The Effects of Brand-self Connection on the Willingness to Pay a Price Premium: A New Look at the Consumerbrand Relationship in the Chinese Luxury Market

Abstract

Exploring brand-self connection as a tool for driving profitability is gaining traction among scholars and industry professionals. This study introduces and validates a conceptual model aimed at discerning the influence of brand-self connection on luxury consumers willingness to pay (WTP) a price premium. Based on survey data from 270 Chinese luxury consumers and analysis via SPSS 27.0, the results reveal that brand-self connection not only directly augments consumers WTP a price premium but also exerts an indirect influence through the mediating roles of brand experience and brand loyalty. Interestingly, though brand-related social media engagement emerges as a moderating factor in this relationship, its impact remains marginal within the luxury market context. Together, these findings illuminate the complex nuances of luxury consumer behavior, enriching brand management, consumer-brand relationships, and pricing strategy. Practitioners can harness these insights for strategic decision-making in the luxury market arena.