Abstract
The purposes of this study were 1) to classify female consumers on VALS, 2) to identify the differences of psychological characteristics and demographics among the classified groups, and 3) to investigate the apparel benefits, buying behavior, shopping practices and psychological characteristics of each groups. For the study, a sample of 340 female consumers participated in this survey research. The data was analyzed utilizing descriptive statistics, factor analysis, cluster analysis, $\chi^2$-test, one-way ANOVA and Duncan test. Seven dimensions of values were identified by factor analysis: Consumption-oriented, Achievement-oriented , Diligence/sincerity-oriented, Pessimistic value tendencious, conservative/conventional value oriented, Dignity-oriented and Socialite-oriented. Based on these dimensions female consumers classified into three clusters: inner values-directed group, passive/inactive group, and achievement-oriented group. Achievement-oriented group showed the highest scores in optimum stimulation level and materialism, and tended to be younger and be employed than the other two groups. Both inner values-directed group and achievement-oriented group showed higher scores in self-expression/individuality and quality out of five apparel benefit than passive/inactive group. Innovative communicators, fashion innovators and fashion opinion leaders were mostly in the achievement-oriented group, while fashion followers and fashion indifferents were mostly in the passive/inactive group. It was revealed that achievement-oriented group had a larger number of fashionable clothing items and experienced more activities in vogue. Also, there were significant group differences in shopping practice, such as average monthly allowance, number of annual purchase clothing items.
