Identifying moderators of brand attachment for driving customer purchase intention of original vs counterfeits of luxury brands

Few studies have examined the relationships between brands and consumers in the context of counterfeiting. In this context, this research aims to explore how the attachment of a consumer with a luxury brand can affect her/his decision to buy counterfeits, and how this relates to her/his public self-consciousness. Two survey based studies were conducted among potential counterfeit buyers in Brazil. A sample of middle-class female fashion shoppers from Brazil was used to test the hypotheses in study 1 (n = 532) and study 2 (n = 276). Innovatively, this research provides convincing implications for the need to differentiate counterfeiting theory between emerging and developed economies. Evidence of the positive impact of actual self-congruence and ideal self-congruence on brand attachment to luxury brands in emerging economies is provided. The role of brand attachment is in contrast to findings reported in other emerging economies. Interestingly, the results demonstrate that the purchase of counterfeits is a more hedonic process compared to the purchase of originals (study 1). The effect of brand attachment on the willingness to buy counterfeits may vary according to how attachment is measured (study 2). Yet, brand attachment has a consistent positive effect on intentions to purchase originals. Producing increments in the emotional brand attachment level can reduce the behavioural intentions of purchasing counterfeits. Hence, the findings suggest that the creation of emotional links with brands can be an appropriate strategy to reduce counterfeiting.