A Report on

C o n s u m e r B u y i n g B e h a v i o r o f J e a n s a n d T- s h i r t s

A Report Submitted by

S.ANUSHA NADIU

Roll Number: 10304

PGDM 2010-2012

Project submitted in partial fulfillment for the award of

Post Graduate Diploma in Management

VIGNANA JYOTHI INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT

BACHUPALLY, HYDERABAD

(2009-2011)
 Consumer buying behavior of Jeans and T-shirts

Executive Summary
I decided to have a market research on jean and t-shirt buying behavior of consumers of
Hyderabad city. This study was carried out to determine different factors affects the purchase
decision for jeans and t-shirts, consumer preferences for different brands, and ways to effectively
influence consumer decisions. During the event I decided to get feedback from customers who
normally visit various types of outlets for the purchase, so that appropriate primary data can be
collected through questionnaire.
 Consumer buying behavior of Jeans and T-shirts

Introduction

In determining the Buyer behavior of Jeans and T-shirts, we have taken Buyer behavior
stimulus response model to determine the buyer decision making process towards jeans and t-
shirts and how buyer characteristics will be affected by the marketing stimuli and how the Buyer
responses change in taking purchase decision. A well-developed and tested model of buyer
behavior is known as the stimulus-response model, which is summarized in the diagram below:

In the above model, marketing and other stimuli enter the customers “black box” and produce
certain responses. Marketing management must try to work out what goes on the in the mind of
the customer – the “black box”. The Buyer’s characteristics influence how he or she perceives
the stimuli; the decision-making process determines what buying behavior is undertaken.
 Consumer buying behavior of Jeans and T-shirts

Research objectives
Objectives of the study are:

a) To determine what factors influence a consumer’s buying decision.

b) To determine the important attributes that a consumer considers before buying Jeans and
T-shirts.
c) To determine which advertising mediums are most effective in influencing customers
perceptions.
d) To assess which brand of jeans and T-shirts are most preferred by customers.
e) To find out the impact of sales promotions during a purchase.

Methodology:
Method of Data Collection:

Primary data was collected through survey. The questionnaire was prepared asking
respondent about their purchase behavior towards jeans. The basic research
instrument used is a questionnaire. The questionnaire was sent through mail to all
the VJIM students in Hyderabad. The questionnaire is a mixed bag of open ended
and closed ended questions. The questionnaires were either filled by the
respondents themselves or were dictated by the respondents. The respondent was
free to give his opinion on the questions.

Data search:

The survey was conducted outside shopping malls, multiplexes and in Vignan Jyothi
Institute of Management.

Sample Design

Only those wearing jeans and T-shirts were taken as respondents, so non-
probability judgment sampling is employed 40 respondents were surveyed for
research.

Sample Profile:
Gender no percent
Consumer buying behavior of Jeans and T-shirts
Male 22 55%

Female 18 45%

Occupation

Students 34 85%

Employees 6 15%

Age

Range No

Up to 20 4

21 to 25 30

25 to 30 6

The ages of respondents ranged from 17 to 29 with mean age of 24.

Research design
The primary data was obtained from the respondents, using a questionnaire.
The data collected was evaluated manually. Percentage was used to
estimate the proportion for various aspects under consideration. Microsoft
Excel was used to depict graphical representations of the analytical
inferences and tabulations.

a. Data Collection method

The primary data using different techniques like focus group discussion with the experts , depth
interview with the stores salesmen and sales managers , by mails , face-to-face etc ).By doing so,
we come to certain factors which majorly affects the Buying Behavior of Jeans and T-shirts.
To mention, some of the factors we found are Quality, Design, Price , Durability ,Variants,
Comfort, Trendy, Brand name. Later we will go with the detailed explanation of these factors.
b. Measurement:
To address the research objectives of our study , we need to take the information from every
corner of the topic. So, we have used Stimuli-response model to observe how marketing stimuli
and other stimuli affects the buying characteristics of the consumers and change in Buying
Decision process results in responses. We have made a Questionnaire which involves different
questions related to the buying pattern of consumers for Jeans and T-shirts. Based on the
factors we have found and by the responses taken, we will come to the understandings like
Buying Behavior differences between Jeans and T-shirts, consumer preferences based upon
different factors forConsumer
Jeans and buying
T-shirts,behavior
Buying pattern of and
of Jeans different customers based upon
T-shirts
demographics etc.

c. Analysis procedures
We are making different conclusions based upon the Questionnaire responses and next is what
factors mainly influence the Buyer Behavior using Ranking method by taking mean of
the factors .I focused on which type of promotions mostly affects the Buyer Behavior and what
kind of advertisements affects the Buyer characteristics using comparative mean method. Finally
based on the consumption pattern I analyzed which type of customers prefers which type of
place to buy their Jeans and T-shirts.

Results:
The result showed that there is no significant difference between the buying behavior of
consumers between Jeans and T-shirts. I took the sample of 40 respondents and based upon their
responses we collected some data depicting their preferences among different factors for Jeans
and T-shirts.
Limitations of the methodology:

It should be noted that the research methodology was limited by the

following factors:

a)This being a judgment sampling, the analysis may not be the true picture
of the target population.

b)Limited time frame was the biggest constraint.

Applying Marketing Mix Modeling in the Jeans and T-shirts Business

Global marketplace is going through drastic changes and industry players find their marketing
playbook becoming obsolete. Market today consists of hundreds of salesmen, all pushing their
products which are similar in nature and shoppers keep moving from store to store, bargaining.
The prices fall eventually, a decision taken by the business owners hoping for a lasting
relationship with the consumer. There is an increase in the amount of disposable income of the
people, and media has created a change in their lifestyle. Despite consumers tend to spend more,
marketers are finding it difficult to maintain or increase their
wallet share due to globalization and cut-throat competition.
But successful products touch the customer emotionally. A
clear understanding of the customers’ psychology is essential
for companies to sustain themselves in the market. Businesses formulate their strategies in such a
way that the productConsumer buying
become more behavior
appealing to theofconsumers,
Jeans andand
T-shirts
turns an ordinary shopper
into a long term consumer. Brands plan their marketing

so as to create and maintain a long term relationship with the consumer.

Various components are used in the marketing plans of a business; advertising, promotion,
packaging, media weight level, sales force number etc. But, the number of inputs and the
resulting outcome in terms of sales or profit is the workhorse. Marketing mix modeling is the art
of using statistical analysis on sales and marketing to estimate and manipulate various
promotional tactics on sales, and further forecast the result of promotional tactics.

Marketing Mix Modeling in the Jeans and T-shirts Business:

Consumers are getting quickly immune to the marketing tactics of businesses, and margins are
being squeezed by demanding customers. Focus is getting shifted from mass advertising to
making of new trends. Clothing industry is a very competitive arena. Due to the highly
fragmented nature of apparels, and fashion sector, a Jeans or T-shirt brand must differentiate
itself from its competitors right from the stage it enters the market.

Price:In case of apparels, especially in Jeans, price is not of big importance. Gone are the times
when companies competed on price. Service is the key today which will shift to focus on
personality in the future. Innovative designs are no longer a competitive advantage. New
sketches are transformed into garments and make their way in store shelves within a span of
three weeks. New disposable fashion has shortened the product development cycle from 16
months to 20 days.

Promotion:In integrated communication is an essential part of

the marketing mix. This is even more important for Jeans and
T-shirt industry as communication is a critical tool in creating
an impression in the minds of the consumers. A Jeans or T-
shirt, to become acceptable by public must first be adopted by a
group which has acknowledged respect in the society.
Celebrities are the most influential people who can influence public opinion. CPR (Consumer
Personal Reference) Consumer buying
marketing refers behavior
to the process of
of Jeans andwhere
marketing T-shirts
a customer publicizes a
brand by accepting the product and spreading the trend by word of mouth.

Product:Product not only refers to tangible items but also to intangible attributes such as brand
name and customer service. Earlier it was believed that a good product will sell itself. In today’s
competitive market, there is no such commodity as bad product. So, manufacturers must focus
on creating a product or service that will satisfy the demands of the consumers. The product
characteristics must be defined with functionality, quality, appearance, brand service, support
and warranty.

Place:Apart from price and quality, the place of

distribution must also be taken into consideration
while creating a right marketing mix, as the
Jeans and T-shirt industry is primarily based on
perception. Store designs must be deployed to
create an elegant atmosphere emphasizing a
brand image and reflecting current trends. Focus
must also be kept on the distribution processes and partners, without which even excellent
products will fail. Big revolutions in business have come about by changing place. Location,
logistics, channel motivation, service levels, and channel members must be taken into
consideration.

Good marketing mix is like an appetizing food recipe. The key for a successful strategy is the
right combination of ingredients to get the right taste of food. The key ingredients of a successful
marketing mix modeling such as product, price, place, and promotion needs to be combined in
the right way, and in the right time for an appropriate marketing of a product.

Characteristics that affect customer behavior

The first stage of understanding buyer behavior is to focus on the factors that determine he
“buyer characteristics” in the “black box”. These can be summarised as follows:
 Consumer buying behavior of Jeans and T-shirts

Affect of social classes on buying pattern of consumers.

Social classes are relatively homogeneous and enduring divisions in a society, which are
hierarchically ordered and whose members share similar values, interests and behavior. Social
classes reflect not only, income but other indicators such as occupation, education and area of
residence. Social classes differ in speech patterns recreational preferences and many
characteristics. Social classes have several characteristics. First, those within each class tend to
behave more alike than persons from two different social classes. Second, Person is perceived as
occupying inferior or superior position according to social class. A cluster of variables indicates
third, social classes. For example, occupation, income wealth, education and value orientation
Consumer
rather than by any single buying
variable. behavior
Fourth, of Jeans
individuals and T-shirts
can move up or down the social class
ladder during their lifetimes. A consumer behavior is influenced by social factors such as
reference group, family and social roles and statues.

Reference Group :
A reference group consists of all the groups that have a direct (face to face) or indirect
influence on person's attitude or behavior. Groups, which have a direct influence on person, are
called membership groups. Some membership groups are primary groups , such as family,
friends, neighbors, and co- workers, with whom the person interacts fairly continuously and
informally. People also belong to secondary groups, such as religious, professional and trade
union groups, which tend to be more formal and require less continuous interaction. People are
significantly influenced by their reference groups in at least three ways. Reference groups
expose an individual to new behaviors and lifestyles and influence product and brand choices.
Marketers try to identify target customers reference groups. However level of reference group
influence varies among products and brands.
Family :
The family is the most important consumer- buying organization in society, and family
members constitute the most influential primary reference group. A more direct influence on
everyday buying behavior of an individual is of one's spouse and children. Marketers are
interested in the roles and relative influence of the husband, wife and children in the purchase of
a variety of products and services. These roles vary widely in different countries and social
classes.
Roles and Status :
A person participate in many groups family, clubs, organizations. The person's position in each
group can be defined in terms of role and status. A role consists of activities that a person is
expected to perform. Each role carries a status. A supreme court justice has more status than a
sales manager and a sales manager has more status than an officer clerk. People choose products
that communicate their roles and status in the society. Marketers must be aware of the status
symbol potential of products and brands.

Affect of Cultural Influences

Culture refers to a set of values, traditions or beliefs, which guide the individual behavior. in a
way culture is normative as it prescribes norms of acceptable human behavior. In other words
culture refers to values, ideas, attitudes and other meaningful symbol created by people to shape
human behavior andConsumer
the art factsbuying
of that behavior of Jeans and
behavior transmitted T-shirts
from one generation to another.
For examples, beef is not very readily accepted in the Hindu society and likewise pork in the
Muslim society. The use of a fork or knife to eat food by Indian family is a value acquired
through acculturation. In any culture there are subcultures that exist. These are different
nationalities religious and geographic groups. For example in India we have Hindus Muslims
Jews Christians and Sikhs as exciting religious subcultures. A marketer needs to be aware of
these cultural and sub cultural influences on consumer preferences. This will affect his brand,
packaging advertising sales promotion and even distribution decision. A culture's values are
likely to

Influence its member’s purchases and consumption pattern. For example, one consumer may
place a high value on achievement and may demonstrate success with symbols of luxury and
prestige. Culture not only influences consumer behavior, it reflects it. The preponderance of
exercise machines, fitness club, skin care lotions, diet foods, and low fat products reflects the
emphasis. Indian youth places on fitness. Culture is therefore a mirror of both values and
possessions of its members.

Buyer Decision making process of Jeans and T-shirts

Consumer behavior can be defined as the decision-making process and physical activity
involved in acquiring, evaluating, using and disposing of goods and services. This definition
clearly brings out that it is not just the buying of goods/services that receives attention in
consumer behavior but, the process starts much before the goods have been acquired or bought.
A process of buying starts in the minds of the consumer, which leads to the finding of
alternatives between products that can be acquired with their relative advantages and
disadvantages. This leads to internal and external research and then follows a process of
decision-making for purchase and using the goods, and then the post purchase behavior which is
also very important.

CLOTHING (Jeans and T-shirts) CHOICE CRITERIA

Clothing(Jeans and T-shirts) choice criteria are defined as the intrinsic (inherent to the product)
Consumer but
and extrinsic (product-related, buying behavior
not part of theofphysical
Jeans and T-shirts
product) product attributes that
associated with desired benefits or incurred costs as consumers make buying decision among
clothing(Jeans and T-shirts) . Intrinsic product attributes are those that cannot be changed
without altering the physical characteristics of the product, while extrinsic ones are those that are
exerted by manufacturers or retailers and do not form the component parts of the product.
Different criteria may have varied importance in every consumer’s mind. While consumers
would assign high importance on the criteria that can really reflect their underlying
characteristics and experiences. Since the critical characteristics of apparel(Jeans and T-shirts)
can always determine its ultimate purchase acceptance or rejection by consumers ,the criteria
that consumers use in Jeans and T-shirts purchase decisions have long been regarded as an
important issue for investigation in many previous consumer behavioral studies. Researchers
have identified many product attributes and criteria that are critical for fashion consumers in
Jeans and

T-shirts purchase, and basically all these can be summarized under intrinsic and extrinsic
categories. We have summarized the criteria that influence consumers’ evaluation of apparel
(Jeans and T-shirts) products in into 9 extrinsic and 14 intrinsic attributes (Table 1).

Summary of findings from the study of clothing(Jeans and T-shirts) choice criteria
 Consumer buying behavior of Jeans and T-shirts

Results found that fit; comfort, style, color and workmanship were the most important attributes
for Indian consumers in buying Jeans and T-shirts. Although there are many studies having
investigated the clothing (Jeans and T-shirts) choice criteria, investigation on the relationship
between these criteria and consumer decision-making behavior is still lacking.

Analysis Procedure
Conjoint analysis for the selection of attributes

From the conjoint analysis I rank the attributes on the basis of the customer preference. From
the group of forty respondents we concluded that comfort the most proffered factor when
they make a purchase decision.
 Consumer buying behavior of Jeans and T-shirts

We can find out there is no much difference between the attributes that the customers
considered as important. The respondents whose age varies from 17 to 29 selected brand
name as the least factor when they make a purchase. Respondents believe that comfort,
quality and deign are the important factors which can influence their purchasing decision.
We can conclude that the respondents in the age group of 17 to 29 are not bothered about the
brand. They are more conscious about the quality and the fashion of the product they
purchase.

Analysis for buying behavior of t - shirts:

a) Location preference for T shirt purchasing decision
 Consumer buying behavior of Jeans and T-shirts

When relating the purchase pattern of the t-shirts with that of the place of
purchase. It can be concluded from the response given by respondents that most of
the customers (male and female) belonging to the segment (501-1000), nearly
about 80% of them intend buying
Consumer to make a purchase
behavior of Jeansinand
shopping
T-shirts malls. It can be
observed that both the female and male customers belonging to the segment
(>1000) are intended to buy in company outlets .Male customers belonging to the
segment (<250) are intended to buy in local outlets where as the other not. The
majority of the respondents show a liking towards sales promotions. From this we
can conclude that the respondents who prefer malls and factory outlets expect
sales promotions like discounts and free gifts.

Frequency of purchase of T shirt

The above graph shows the frequency of purchase of T shirts by the respondents. It
has been concluded that majority of the respondents in the segment (251-500)
usually prefer to make a purchase once in every 6 months. From these graph it is
evident that the respondents who spends more for t shirts would not make
purchase frequently. We can conclude from this graph that among youngsters
(respondents of age group 17- 29) frequently buy low cost T shirt and they are not
showing any brand consciousness. They are more concerned about the comfort and
the trend of the T shirt.
What attracts consumer in buying a new t-shirt:
Consumer buying behavior of Jeans and T-shirts

It is here by inferred from the respondent's reply that most of the customers who
belong to the cluster of <250 and 251 - 500 will make a purchase based on the
discount factor as the primary and secondly brand name for male and
advertisement for female .Where as the other factors like purchasing based on the
type of endorser and design of the t-shirt are considered to be very less while
making a purchase decision. The cluster group 501 - 1000 consider brand name and
discount/offers to more or less same extent while concluding about the purchase of
a t-shirt. the other group 1000 and above consider the factors like brand name,
endorser and discount factors for making a particular decision.
 Consumer buying behavior of Jeans and T-shirts

Sources of information before purchase of T-shirt

Regarding the influence of several media channels on the purchase decision of a t-

shirt, it is jolted down that the cluster group who belong to 251 - 500, mostly about
60% of them make a purchase decision based on the word of mouth, secondly
television plays a next prominent role in influencing the customers and newspapers
also contribute to influence the buying pattern. It is almost the same with the other
group who belong to 501 - 1000 where word of mouth plays a significant role and
television the next leading role. In influencing the other group 1000 and above, for
which media should play a prominent role, it is drawn that television, word of mouth
and newspapers play a more or less equal role in purchasing decision.
 Consumer buying behavior of Jeans and T-shirts
Analysis for buying behavior of jeans:
Buying pattern of jeans by customers from various outlets

Our analysis on the customer preference on the location reveals that 84% of the respondents
make purchase from shopping malls and they are ready to spend an amount ranges from 500
to 1000. It has been concluded that very less number of respondents preferred exclusive
show rooms and factory outlets except the segment >1500. The analysis reveals that majority
of the respondents are not preferring online shopping and a very few number of respondents
prefer costly jeans (cost more than 1500).
 Consumer buying behavior of Jeans and T-shirts

Our another analysis shows that about 50 % (500-1000 and 1000-1500) prefer discounts.
From this we can conclude that may be the availability of sales promotions in malls makes
that one of the hot spot for shopping.

Respondents Interest towards sales offers for jeans:

 Consumer buying behavior of Jeans and T-shirts

The respondents are mostly interested in the discount offers offered by the companies where
as the female respondents are interested in lucky draws and tour packages. Male respondents
also interested in lucky draws and tour packages but to a smaller extent. The segment >1500
are interested in tour packages to a larger extent, so the consumers who are under the
segment <500 buy more when the companies offer discounts rather than any other promotion
tools and the customers who are under the segment >1500 buy more when the companies use
lucky draws and tour packages.

Source generated most of the information in their last purchase of jeans:

The survey tells that none of the respondents didn’t show interest in online shopping and
didn’t get any information regarding jeans online. Every segment showed interest in getting
information from family/friends and television. These segments the 500 to 1000 segment got
most of the information from television, family/friends and print media. Whereas the
segment 1000 to 1500 got most of the information from friends/family, the segments of <500
and above 1500 were not at all influenced by television
 Consumer buying behavior of Jeans and T-shirts

The print media had a minor configuration in four segments that is <500,500 to 1000, 1000
to 1500 and >1500.The respondents showed more interest in discounts. They consulted more
with family and friends so they got much of the information from them and those
advertisements on discounts in television made these two to get more information.

QUESTIONNAIRE

Consumer buying behavior of T-Shirts and jeans

Dear friends,
As a part of my CIS I would like to gather some information from you which will help
me in depth of my CIS. I would be obliged if you co-operate with me in filling the questionnaire.

Fill the following.

Name:

Age:

Gender:

Occupation:

1) Do you prefer wearing t-shirts & jeans?

a) Yes

b) No

If yes then proceed to the next question.

2) How much do you spend for a T-Shirt?

a) Less than 250 b) 251 -500

c) 501 – 1000 d) above 1000

3) What brand of T-Shirts do you usually buy and why?(you can choose more
than one)

a) Reebok
 b) Proline
Consumer buying behavior of Jeans and T-shirts
c) Levis

d) Not Brand conscious

e) Others specify_______________.

Reason (in brief):

______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
________

4) What type of T-Shirts do you like? You can choose more than one

a) Round neck

b) Polo T-Shirts

c) Long sleeved

d) Embroidery

e) Printed

5) Rate these factors according to your order of ranking before buying t-shirts
(1-highest,8-lowest)

a) Durability -----------------------------------------

b) Variants -----------------------------------------

c) Design ------------------------------------------

d) Price -----------------------------------------

e) Comfort --------------------------------------------------

f) Trendy -------------------------------------------------

g) Quality --------------------------------------------------

h) Brand name -----------------------------------------------

6) What attracts you more in buying a new t-shirt?

a) Brand name

b) Brand endorsements

c) Discounts or offers
 d) Advertisements
Consumer buying behavior of Jeans and T-shirts
e) Others (please specify) __________________

7) How do you come to know about a particular brand of t-shirts?

a) News paper

b) T.V

c) Radio

d) Word of mouth

e) Others (please specify) __________________.

8) Where do you usually buy your T-Shirts

a) Online shopping

b) Company outlets

c) Shopping Malls

d) Local shops

e) Others (please specify)__________________.

9) How often do you buy jeans?

a) Once in a month

b) Once in every 3 month

c) Once in every six month

d) Once in an year

e) More than one year

10) Could you please tell how much would you spend for a jeans?

a) Less than 500

b) Between 500 and 1000

c) Between 1000 and 1500

d) Between 1500 and 2000

11) Rate the following according to order of rankings before you consider
to buy a jeans?
 ((1- highest,8-lowest))
Consumer buying behavior of Jeans and T-shirts
a) Durability -----------------------------------------

b) Variants -----------------------------------------

c) Design ------------------------------------------

d) Price -----------------------------------------

e) Comfort --------------------------------------------------

f) Trendy -------------------------------------------------

g) Quality --------------------------------------------------

h) Brand name -----------------------------------------------

6) Which of the following brands you usually consider while buying a jeans?

a) Levis

b) Denim

c) Killer

d) Koutons

e) Others (please specify)________________________

7) Would you prefer sales offers?

a) Yes

b) No

If yes, continue

Which of the following sales offers you prefer?

• Discounts

• Free gifts

• Lucky draw

• Tour packages

• Others (Specify)

8) What kind of shop you prefer while you purchase a jeans?

 a) Online shops
Consumer buying behavior of Jeans and T-shirts
b) Exclusive brand stores

c) Malls

d) Local shops

e) Factory outlets

f) Others (please specify)_________________.

9) From which source you came to know about the jeans you last purchased?

a) Television/radio

b) Print media

c) Internet

d) Family/Friends

e) Others (please specify)__________________.

10) Whom will you consult when you make a purchase decision for jeans
& T-shirts?

a) Family members

b) Friends

c) Colloquies

d) Experts

e) Others (please specify)_________________.

Thank you for providing your valuable insights, I really appreciate your
frankness.