Saudi Journal of Business and Management Studies (SJBMS)
Volume-4 | Issue-05 | 441-456
Review Article
Color Psychology and Its Influence on Consumer Buying Behavior: A Case of Apparel Products
Maria Carina Casas, Justine Chinoperekweyi
Published : May 30, 2019
Abstract
The relationship between color psychology and consumer behavior is at the centre of most marketing activities in the business environment. Empirical and theoretical literature asserts that color psychology is instrumental in determining the effectiveness of marketing activities, particularly when properly integrated in the organization’s manufacturing and distribution strategies. There are different interpretations of color as determined by consumers’ beliefs, culture, and attitudes. The purpose of this research is to investigate the relationship between color psychology and consumer buying behavior within the apparel market. The apparel market was chosen due its distinctive cultural dynamics and consumer psychological beliefs compared to other markets. There has been an increase in consumer buying behavior variations across the globe as a result of varying interpretations of marketing mix elements. The article submits that color psychology is one of the main features that determine consumer behavior in the apparel market. Data was collected through secondary sources such as journals, articles, and empirical sources such as existing researches regarding color psychology, consumer behavior regarding product color, and cultural perceptions on color within the apparel industry. Color psychology plays a bigger role in effecting emotional and intellectual influence among consumers. Color perception and color psychology affects people’s behavior in such a way that the symbolism of the colors resonates with people’s perceptions, hence linking it with information from their cultures. Through the color perception of different cultures, the research concluded that using a color that is associated with something negative will negatively affect the customers’ retrieval cues, therefore repelling them from purchasing the product or service.