Short answer
Shift focus from product features alone to the holistic consumer experience, integrating sensory elements, emotional resonance, and opportunities for meaningful interaction.
- Field
- Innovation & Design
- Source
- International Journal of Business and Management Technology in Society (2026)
- Method
- Qualitative Research (Thematic Analysis of Semi-structured Interviews)
- Sample
- Small sample size (specific number not provided in abstract)
- Evidence
- Strong effect
Creating memorable sensory, emotional, cognitive, behavioral, and social experiences significantly increases consumer intent to purchase slow fashion products. This innovation & design research insight is drawn from a 2026 study published in International Journal of Business and Management Technology in Society. Using Qualitative research (thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews) with Small sample size (specific number not provided in abstract), researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Shift focus from product features alone to the holistic consumer experience, integrating sensory elements, emotional resonance, and opportunities for meaningful interaction.
Experiential Marketing Elevates Slow Fashion Purchase Intentions
Creating memorable sensory, emotional, cognitive, behavioral, and social experiences significantly increases consumer intent to purchase slow fashion products.
International Journal of Business and Management Technology in Society · 2026
Key Findings
- 01Sensory and emotional experiences in the retail environment enhance appreciation for craftsmanship, sustainability, and authenticity in slow fashion.
- 02Experiential encounters strengthen personal relevance and curiosity, leading to deeper engagement with slow fashion brands.
- 03Meaningful interactions, not just promotional messages, are central to fostering sustainable interest in slow fashion.
Application
Design takeaway
Shift focus from product features alone to the holistic consumer experience, integrating sensory elements, emotional resonance, and opportunities for meaningful interaction.
How to apply
When designing retail spaces or marketing campaigns for sustainable or ethically produced goods, focus on creating opportunities for consumers to touch, see, feel, and emotionally connect with the product and its story.
Project actions
- 01Consider how different sensory inputs (sight, sound, touch, smell) can be integrated into your design.
- 02Think about the emotional journey a user will have with your product or service.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Provides in-depth qualitative insights into consumer perceptions.
- +Integrates experiential marketing theory with consumer narratives in a culturally relevant context.
Limitations
The qualitative nature means findings are subjective and may not be statistically representative of all consumers.
Reliability & validity
Reliability is enhanced through thematic analysis, ensuring consistent coding of themes. Validity is strengthened by the in-depth nature of qualitative interviews, capturing rich consumer perspectives.
Think critically
To what extent can the principles of experiential marketing be universally applied across different product categories and cultural contexts, or are they highly context-specific?
Design Principles
"Design for experience: Prioritize the creation of multi-sensory, emotionally engaging, and socially connective experiences that foster deeper consumer appreciation and intent."
In an era of conscious consumerism, understanding how to connect with consumers on a deeper level is crucial for brands, especially those in the slow fashion sector. This research highlights that authentic, engaging experiences are more persuasive than traditional advertising.
What This Means for Your Design
Making shopping feel special and memorable, by engaging all your senses and emotions, makes people want to buy things, especially eco-friendly clothes.
How to use in your project
- 1.Reference this study when discussing how your design choices aim to create a specific user experience that influences purchasing decisions or brand loyalty.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
This research highlights the significant impact of experiential marketing on consumer purchase intention, particularly for slow fashion. By focusing on sensory engagement, emotional connection, cognitive reflection, behavioral responses, and social interaction, brands can foster deeper appreciation for product authenticity and sustainability values, ultimately driving purchasing decisions. This suggests that design projects aiming to promote ethical consumption should prioritize creating rich, memorable user experiences.
Source
International Journal of Business and Management Technology in Society
The Influence of Experiential Marketing Strategy on Purchase Intention: A Literature Review
journal · 2026
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about experiential marketing elevates slow fashion purchase intentions?
- Shift focus from product features alone to the holistic consumer experience, integrating sensory elements, emotional resonance, and opportunities for meaningful interaction. Evidence: International Journal of Business and Management Technology in Society (2026).
- Why does "Experiential Marketing Elevates Slow Fashion Purchase Intentions" matter for design?
- In an era of conscious consumerism, understanding how to connect with consumers on a deeper level is crucial for brands, especially those in the slow fashion sector. This research highlights that authentic, engaging experiences are more persuasive than traditional advertising.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Shift focus from product features alone to the holistic consumer experience, integrating sensory elements, emotional resonance, and opportunities for meaningful interaction.
- What were the main findings?
- Sensory and emotional experiences in the retail environment enhance appreciation for craftsmanship, sustainability, and authenticity in slow fashion.. Experiential encounters strengthen personal relevance and curiosity, leading to deeper engagement with slow fashion brands.. Meaningful interactions, not just promotional messages, are central to fostering sustainable interest in slow fashion.
- What research method was used?
- Qualitative Research (Thematic Analysis of Semi-structured Interviews) with Small sample size (specific number not provided in abstract).
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2026 journal from International Journal of Business and Management Technology in Society.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When designing retail spaces or marketing campaigns for sustainable or ethically produced goods, focus on creating opportunities for consumers to touch, see, feel, and emotionally connect with the product and its story.
- What are the limitations?
- The study's findings are based on a small sample size, limiting generalizability.