Brand Loyalty is a Lot Like Dating

I think of brand loyalty like I think of someone I'm dating.  Depending on what the brand has to offer me, I'll either casually date it, while still testing the waters, or I'll decide its worth more and decide to enter into a committed relationship.  And just like any relationship, when your eyes start to wander, that loyalty is tested, and once you cheat, that relationship is over.

The book talks about defying your established brand loyalty as a kind of "promiscuity", which I 100%  agree with.
I think we can all agree that we have a few specific brands that we consistently buy from, and we will not, ever, buy their competitors products.  Why? Because that would be cheating.

We are loyal to certain brands for a reasons, whether it be their amazing quality, or just because over the years they've made their way into our hearts.  Either way, I think brand loyalty is one of the most important relationships a company can form with their consumers.

We don't only buy these brands out of habit, but because we love them.  It is a conscious decision, in which we as consumers cannot and will not be persuaded otherwise.

I, being the crazy shopper that I am, actually have very few brands that I am completely loyal too.  For me, a brand has to offer me something that no other can, in order for me to be in a "committed" relationship.  It must enhance my life.  I have found so many amazing products from all different brands  that for many types of products, I don't have brand loyalty because there are so many great things being offered.

However, when it comes to my handbags, my workout apparel, and my intimates, I am hands down the most loyal consumer out there.  For my bags, I will only carry Michael Kors because of their amazing quality, style, and the brand personality it affilaites with..  For my workout clothes, it is Lululemon, no matter what.  You cannot beat their variety and the look of their brand.  And for my intimates, it is hands down Victorias Secret, and there is simply no reason needed.

Just like everyone else who has their brands they are loyal to, I am sticking to mine, and always will... unless, just like when dating, something much better comes along ;)

"High Involvement" Within My Style

A question we were all asked this week was what kinds of product do we have high involvement with?
Involvement being defined as "a person's perceived relevance of the object based on their inherent needs, values, and interests" (Solomon 2013, 129).  This answer obviously differs for everyone, but for me it was a no brainer.

While many people might consider clothes as more of a low involvement (inertia product) and simply stick with the same basics out of habit, I am the opposite.  Of course, like many people, I have my favorite brands, however I am always branching out and finding new designers that I like.  Even in the brands that I am already familiar with, I will try new styles of jeans or shoes that differ from what I already have.

I think fashion is something that is constantly changing, and for me, it is one of my passions in life.  I work at Meridian and it has really made me realize how fast trends really do change.  For me it is important to always be up to date in my style and stay current with both my clothes and my knowledge of them to be able to be an advocate for my customers.

I spend the majority of my disposable income on my clothes because ever since I can remember it has been the way that I expressed myself.  My involvement is always high when it comes to fashion because the more I can know about the product, the better style that I am able to have.

I pay very close attention to most advertising for retail brands so that I can stay on top of what looks good with what, and how to dress to impress!! :)

Here are some of my favorite products that are in style right now

Rag and Bone Boyfriend Jeans

Frye Booties













Chan Luu scarves

Nothing Tastes As Good As Skinny Feels....

CORRECTION

I am so sick of having society selling young girls on the image of being stick thin.  It is not even just about all the products that they promote that are completely useless, such as all these fad diet pills and detoxes, it is about the fact that they make young women feel as if they need to be a certain size to be beautiful.

I am all for being healthy, and I believe that you should exercise and try to eat a well balanced diet, however, if you're out for a night on the town for a friends birthday, EAT THE DAMN PEICE OF CAKE.  Despite what so many advertisers want you to think, it will not kill you.

I hate that so many ads these days focus less on the product, and more on the person advertising it.  All these skinny models in the magazines that promote an image for women that is simply not realistic. 

I feel like these promotions prey on girl's insecurities, and focus less on any benefits or attributes the product may have.  Then women begin to perceive themselves as if they are not good enough.  They think their actual self sucks, because they are so focused on what they are told their  ideal self needs to be.  

News Flash!!!! You do not need to be a size 0 to be beautiful.

Don't buy into it.