Acta Universitatis Agriculturae et Silviculturae Mendelianae Brunensis, the scientific journal of the Mendel University in Brno, Czech Republic

This study examines the relationships between socio-demographic factors, purchase frequency, internet expertise, and unethical return behavior in apparel e-commerce, with a particular focus on the act of wardrobing—wearing and then returning used apparel. The research involved a survey of 1026 online apparel consumers from Portugal and the Czech Republic. The results show that frequent buyers, internet-savvy users, women and younger e-consumers report more satisfactory return experiences. However, several e-consumers engage in wardrobe shopping, with higher rates observed among males, internet-savvy users and youth. There are differences between the countries studied: in the Czech sample, men and advanced internet users are more likely to engage in wardrobing, while in the Portuguese sample, it is more prevalent among younger e-consumers. The results also document that, overall, men are seven times more likely to practice unethical return, while increasing age decreases the likelihood. The originality of the study lies in its approach and findings, which contribute to the understanding of post-purchase behavior and moral hazards in e-commerce and highlight the need for retailers to balance return policies that prevent abuse while maintaining customer satisfaction. Recommendations are made for improving loyalty programs and personalizing the e-shopping experience to minimize returns and promote ethical consumer behavior. Further research is suggested to develop these findings and improve return management in apparel e-commerce.

The purpose of the paper is (1) to validate and measure the invariance of the COSF and LOHAS scales across countries (Portugal and the Czech Republic) and establish their convergent and discriminant validity, (2) determine the variables that explain perceived customer value, purchase intention, and willingness to pay a price premium, and (3) assess the differences between participants who have and have not already bought slow fashion products. Quantitative data were collected via questionnaire survey between April and October 2024 in Portugal (n = 1728) and the Czech Republic (n = 1652). The positive correlation between the COSF and LOHAS scales suggests that individuals inclined toward slow fashion consumption will likely exhibit broader sustainable and health-conscious lifestyles, integrating sustainable practices into various aspects of their lives, not just in fashion. The findings contribute to understanding the relationships between consumer values (COSF and LOHAS) and purchase behavior, which can inform marketing strategies, especially in the growing slow fashion market. Policymakers and companies in the fashion industry can use these insights to promote sustainability and environmentally conscious consumption. Also, the study reveals significant differences between Portuguese and Czech consumers regarding sociodemographic characteristics and slow fashion consumption behaviors. Marketers can use these insights to tailor their campaigns to specific cultural and demographic groups, adjusting messaging based on income perception, education level, and purchase behavior. Consumer values such as authenticity, equity, and environmental consciousness (COSF and LOHAS) influence purchasing decisions. Slow fashion brands can use this information to develop products that resonate with these values, such as emphasizing sustainable materials, ethical production practices, or local craftsmanship, appealing directly to consumers who prioritize these attributes.

Acta Universitatis Agriculturae et Silviculturae Mendelianae Brunensis, the scientific journal of the Mendel University in Brno, Czech Republic

Following the principles of sustainable marketing, any organization should meet the needs of its current consumers without compromising the ability of future generations to fulfill their own needs. This concern is valid not only for the environment but also the sustainability’s economic and social dimensions. The clothing industry is adapting business models to meet environmental awareness and demand for sustainable clothing. This study aims to understand how the clothing business and consumer behavior are changing in consideration of sustainability. Specifically, it addresses how fashion consumers consider sustainability when selecting and purchasing clothing, contrasting slow and fast fashion approaches. Firstly, an exploratory quantitative study based on an online survey about slow fashion purchase intention was performed with a sample of 864 Portuguese residents. Analyses of descriptive statistics (means, frequencies, and Cronbach’s alpha) and inferential statistics (chi-square, t-test, and ANOVA) were used. Then, a single-case study of a well-known Portuguese fashion brand concerning its strategy towards sustainability was carried out. The study concludes that there are positive associations between the consumer consideration for sustainability and slow-fashion clothing and the consumer perceived value, purchase intention, willingness to pay a price premium, and recommend slow-fashion products.

Several researchers suggest that value-based pricing (VBP) is one of the most profitable pricing methods for companies competing in today’s business environment. Interestingly, the implementation rates of VBP are, however, rather low...