Managing the visual environment of a fashion store: Effects of visual complexity and order on sensation-seeking consumers

Ju Yeun Jang, Eunsoo Baek, Ho Jung Choo

Research output: Journal article publicationJournal articleAcademic researchpeer-review

44 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of a fashion store’s visual complexity on consumers’ behaviour. Considering environmental order and individuals’ sensation-seeking tendencies, the authors examine the effect of visually complex fashion stores on consumers in a more conclusive way to address the inconsistent effect found in the previous literature. Design/methodology/approach: This study features a 3 (visual complexity level: low, medium, high) × 2 (environmental order condition: low, high) between subjects design, with individual sensation-seeking tendency included as a moderator. Using this design, an online survey was administered to 188 participants in South Korea. Findings: The results indicate that there is a three-way interaction, where the interaction effect of visual complexity and environmental order is moderated by individuals’ sensation-seeking tendency. The effect of visual complexity on approach behaviours had an inverted U-shape in the low-order condition, while had a positive linear shape in the high-order condition, and the interaction effect was significant only for high-sensation seekers. Practical implications: The findings assist practitioners in establishing strategies for visual merchandising and store design within fashion stores. It is suggested that retailers consider environmental order when organising a large amount of varied merchandise in a complex environment. Store managers must adjust the complexity and environmental order to meet the optimal stimulation level of their target consumers. Originality/value: This study strengthens the literature on visual complexity by applying the concept to the retail environment. The results provide a significant contribution to the literature because they show how individual-level and store-level variables interact to influence consumer behaviour.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)210-226
Number of pages17
JournalInternational Journal of Retail and Distribution Management
Volume46
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2018

Keywords

  • Fashion store
  • Order
  • Retail environment
  • Sensation-seeking tendency
  • Visual complexity

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Business and International Management
  • Marketing

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  • 2019 Highly Commended Award

    Baek, E. (Recipient), 2019

    Prize: Honorary awardHonorary award (research)

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