). The…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to identify marketing strategies incentivizing consumers to purchase used goods and explain how socio-material arrangements frame second-hand retail (SHR). The growing significance and professionalization of SHR underscore the pivotal role of marketing, necessitating an exploration of how second-hand stores can stimulate the consumption of used items.
Design/methodology/approach
Ethnographically inspired fieldwork was conducted across a second-hand shopping mall with 17 stores in Sweden, utilizing actor-network theory (ANT) concepts to examine marketing activities and how these form strategies.
Findings
The findings reveal two marketing strategies: enrolling sustainability supporters and second-hand shoppers. Additionally, the findings provide examples of how SHR can be framed as environmentally friendly, socially sustainable, value for money, creatively experiential and facilitating sustainable consumer behavior.
Practical implications
Understanding the framing processes inherent in second-hand retailing presents opportunities to reinforce the transition to a circular economy. Second-hand retailers can leverage marketing to imbue used goods with greater significance for consumers, which necessitates marketing competencies.
Originality/value
The paper delves into activities that enhance the attractiveness of used goods, a research area that warrants increased attention.
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Xiaogang Cao, Boning Xiao, Hui Wen and Mingzhe Fu
This paper explores how the existence of a second-hand market can affect remanufacturing decisions for durable goods in the presence of patent protection.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper explores how the existence of a second-hand market can affect remanufacturing decisions for durable goods in the presence of patent protection.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors construct a dynamic decision model between a durable goods original manufacturer and a durable goods remanufacturer considering the characteristics of the multi-cycle uses of new durable goods and remanufactured durable goods.
Findings
The results show that (1) the second-hand market compresses the cost space of a durable goods original manufacturer and a remanufacturer; (2) when the second-hand market exists, the optimal pricing of new durable goods is reduced, the optimal pricing of remanufactured durable goods is increased and the patent cost of each unit of durable goods increases and (3) the presence of the second-hand market will increase the original manufacturer's and remanufacturer's profits.
Originality/value
The research conclusion has certain reference value for the production strategy selection of each enterprise in the process of patented product remanufacturing and the government's fiscal policy formulation at each stage of the remanufacturing industry's development.
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According to the perspective of evolutionary economic theory, the marketplace continuously evolves over time, following the changing needs of both customers and firms. In…
Abstract
Purpose
According to the perspective of evolutionary economic theory, the marketplace continuously evolves over time, following the changing needs of both customers and firms. In accordance with the theory, the second-hand apparel market has been rapidly expanding by meeting consumers’ diverse preferences and promoting sustainability since 2014. To understand what changes in consumers’ consumption behaviors regarding used apparel have driven this growth, the purpose of this study is to examine how the second-hand apparel market product types, distribution channels and consumers’ motives have changed over the past five years.
Design/methodology/approach
This study collected big data from Google through Textom software by extracting all Web-exposed text in 2014, and again in 2019, that contained the keyword “second-hand apparel,” and used the Node XL program to visualize the network patterns of these words through the semantic network analysis.
Findings
The results indicate that the second-hand apparel market has evolved with various changes over the past five years in terms of consumer motives, product types and distribution channels.
Originality/value
This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the changing demands of consumers toward used apparel over the past five years, providing insights for retailers as well as future research in this subject area.
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Josep Llach, Neus Vila-Brunet and Alba Manresa
In the last 15 years, online sales of second-hand products have grown substantially due to changes in the economy, increasing interest in sustainability and the new opportunities…
Abstract
Purpose
In the last 15 years, online sales of second-hand products have grown substantially due to changes in the economy, increasing interest in sustainability and the new opportunities offered by the alternative markets. However, little is known about the antecedents of customer retention in this particular online market. To this effect, the aim of this research is to bring new insights about what retains shoppers and creates loyal behaviour in this market by presenting a loyalty model based on expectancy-value theory and building on Olsen's satisfaction-loyalty model.
Design/methodology/approach
To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, a survey comprised of 507 respondents who had purchased second-hand products via an online platform during 2020 was used to test the model.
Findings
The results validate both the satisfaction-loyalty model and the mediator role of the fulfilment of expectations between perceived quality and satisfaction. The results also indicate that customer fulfilment of expectations depends only on the perception of product quality. Perceived product quality was also the dimension that most influenced satisfaction, followed by perceived vendor quality. Last, the dimensions that contributed most to loyal behaviour were satisfaction with the vendor and with the website.
Originality/value
The originality of this research lies in the validation of the unique satisfaction-loyalty model for online second-hand purchases. The value of this research is that it adds knowledge about effective strategies for platform owners and sellers to enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty in online second-hand markets.
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Lingwen wei, Yan Hong and Xianyi Zeng
The purpose of this research is to conduct a theoretical prediction study exploring the effectiveness of different content marketing strategies in expanding the second-hand market…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this research is to conduct a theoretical prediction study exploring the effectiveness of different content marketing strategies in expanding the second-hand market for fashion brands, comparing the costs and risks involved in these strategies in practice.
Design/methodology/approach
First, the expert interview method is employed to extract the content marketing strategies of the fashion second-hand market. Then, a descriptive space that is able to identify various fashion brand images is established. Then, experts' perceptions of the relationships between content marketing strategies and fashion brand image dimensions are obtained through a subjective evaluation procedure. Data of semantic evaluation were quantified and analyzed using the fuzzy logic method.
Findings
When fashion brands expand to the second-hand market, they not only need to focus on improving the individual differentiation of products but also give priority to the quality of products and services and the overall customer experience. Exploring the “social impact strategy” will become an important direction for the development of fashion brands in the future.
Originality/value
The research methodology employed herein exhibits a noteworthy degree of novelty. This study introduces a pioneering theoretical prediction approach utilizing fuzzy logic, marking the inaugural exploration of this emerging and captivating dimension within the context of the study. Simultaneously, the study provides comparative results among content marketing strategies for expanding the fashion second-hand market, offering guidance for market expansion.
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Linda Lisa Maria Turunen and Hanna Leipämaa-Leskinen
The purpose of this study is to shed light on the consumption of second-hand luxury brands, identifying the meanings attached to second-hand luxury possessions in the context of…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to shed light on the consumption of second-hand luxury brands, identifying the meanings attached to second-hand luxury possessions in the context of fashion and, specifically, in the case of luxury accessories. Prior discussions of luxury consumption and marketing have focused on brand-new luxury goods, thus largely neglecting the emergence of markets for used luxury products.
Design/methodology/approach
The empirical data for this study were generated through interviews with ten Finnish women and through fashion blogs concerning luxury goods that are bought second-hand.
Findings
The findings show that second-hand luxury possessions are characterized by five different meaning themes: Sustainable Choice, Real Deal, Pre-loved Treasure, Risk Investment and Unique Find. The study highlights how consumers are able to achieve luxury experiences even without exclusive service, as the informants attached meanings of luxury to second-hand luxury possessions, especially with regard to the symbolic value and authenticity of the product. However, the meaning of authenticity appears to be a double-edged sword in this context, as consumers may also consider that they are taking a financial as well as reputational risk when acquiring a previously owned luxury item.
Originality/value
This study brings forward novel viewpoints to discussions on luxury brand marketing by connecting the issue with the topical phenomenon of second-hand and luxury consumption. The study suggests important managerial implications for luxury brand marketers.
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Jenniina Sihvonen and Linda Lisa Maria Turunen
Brand management and marketing have focused on brand-new goods, thus largely neglecting the emergence of markets for used products. This study sheds light on how consumers…
Abstract
Purpose
Brand management and marketing have focused on brand-new goods, thus largely neglecting the emergence of markets for used products. This study sheds light on how consumers determine the perceived value of fashion brands in online flea markets. In addition, this study aims to illustrate how fashion brands are perceived when sold second-hand in Facebook flea markets.
Design/methodology/approach
Empirical data, consisting of internet discussions, were collected for this study from seven Facebook flea market forums between Fall 2014 and Fall 2015. The discussions were analyzed by means of qualitative content analysis.
Findings
In the context of flea markets, the perceived value is negotiated and evaluated through six antecedents: perceived quality, price, design, origin, authenticity and brand availability. Not surprisingly, price and quality appear as focal aspects when determining the value of a used brand in second-hand markets. However, the aspects of availability, origin and design complicate the considerations of the perceived value and can distinguish between different flea markets for fashion brands. In online second-hand markets for fashion brands, the passing of time appears to be an important factor grounding the consumers’ considerations of the perceived value.
Originality/value
This study brings forward novel viewpoints to brand marketing by discussing the formation of the consumer-perceived value in the growing field of online second-hand sales of fashion brands.
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Berna Tari Kasnakoglu and Yunus Kalender
This study develops a scale to measure loyalty to second-hand sellers in online markets. The potential marketing outcomes are discussed based on the tested model.
Abstract
Purpose
This study develops a scale to measure loyalty to second-hand sellers in online markets. The potential marketing outcomes are discussed based on the tested model.
Design/methodology/approach
A scale measuring loyalty to unprofessional second-hand sellers was developed in five stages. An experimental model was also developed using data from four different countries, where the level of product information was manipulated to observe its effects on loyalty dimensions.
Findings
The developed scale has two sub-dimensions: purchase loyalty and person loyalty. The results validate the use of a loyalty scale and conclude that a second-hand seller should provide sufficient information about the product, which would increase loyalty and generate repurchase intention.
Practical implications
It is recommended that second-hand sellers follow potentially profitable customers and provide sufficient product information to enhance loyalty sales. Consumers may be able to establish regular streams of income through online second-hand sales.
Social implications
The system potentially enables the creation of a consistent and systematic used-product and revenue cycle, maintaining an environment-friendly circulation of second-hand items.
Originality/value
Most studies have focused on buyer behavior, largely ignoring the amateur seller’s perspective. The absence of deliberate branding by second-hand sellers creates an interesting research opportunity to investigate the factors contributing to buyer loyalty.
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Thalita Freitas, Davi Brescia and Juliana Maria Magalhães Christino
This study examines the destigmatization of second-hand consumption in a developing country through the lens of social practice theory. It explores media and institutional…
Abstract
Purpose
This study examines the destigmatization of second-hand consumption in a developing country through the lens of social practice theory. It explores media and institutional discourses surrounding children’s thrift stores, identifying key argumentative emphases that reshape perceptions of the second-hand market.
Design/methodology/approach
The methodology involves leveraging journalistic and institutional materials to gain insights into the practices molding the second-hand market. Content analysis is used to identify these sources’ pivotal themes and recurring categories, which were then divided into objects, doing and meanings, forming the basis for creating a “gear of practice.”
Findings
The findings reveal a complex network of practices that underpin the destigmatization of second-hand consumption. Specifically, they identify three circuits of practices forming a “gear of practice,” where suppliers, thrift store owners and customers play interchangeable roles, with their actions shaping the meanings and perceptions associated with second-hand goods.
Originality/value
This study introduces the innovative “gear of practice,” which represents a theoretical contribution to understand how practices intersect, considering the perspectives of various stakeholders. Furthermore, this framework advances theoretical discussion by providing insights into how businesses can navigate sustainable consumption trends, considering the role of consumer participation and organizational practices (doings), infrastructure investment and product attributes (objects) and diverse meanings (e.g. sustainability, economic advantage and participation in a new trend) in destigmatizing second-hand markets.
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Angeline Gautami Fernando, Bharadhwaj Sivakumaran and L. Suganthi
Second-hand/used goods channels compete with existing traditional channels to satisfy consumers’ needs that are unmet by traditional retail networks. However, most studies on…
Abstract
Purpose
Second-hand/used goods channels compete with existing traditional channels to satisfy consumers’ needs that are unmet by traditional retail networks. However, most studies on online shopping have largely ignored online second-hand/used good purchases. This study aims to use Thaler’s mental accounting model, principal–agent perspective and contamination theory to highlight the differences in the value sought by online new goods and second-hand shoppers.
Design/methodology/approach
A conceptual framework linking perceived uncertainty, perceived acquisition value and e-loyalty was developed and tested using structural equation modelling. The moderating effects of product type (new vs second-hand) and frugality were also included.
Findings
The paper found strong support for the model. Results showed that online second-hand shoppers were more uncertain and perceived lesser levels of acquisition value when compared to new goods shoppers. They were also less frugal. Online shoppers are also more likely to buy products with sensory attributes (experience goods) in new goods websites and products with non-sensory attributes (search goods) from second-hand websites. The authors recommend various ways in which managers can increase perceived value for the online shopper.
Research limitations/implications
Future studies can extend this investigation by including transaction value or other hedonic values to verify their impact on acquisition value and e-loyalty. While the authors found support for the notion that consumers who buy used goods online are less frugal, there is some research that could point to the opposite. Hence, research can investigate this topic in depth in more countries to throw more light on this.
Practical implications
To sustain themselves in a competitive online market, retailers need to understand the value sought by consumers. This study provides empirical evidence of the importance of acquisition value for new goods and second-hand shoppers.
Originality/value
No recent research has compared the value sought by online second-hand and new goods shoppers. This study contributes to the understanding of the acquisition value perceived by consumers in online new goods and second-hand shopping channels.