A study of the attitudinal and behavioural dimensions of Indian consumers to brand loyalty.

Abstract

This study examines the attitudinal and behavioural dimensions of Indian consumers, in the Chatsworth area, to brand loyalty. A survey was undertaken in the designated area and data for the investigation was obtained from a sample of 237 households, drawn by means of the stratified random sampling technique. The data was qualitatively and quantitatively analysed using numerous descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. The findings indicate that Indian consumers are more brand loyal to food than to non-food products. This result reflects that the type of merchandise involved and the relative strength of brands have an important influence on brand loyalty. Furthermore, Indians are rational buyers, who evaluate the cost and benefits of products, and increasingly consider the purchases of house brands as opposed to branded products. The determinants of brand loyalty for products in general. was found to be quality, whilst the main product evalutation criteria for food items is freshness, followed by nutritional value. The majority of consumers do not base their judgement of quality on price. Finally, non-brand loyal buyers assign higher ratings to product attributes on most of the specific products studied, than brand loyal consumers.