Uniqueness and status consumption in Generation Y consumers

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the existence of consumers’ need for uniqueness (CNFU) and status consumption (SC) in Generation Y (Gen Y). In exploring such, the equivalency of each construct (measurement invariance and population heterogeneity) is examined across early and late Gen Y consumers.Design/methodology/approachA self-administered online survey is examined, with the sample of 397 Gen Y respondents analyzed through structural equation modeling.FindingsThe results reveal that Gen Y consumers experience a need for uniqueness in a three-factor composition which is invariant across earlier and later Gen Y consumers. Similarly, SC is observed amongst Gen Y, with the empirical results again equivalent across the two groups. Finally, SC is supported to directly influence Gen Y’s purchase intention (PI) of luxury fashion goods, with the three CNFU constructs failing to directly influence PI, or SC’s influence on PI.Practical implicationsResults suggest to practitioners that not only are CNFU and SC motivations existent in Gen Y consumers, but they act similarly across early (19-23) and later (24-34) members of the consumer segment. Additionally, SC positively influences Gen Y’s purchase behavior of luxury fashion goods. Practitioners may target such consumers with reassurance that these groups do not behave differently with respect to CNFU and SC.Originality/valueThis study explores for the first time the three factors of CNFU and SC amongst Gen Y consumers. Such analysis, including the invariance of responses between those later and earlier born Gen Y consumers, and the structural relationships shared between these constructs and PI of luxury fashion goods offer intriguing insights for academics and practitioners alike.