Comparative Experimental Research on Product Evaluations and Approach Behaviors of Utilitarian and Hedonic Clothing in On-line and Off-line Settings

Abstract

This study explores the differences in product evaluation and approach behaviors as well as the effects of product evaluation on approach behaviors of utilitarian and hedonic products in on-line and off-line settings. A total of 332 subjects participated in the experiments to assess product evaluation and approach behaviors for utilitarian and hedonic clothing products in on-line and off-line settings. The results show that even though the same stimulus was presented, consumers` product evaluation of utilitarian clothing (i.e., t-shirts) was higher in the off-line setting than in the on-line setting while the approach behavior of hedonic clothing was better in the on-line setting than in the off-line setting. In addition, color was a crucial factor generating positive approach behaviors for utilitarian clothing while style and quality were core factors influencing the approach behaviors of hedonic products in an on-line setting. There was no consistency in the results of the important factors affecting approach behaviors of utilitarian and hedonic clothing in an off-line setting. The conclusion suggests implications for marketing based upon the results of this study.