Consumer innovativeness among females in specific fashion stores in the Menlyn shopping centre

Abstract

Early in the product life cycle certain consumers, called innovators, embrace innovations. The consumer innovator plays a prominent role in the diffusion and ultimate adoption of new products. This article examines consumer innovativeness among females in the context of the fashion industry. Fashion innovators represent a profitable market segment in the fashion industry, and understanding consumer fashion innovativeness may enable fashion suppliers to obtain a suitable return on their investment. Results show positive relationships between consumer fashion innovativeness and fashion opinion leadership, fashion involvement and need for uniqueness. A recommendation is made that fashion retailers should design unique, customised offerings in order to fulfil the needs and wants of innovators.