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Luxury during trade tensions. The influence of economic animosity, cosmopolitanism and patriotism on intention to buy foreign luxury products

Giada Mainolfi (Faculty of Economics, University of International Studies of Rome, Roma, Italy)

International Marketing Review

ISSN: 0265-1335

Article publication date: 2 November 2021

Issue publication date: 3 February 2022

742

Abstract

Purpose

Using trade tensions as a background scenario, the study aims to investigate the dynamics of coexistence between cosmopolitan trends and the patriotic moods of luxury consumers, and how these feelings interact with both economic animosity and intention to buy luxury products originated in the hostile country.

Design/methodology/approach

The analytical framework was tested through an empirical survey carried out on Russian and Chinese consumers. In total, 766 questionnaires were collected and were analysed using structural equation modelling method.

Findings

Results confirm that patriotic sentiments and economic-based feelings are negatively associated with intentions to buy luxury products that originated in the hostile area. Furthermore, results show that cosmopolitanism positively influences intention to buy. However, the positive effect of patriotism on economic animosity combined with its indirect effect on the intention to buy may reduce the strength of luxury products.

Practical implications

The study has practical implications since it identifies strategic suggestions for luxury companies' managers. More specifically, they have to be aware of the patriotic trends affecting Russian and Chinese consumers and should actively seek to leverage local partners' knowledge in order to better connect with customers' expectations.

Originality/value

The study contributes to a better understanding of the influence exerted by cosmopolitan orientation and patriotic feelings on luxury goods purchase intentions. The study also examines cosmopolitanism and patriotism as antecedents of animosity, which have not been extensively researched in the past with respect to the luxury sector.

Keywords

Citation

Mainolfi, G. (2022), "Luxury during trade tensions. The influence of economic animosity, cosmopolitanism and patriotism on intention to buy foreign luxury products", International Marketing Review, Vol. 39 No. 1, pp. 32-54. https://doi.org/10.1108/IMR-05-2019-0133

Publisher

:

Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2021, Emerald Publishing Limited

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