Investigating the Impact of Social Identity, Communication Appeals, and Product Classification on Brand Loyalty

The multitude of clothing manufacturers has led to a fully competitive market. Therefore, respective stakeholders are always seeking to increase the attraction and retain committed and loyal customers to their brand in this competitive market. Many clothing manufacturers from other countries are attempting to enhance the attraction and retain loyal Iranian customers through their sales representatives in Iran and understanding how to build constructive communications with their Iranian customers. This study examines the factors affecting the brand attraction and loyalty of Iranian customers to a foreign clothing manufacturer. In fact, the present study aims to investigate the drivers of attraction to the brand and loyalty to a foreign clothing brand, despite the diversity and differences between the two countries, including cultural and social differences. In addition, this research helps local marketers and stakeholders in clothing to attract loyal and committed customers in other countries by identifying the factors affecting loyalty and interest in the brand. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to enrich the brand management literature as well as to investigate the effect of social identity, communication and, product classification on brand interest and brand loyalty.

The present applied research is quantitative and descriptive in terms of data collection (research design). The statistical population of this study includes customers of Benton clothing brand in Tehran and the required data were collected using a questionnaire. Structural equation modeling and SmartPLS3 software (professional version) were used to analyze the data. Accordingly, the model fit is examined in three modes: the measurement model (the reliability of the factor loading of the indicators, the reliability that includes Cronbach's alpha and the combined reliability, and the validity that includes convergent as well as divergent validity), the structural model (determinant coefficient), and the general model (goodness-of-fit index). Structural equation modeling and partial least squares approaches were also implemented to investigate the research hypotheses.

The results have shown that brand loyalty includes three feelings of passion, kindness, and communication. On the other hand, brand loyalty is related to the quality of communication, and any increase in the communication with consumers can lead to improved loyalty and enhanced financial performance. Moreover, the effect of self-expression on brand interest was confirmed in the present study. Self-expression of an activity is related to emotions, which affects brand loyalty by creating dependence and interest in the brand.

Conclusion

According to the findings, social identity indicates the sense of belonging to certain social groups with an individual aspect. Thus, the social identity of social groups is achieved when the person considers himself/herself as a member of a particular group. The results of this study showed that social identity has a positive effect on self-expression. Besides, customers who have experienced brand interest are more likely to participate in a constructive partnership within a brand community. In addition, the results revealed that self-expression is potentially influential in increasing brand interest and encouraging desirable post-purchase behaviors.