Concept Of Opinion Leadership And Its Influence In The Marketing Of Fashion Products
(A Case Study Of Onitsha Metropolis)
Opinion leadership in the marketing of fashion products is a dynamic and influential phenomenon, embodying individuals who wield significant influence in shaping the preferences and purchasing decisions of others within their social circles. These influential figures are recognized for their expertise, trend-setting flair, and the ability to articulate informed perspectives on the latest fashion trends. Their impact extends beyond mere fashion enthusiasts, as they play a crucial role in steering the tastes of a broader audience. The sway of opinion leaders is particularly pronounced in the fast-paced and trend-driven fashion industry, where staying ahead of the curve is paramount. Leveraging their authentic and trendsetting image, opinion leaders become conduits for disseminating fashion-related information, effectively bridging the gap between brands and consumers. As these influencers seamlessly integrate their fashion choices into their daily lives, they not only embody style but also become powerful conduits for marketing fashion products, influencing the preferences and behaviors of those who look up to them for guidance in navigating the ever-evolving landscape of fashion.
This work is aimed at assessing the influence of the concept of opinion leadership on the marketing of fashion products in Anambra State. (A case study of Onitsha metropolis).
The researcher study was conducted in Anambra State usjing Onitsha metropolis as our case study.
The research study also designed to find whether and how managers of various fashion firm perceive and use opinion leaders in the marketing of their products.
The researcher selected two market from Onitsha metropolis, man market from Onitsha North and Ochanja marmket from Onitsha south to collect information from the dealers of fashion products.
The data were collected through both primary and secondary source using personal interview and observation questionnaire as necessary. The researcher interviewed both dealers and consumers.
The data collected were analysed, and the populated hypotheses tested using Chi- square.
The following findings were made namely:
That opinion leadership does not positively influence the quality of fashion product offered in Onitsha.
The following recommendation were recommended:
That a fresh study be conducted using a bigger sample and covering a wider area and population.
The researcher strongly suggest that our marketing firm should insist on using credible opinion leaders who will always deliver the right message, information pertaining the firms fashion product to the market.
Title Page
Certification
Dedication
Acknowledgement
Abstract
Table Of Contents
Chapter One
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background Of The Study
1.2 Statement Of Problem
1.3 Objectives Of The Study
1.4 Statement Of Hypothesis
1.5 Significant Of The Study
1.6 Scope Of The Study
1.7 Definition Of Terms
Chapter Two
2.0 Literature Review
2.1 Overview Of Opinion Leadership
2.2 Factors Influencing Opinions
23 Peer Group Influencing Fashion
2.4 Overview Of Fashion
2.5 Factors That Influence Fashion
2.6 Overview Of Marketing
2.7 Influence Of Opinion Leadership On Marketing
2.8 Influence Of Opinion Leadership On The Marketing Of Fashion Products.
2.9 Influence Of Opinion Leadership On The Market Of Fashion Product In Onitsha.
Chapter Three
3.0 Research Methodology
3.1 Source Of Data Collection
3.2 Population Of The Study
3.3 Sample Size Determination
3.4 Sampling Technique
3.5 Research Instrument
3.6 Data Treatment And Analysis
3.7 Allocations And Administration Questionnaire
3.8 Limitation Of The Study
Chapter Four
4.0 Presentation Analysis Sand Interpretation Of Data.
4.1 Presentation Analysis Of Data
4.2 Testing The Hypothesis
Chapter Five
5.0 Summary Of Findings, Recommendation And Conclusion
5.1 Summary Of Findings
5.2 Recommendations
5.3 Conclusion
Bibliography
Appendix
INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY.
The concept of opinion leadership emerged from a study conducted by lazar field and his colleagues on the influence of mass media on individual voting behaviour in the 1940.
Presidential election in United state contrry to expectations, it was found that influencing did not flow directly from a medium (press, radio e.t.c) to an audience but was channeled through an intermediary who was designated the “opinion leader”. It was this finding which gave rise to two step model of communication which states that certain members of the population act as fillers and amplitiers for messages and todays, this has formed the main focus and strong hold of the concept of opinion leadership. Common observations and many community studies shows are certain people who are mostly concerned about particular issues as well as most articulates about them and other therefore go to them for information and advice.
Furthermore, indept studies recently have consistently found that the individual who transmit other is also more likely to receive information from others. For example, a person who frequently expresses opinion about sports equipmenet will also be more likely to listen to other opinion about such equipment.
The balance of evidence between these studies is that opinion leaders actually abound in ourrr society and wherever the exist, they take it upon themselves to mould and change attitude and behaviour of others in areas where they wied influence. In marketing context, the use of opinion leader is without question constitute major target for marketers especially in the area of fashion diffusion. This area of interest has been acclaimed to be most fitted for the effective use of opinion leaders. For instance, an astute fashion firm that can get a famour.
Personality such as a television star, a woman group leader and an outstanding society girl in a university to waer and endorse xa new style of clothing for women will probably have little problem in moving her merchandise since people in their respective group or social clases may try to identify with them thereby increasing the market share and further push up the profit potentials of the firm. Today, evidnce has shown that opinion leaders are found in all starta if the society therefore it behoves the marketers to identify and reach opinion leaders with those personality characteristics relevant to their respective business and make use of them in the marketing of their product. This will go a long way to complementary the use of 4ps (product, price, place and promotion) towards achieving the desired effect especially in area of serious competition that abound now in our society.
1.2 STATEMENT OF PROBLEM
There is a general understanding that fashion firms in the country have not been making maximum use of opinion leaders, despite the immense benefit associated with the use of them in the marketing of cfashion product. This could be attributable to the fact that many firms marketing manager are still ignorant of their existence or are aware but still nurse the felling that the use of 4ps of marketing is enough toget their products across to the customers. What actually prevents them from making use of the opportunity and how can they be stimulated to recogniiiiise the immense use opinion leader could be to them. These constitute the problem areas, which the researcher wishes to look into so as to better the situation of the fashion firms, and also help to bring the role and influence of opinion leaders to the limelight.
1.3 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY
The researcher is designed to find whether and if so how managers of various fashions firm perceive and use opinion leaders in the marketing of their products.
1. To show how different people perceive or view opinion leaders and their activities.
2. To find out what specific influences they have on peoples adoption process.
3. To find out whether fashion houses make use of opinion leaders in the marketing of their product
4. To find out to what extent it has spured and helped the fashion firms in their business.
5. To make recommendations.
1.4 STATEMENT OF HYPOTHESES
Based on the above objectives the following hypotheses would be tested.
Ho: Opinion leadership do not positively influenced the quality of fashion products offered in Onitsha.
H1: Opinion leadership positively influences the quality of fashion products offered in Onitsha.
Ho: Opinion leadership does not positively influence the price 7 fashion product offered in Onitsha.
H2: Opinion leadership positively influences the price of fashion products offered in Onitsha.
Ho: Opinion leadership does not positively influence the profitability of fashion products offered in Onitsha.
H3: Opinion leadership positively influence the marketing activities of fashion product offered in Onitsha.
Ho: Opinion leadership does not influence the marketing activities 7 fashion products in Onitsha.
H4: Opinion leadership positively influence the marketing activities 7 fashion product in Onitsha.
1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
This study is not a mere academic exercise. It holds immerse benefits, it will be of significance to the following:
Firstly, the consumers of fashion products will equally benefit if the company adopted the finding of the study. The products will be available to them at the right time and at the right price.
Fashion firms and Onitsha metropolis will gain immensely from the as it explore the impact of concept of opinion leadership performance of their operations and suggest more success oriented) ways of enhancing their performance.
Finally, both the researcher and reader will benefit from the study as the information contained would widen their scope of understanding and knowledge in th area of study which stir up further investigations.
1.6 SCOPE OF THE STUDY
This study concentrated on opinion leadership and its influence on the marketing of fashion product. However, because of time, money and other constraints emphasis was placed on Onitsha metropolis.
1.7 DEFINITION OF TERMS
OPINION LEADER:
Igbodi (1990) said that opinion leader could defend as an individual who frequently exerts influence on other through word of mouth communication.
GATE-KEEPER
According to ODO (2003) said that gate keepers are the people in the organization who have control over the flow of information to others. They are also people who first pick messages from sources and in turn pass them to the audience or members of their group.
OPINION LEADERSHIP
According to Agbagha (1995) opinion leadership reffered to as the initiatives and leaders of thought in any given society, whose act as an influence on others. Opinion leadership are also those by virtue of their placements and or experience in society or group are looked upon as initiators 7 actions and innovators and also for general direction and guidance.
Concept Of Opinion Leadership And Its Influence In The Marketing Of Fashion Products:
Opinion leadership is a concept in marketing and sociology that refers to individuals or groups within a social network who are seen as influential in shaping the attitudes, behaviors, and opinions of others. These opinion leaders are considered experts or trendsetters in a particular domain, and their views and recommendations are highly regarded by those around them. In the context of fashion products, opinion leadership plays a significant role in shaping consumer preferences and purchase decisions. Here’s how it influences the marketing of fashion products:
- Trendsetting and Style Influence: Opinion leaders in fashion are often the first to adopt new styles, trends, or brands. Their fashion choices are closely observed by their social circles, and when they embrace a particular fashion product, it can create a ripple effect, driving others to follow suit. Marketers often target these influencers with their products, knowing that their endorsement can lead to wider adoption.
- Product Recommendations: Opinion leaders frequently share their opinions and recommendations about fashion products through various channels, such as social media, blogs, and reviews. These endorsements carry a high degree of credibility because they are perceived as coming from experts or individuals with deep knowledge in the fashion industry. Marketers can collaborate with opinion leaders to promote their products through sponsored posts or partnerships.
- Validation and Social Proof: People often look to opinion leaders for validation when making fashion-related decisions. When an opinion leader wears or endorses a particular fashion product, it serves as social proof that the product is desirable and fashionable. This can significantly influence the purchasing decisions of their followers.
- Information Dissemination: Opinion leaders are well-connected within their social networks and have a wide reach. They can quickly disseminate information about new fashion products, trends, or sales, which can create buzz and anticipation among their followers. Marketers can leverage these individuals to spread the word about their fashion offerings effectively.
- Consumer Trust: Opinion leaders are trusted sources of information in their respective fields. Their recommendations carry a higher level of trust compared to traditional advertising or marketing efforts. Consumers are more likely to believe and act on the advice of an opinion leader they trust, making them valuable allies in marketing fashion products.
- Feedback Loop: Marketers can use feedback from opinion leaders to improve their products and tailor them to the preferences of the target audience. Opinion leaders often have a keen sense of market trends and consumer preferences, and their insights can be invaluable for product development and refinement.
In conclusion, opinion leadership plays a pivotal role in the marketing of fashion products. Identifying and engaging with opinion leaders in the fashion industry can help marketers tap into their influence to reach a broader audience, build trust, and drive sales. Additionally, staying attuned to the opinions and preferences of these leaders can aid in product development and marketing strategy formulation.