Tattooing and brand sponsorship: how far is too far?
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore how consumers view sponsorship tattoos. This study specifically addresses three research questions: first, how consumers view the idea of sponsorship tattooing; second, how the brand of the tattoo alters acceptance of the tattoo; and third, how the placement on the body of the athlete affects acceptance of the tattoo.
Design/methodology/approach
To address these research questions, focus groups were conducted.
Findings
Findings highlighted three important themes related to tattoos, sponsorships and brand perceptions: meaning of the tattoo itself, meaning related to the brand and the tattoo and meaning related to the tattoo and athlete.
Practical implications
For practitioners, this research highlights the complexity between consumers’ interaction with brands through sponsorship tattoos, which is a complicated, multi-dimensional process during which meaning can be assigned to multiple facets of the sponsorship relationship.
Originality/value
For scholars, this research offers a glimpse into an emerging trend that ties together the multi-billion dollar sports and tattoo industries. In sum, this research identifies ways in which consumers interpret meaning related to the tattoo itself, the brand and the athlete based on placement, sport and brand perceptions.
Keywords
Citation
Weidner, K., Bal, A., Rains, S. and Leeds, C. (2016), "Tattooing and brand sponsorship: how far is too far?", Journal of Product & Brand Management, Vol. 25 No. 4, pp. 387-393. https://doi.org/10.1108/JPBM-09-2015-0977
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2016, Emerald Group Publishing Limited