Consumer Behaviors in the UK Fashion Industry

APPLICATION OF CONSUMER BEHAVIORS IN THE UK FASHION INDUSTRY
Executive summary
Burberry is a fashion industry based in the UK that produces wear accessories such as coats, suits, trousers, and leather products such as shoes Burberry started its operation in 1856 in London The growth of Burberry came during the First World War when its wear accessory became common in military The primary product that Burberry specializes in was trench coats that were used by the army during winter season It is by this that trench coats become more common in the UK and this made millions of people have it to accomplish their fashion need Burberry aims to increase the market of trench coats in and out of UK The focus is to make customers buy trench coats that are essential in the winter season as they are warmTo understand how consumers decide to purchase such wear, this discussion will use several models to come up with factors that influence customers buying behaviors In this case, the study will concentrate on Engel, Kollat, and Blackwell (EKB) model and the impact it has on the fashion industry in the UK This model describes decision-making processes and how consumers decide on products and services at their disposal based on alternatives available in their list EKB model consists of five steps that consumers follow when making their decision concerning products or services they can consume In addition, other models will be used to help develop measures that Burberry can adopt to improve the sale of its trench coats.

Contents
Executive summary 2
1.0 Introduction 3
1.2 Burberry 4
2.0 Consumer Behavior Models 5
2.1 Information input stage 6
2.2 Information Processing 7
2.3 Decision-making process 9
2.3.1 Problem recognition 10
2.3.2 Information Search 10
2.3.3Evaluation of alternative 11
2.3.4 Purchase decision 11
2.3.5 Post-purchase decision 12
2.4 Decision process variables 12
2.5 External influences 13
Conclusion 13
Recommendation 13
References 14

1.0 Introduction
Consumer behavior is termed as a complex decision process that involves several activities when people are deciding on what to buy and consume to satisfy their needs and desires Several factors influence consumer behaviors, and this greatly determines the preferences and desires they have in their hearts To understand how consumers reach their decision on products and services to consume several models have to be understood In this case, the study will concentrate on Engel, Kollat, and Blackwell’s (EKB) model and how it can be applied in the UK fashion industryThis model describes decision-making processes and how consumers decide on products and services at their disposal based on alternatives available in their list EKB model consists of five steps that consumers follow when making their decision concerning products or services they can consume In addition, the discussion will also use other models such as Maslow’s hierarchy, motivation and consumption motive, sensory stimuli, diffusion of innovation, and brand loyalty theories The UK fashion industry comprises several industries that offer different types of fashion products, from shoes, clothes, and other wear products In addition, several big players in the market offer competing products, and each have to come up with sales strategies to win customers Some companies in the Fashion industries include Burberry, Next Plc, Mark & Spencer, and ASOS The following discussion will explore how the consumer behaviors model can be applied in Burberry to enhance their sales of trench coats in the UK and other countries.
1.2 Burberry
Burberry is a fashion industry incorporated in the United Kingdom with its headquarters in Westminster, London Burberry was started by Thomas Burberry as a small clothing store in 1856 (Zozulya et al., 2015) To diversify in different markets, Thomas in 1879 opened another branch in Haymarket and introduced different waterproof fabricsto increase the market share According to Zozulya et al. (2015),Burberry started to grow in the market effectively in the 20th century with the introduction of trench coats that captured the heart of many people due to their uniqueness Trench coats became more popular as it was used by the military in Second World Warduring winter, and this made many people in Europe adopt them, making Burberry the best brand producing clothes and different garments in the United Kingdom (Zozulya et al., 2015) To diversify in different market, in the 1970s, Burberry give contracts to different manufacturers to produce different products and sell them in different markets but with strict controls from companies headquarter The franchise led to the growth of Burberry worldwide as this increased sales and led to an increase in revenueCurrently, Burberry is the best and most prominent brand in the fashion industry in the United Kingdom, with a capital of 10 billion dollars It produces a vast variety of fashion items such as suits, trousers, sports wears, and other accessories for men, women, and children (Zozulya et al., 2015) To maintain its market share in the market, Burberry must ensure it understands consumer behaviors and produce goods to meet their desires and needs This discussion will explore how Burberry can apply the consumer behavior model by Engel, Blackwell, and Kollat to win the market and increase their sales of trench coats.
2.0 Consumer BehaviorModels
Consumer behaviors models describe how consumer’s emotions, attitude, and preference affect their decision to purchase and consumption of goods and service Engel, Blackwell, and Kollat’s model will guide this study, and other different models will be used to support measures that Burberry will use to improve the market of their trench coatsEngel, Blackwell, and Kollat’s model was developed in 1968 to explain how consumers of goods and services decide on what purchases and what not to purchase (Zhang et al., 2020) The model has critical stages that are related to the psychology of consumers and factors that help them in making buying decisions In addition, the model analyses the behaviors of customers that shape the market of different goods and services that are offered in the market by different suppliers The critical stages of Engel, Blackwell, and Kollat’s modelinclude the input of information, information processing stage, decision-processing stage, decision variables stage, and external factors stage (Zhang et al., 2020)For Burberry to win the market, it must understand the concept of consumer behaviors and their impact as explained by this model and other models such as Maslow’s hierarchy, motivation and consumption motive, sensory stimuli, diffusion of innovation, and brand loyalty theories Through Engel, Blackwell, and Kollat’s model will be able to advise Burberry on how they can accomplish their mission to get market for their new and existing fashion products.
2.1 Information input stage
The information input stage is where companies release necessary information that triggers the mind of the customers (Wani, 2019) This information helps the consumers in deciding whether to purchase the product or not In addition, Maslow, when develop his theory of individual satisfaction, he narrated the importance of individual getting all their need satisfied, and in this case, the customer need is to get information which is essential about the market Burberry fashions must ensure they feed customers with the information necessary about the kind of fashion wears they have, and the one they are about to produce trigger people to think of the need for fashion Some ways that the company can feed its customers with information are through promotion on media platforms such as television, and social media, for example, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram In addition, Burberry can develop fliers and distribute them to core market areas to let the customers know the crucial features of the trench coat Burberry must understand the current market is defined by how customers behave and must invest heavily to ensure they win the customers by giving them the necessary information that helps them decide to groom themselves with trench coats from Burberry.
Another different way of feeding customers with information about the coat available is by feeding the company website with the necessary information that different customers are looking for (Wani, 2019) For example, Burberry can ensure that all types of trench coats are listed on their website with their prices and the stores where they can be found By doing so, person interested in grooming himself will have an easier time getting all the information he needs as it is readily available on the company’s website Also, Burberry can partner with different fashion magazine companies and get a section in the magazine where their coats with be featured in all the magazines published in the UK and outside the UK Such a move will allow those who are interested in fashion and design to get information about the unique trench that Burberry is selling, which can fit their fashion needs When buyers get the data required about such a product they feel satisfied and are likely to decide to purchase the item from the seller who has all the relevant information available, as customers are likely to have trust in the company’s product.
2.2 Information Processing
The information processing stage has several styles that customers gain through experiences that took place in the past. The styles provide the benefits and disadvantagesrelated to certain decisions (Prasad & Jha, 2014). These styles help evaluate the best alternative before deciding to buy a particular good or service.
First, a conscientious style is a stagewhere customers have to ask different questions to decide on a specific commodity they aim to purchase. Companies have to come in a way that can answer customers’ questions to help them understand why they consume their goods or services(Prasad & Jha, 2014). For example, Burberry should have a robust customer support system that operates 24 hours to answer different concerns that customers are interested to understand. By doing that, customers will have an easier time processing the information and, in the end, faster their decision whether to buy the merchandise or not. In addition, Burberry can have a comment section where different can comment on how the commodities they bought served their purpose. Such a platform will act as a source to answer different questions in the mind of the person who is in the decision process Burberry by answering consumers’ questions is helping them in making decisions and this will increase their sales of trench coats since they are showing concern to the buyers through supportive customer service.
Second, according to Prasad and Jha (2014), the consultative style is where the consumer finds himself in a dilemma when deciding between alternatives that serve his needs. In many cases, people find that different good can satisfy their needs, but they have to choose one. For example, one may find him in a dilemma of whether to buy a tailored trench coat from Burberry or get one from a nearby tailor. To convince the individual on which way to go, Burberry must ensure that information provided concerning their coats on the company’s website has given the advantage of buying readymade clothes that are well designed with the latest technology. Such a source will make buyers decide in favor of Burberry.
Third, the imaginative style stage is wherea person process information based on his imagination ofexperience. Primarily, such decisions are based on what he has seen or heard concerning the problem he may be having or the need he wants to satisfy (Prasad & Jha, 2014). Burberry must ensure that they feed the market with information about the product they produce to get into the mind of every person. By doing so, when consumers are in the process of imagining which coat they should buy, they will choose one from the brand that is in their mind. By that, Burberry will make a sale that, in one way, contribute to the company’s revenue.
Forth, the constructive visual style that makes a person make a decision based on what they see. In many cases, people are triggered to buy some item seen in the market as the commodity attracts them (Prasad & Jha, 2014). Burberry should position its store in the street where it will attract customers and trigger them to buy such coats due to its display. In addition, fashion attracts people of all ages, and Burberry must ensure that they advertise their trench coats on all platforms where people interact through billboards and social media to attract get people interested in purchasing different designs they saw in those advertisements. The billboards can be installed on all streets in London and other major towns in the UK.
Fifth, logical style that is based on what makes sense when one is making the decision It has all the relevant facts concerning the commodities one wishes to buy from the market In many cases, customers buy from a vendor who can convince them with facts relating to the product they want to consume (Prasad and Jha, 2014) For Burberry to win the market, they must ensure they provide customers with all facts concerning their product to convince them to buy For example, during winter, Burberry can give all the benefits of their trench coats through advertisement and this will make customers think of buying them to keep themselves and their families warm.
2.3 Decision-making process
The decision-making process is the central focus of the model as it gives five key process stages After the information is fed and processed in the mind of the consumers of fashion commodities, a decision must be made based on the problem or the need they may need to look for solutions (Stankevich, 2017) Consumers follow different process stages which assist them in deciding on the product or service they require Those stages are problem recognition, information search, alternative evaluation, purchase decision, and post-purchase evaluation These stages offer a unique guide to consumers of goods and services on how to determine what is best for them when making their buying decision By making the right decision individual can get the services that will suit their needs and preferences.
2.3.1 Problem recognition
When people are fed with information about different commodities in the market, the urge to satisfy different needs arises, and a decision has to be made on how to satisfy that particular problem (Stankevich, 2017) For example, after viewing the advert for different wear, people recognize the need to buy some clothes or shoes that will fit their fashion needs It is for this reason that Burberry should ensure that they understand how to trigger individuals to think of the need of having different colors of trench coat for different occasions In this case, the company can launch a campaign to educate people importance of fashion through different platforms such as social media and television as a way of letting people recognize the need for different clothes and shoes for a different event they may be attending like dinner, wedding, clubbing, gaming and church services Such action will make more people think of buying different colors of trench coats with they can wear to match the event they are attending In the end, Burberry will make sales out of such campaigns, which will lead to revenue growth.
2.3.2 Information Search
Information is the most important tool in marketing as it influences customers to buy or not buy certain goods Every person always looks for certain specification from the product he/she wish to purchase (Stankevich, 2017) When coming to fashion, ladies, for example always from brands that consider luxuries in the market and this will make them look for any information to make them understand how the product they want to buy will fit their tastes and preference For Burberry to win the market in the UK and outside it must ensure it puts all relevant information available and accessible so that customers who are searching for information relating to this coat will get it without hustle Some place where Burberry information can be made accessible is Facebook, Instagram, fashion magazines, and the company website This will help the consumer in making a decision on which consume they want to buy Also, such a move to make all information available will help Burberry in achieving its goals to reach new markets and increase sales of their trench coats.
2.3.3Evaluation of alternative
In the current market, several suppliers offer similar commodities that serve the same purpose, and this makes it hard for people to decide on which supplier they will buy from In most cases, customers will buy from a company that can convince them about the quality of their goods and how they will satisfy they satisfy one needs (Stankevich, 2017) In the fashion industry in the United Kingdom, there are several players where who offer same wear accessory, and for Burberry to win the market it must ensure it has come up with the best strategy which can be used to convince customers that no other alternative but Burberry By doing so, many people have no choice as but to purchase their wear accessories from the Burberry fashion industry In addition, Burberry can different types of trench coats to offer an alternative to prevent customers from seeking an alternative from othersuppliers and manufacturers in the UK Such action will ensure that Burberry has retained its customers.
2.3.4 Purchase decision
Purchase decisions are based on the price, quality, and satisfaction level of the product or service one wishes to purchaseEventful fashion is considered a luxuries need, people always look for what they can afford For Burberry to be a company of choice when customers are making the decision, they must offer affordable prices Also, while categorizing the products they manufacture they must do so in consideration of quality and price to win interested parties to make purchase decisions easily and buy from Burberry.
2.3.5 Post-purchase decision
The post-purchase decision depended on the satisfaction level and service one was offered by the seller which act as motivating factors for customers to come back Based on services an individual may decide to stick to that supplier or change and look for another brand that may serve him better (Lawson, Gleim and Hartline, 2021) Therefore, Burberry must be in control of excellent customer care service which will attract customers to come back In addition, the company should ensure that the trench coats produced are of quality to meet the satisfaction level of customers (Yang, Song and Tong, 2017) Such measures will make people loyal to Burberry as a brand and always purchase from their stores across the country Also, Burberry can introduce after-sales service to gift customers who purchase more than twice from any of their stores This initiative will automatically influence people to make a post-purchase decision in favor of Burberry and give more refers to other people who are interested in buying trench coat.
2.4 Decision process variables
Different purchase decisions are influenced by factors that have positive or negative impacts Mostly, factors that influence individual purchase decisions are psychological, such as attitude and emotional status (Lawson, Gleim and Hartline, 2021) Therefore, Burberry must ensure it attacks the mind of the people to convince them to purchase its products For example, in the festive season, Burberry should come up with offers such as gift hampers and discounts on trenches to attract more customers to purchase from their stores In addition, Burberry should design adverts with can give customers a positive attitude towards the commodityAccording to Lawson, Gleim and Hartline (2021), if the company makes customers have a positive attitude, more will not look for any alternative when the need for product arises but what is their mind.
2.5 External influences
Different environmental factors influence how people make a purchase decision Such factors are tried on social influence like culture, class, and family (Gujjar, 2013) It company’s responsibility to ensure they accommodate people based on social class Burberry can offer different packages for different classes of people to ensure they win every customer based on his status In addition, Burberry should come with a family package to accommodate parents who may like to purchase coats in bulky for their children and other family members.
Conclusion
The above discussion has shown that for Burberry to win the UK fashion market it must ensure it apply all concept of the Engel, Kollat, and Blackwell model which comprises five different stages which help an individual in making a purchase decision in conjunction with other models such as Maslow hierarchy, motivation and consumption motives,. It can be noted for Burberry to be able to increase its sales, it must ensure the wear accessories produced are of quality and affordable In addition, it can be noted from the study that the UK market has a huge market for trench coats and Burberry must ensure it markets its product across all platforms to reach many customers who might be looking for well-designed trench coat.
Recommendation
From the discussion, it can be recommended that Burberry should integrate more methods of advertisement which can the company reach more people and trigger them to purchase the trench coats Also, Burberry should come up with a way of convincing customers that their trench gives the best look in a fashion that anyone is looking all over the world In addition, it can be recommended for Burberry to increase customer services that will make people keep on buying from this brand.
References
Gajjar, N. B. (2013). Factors affecting consumer behavior International Journal of Research in Humanities and Social Sciences, 1(2), 10-15.
Lawson, S. J., Gleim, M. R., & Hartline, M. D. (2021) Decisions, decisions: Variations in decision-making for access-based consumption Journal of Marketing Theory and Practice, 29(3), 358-374.
Prasad, R. K., & Jha, M. K. (2014). Consumer buying decisions models: A descriptive study International journal of innovation and applied studies, 6(3), 335.
Stankevich, A. (2017) Explaining the consumer decision-making process: Critical literature review Journal of international business research and marketing, 2(6), 7-14.
Wani, Z. A. (2019) Consumer Buying Behavior International Journal Of All Research Writings, 1(8), 22-29.
Yang, S., Song, Y., & Tong, S. (2017). Sustainable retailing in the fashion industry: A systematic literature review Sustainability, 9(7), 1266.
Zhang, J., Xue, Y., Wen, F., Liu, D., Luo, P., & Li, Y. (2020, November). Extended Engel-Kollat-Blackwell Consumption Behavior Model for Residential Customers In 2020 International Conference on Smart Grids and Energy Systems (SGES) (pp. 751-756) IEEE.
Zozulya, D., Radomski, D., Boey, E., Lozanoski, H., Nathani, A., & Sheppard, J. (2015). Burberry Group PLC.