Competition between foreign and domestic brands : a study of consumer purchases in China

Document Type

Journal article

Source Publication

Journal of Global Marketing

Publication Date

7-1-2009

Volume

22

Issue

3

First Page

181

Last Page

197

Keywords

Brand choice, Competition, Consumer behavior, Emerging markets, Foreign brands

Abstract

Thirty years after the beginning of reforms, China continues to be a magnet for multinational corporations that view the country as a must-win market. However, competition has intensified in the country as more domestic brands gain market share. The fear of a backlash of foreign brands among multinationals has led them to search for new strategies for continuous growth. Based on a large-scale consumer survey in China, this study examines the purchase patterns of foreign and domestic brands across a number of product categories. The results suggest that purchase and ownership of foreign brands in both consumable and durable goods vary greatly across geographic markets and product categories. While foreign brands continue to lead in a number of product categories, domestic brands are gaining ground in some markets including the first-tier cities, highlighting the intense competition for the mind share of consumers. The evolving competitive scenario in China has significant implications for both foreign and domestic firms in brand management and marketing strategies.

DOI

10.1080/08911760902845015

Print ISSN

08911762

E-ISSN

15286975

Publisher Statement

Copyright © 2009 Taylor & Francis

Access to external full text or publisher's version may require subscription.

Full-text Version

Publisher’s Version

Language

English

Recommended Citation

Chan, T.-S., Cui, G., & Zhou, N. (2009). Competition between foreign and domestic brands: A study of consumer purchases in China. Journal of Global Marketing, 22(3), 181-197. doi: 10.1080/08911760902845015

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