Revisiting experiential values of shopping: consumers' self and identity

Helen Woodruffe-Burton, Susan Wakenshaw

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

38 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The research presented in this article aims to extend our understanding of the symbolic and experiential values of shopping through the investigation of consumers' grocery shopping and consumption experiences. The research approach was based on the existential phenomenological interview; ten women living in the UK who were in paid employment outside the home at the time of the study, who were married (or living with their partner) and who had at least one child living at home participated in the study which explored their lived experiences of grocery shopping and consumption. The findings reveal that consumers can construct various dimensions and levels of self/identity through their food shopping and consumption practices through their shopping experiences and in conjunction with various resources and support provided by retailers. Four key themes are identified and explored: “I am in control”; “I am me”; “I share and I love”; and “I belong”.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)69-85
JournalMarketing Intelligence & Planning
Volume29
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2011

Keywords

  • Consumer behaviour
  • phenomenology
  • shopping

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