The effect of anti-establishment branding on teenage consumer behaviour within the action sportswear market

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the effect anti-establishment branding has on teenage consumer behaviour within the action sports market, as well as the various factors which influence teenagers when purchasing clothing. The study challenges the notion that teenage consumers respond to, and are influenced by the unconventional marketing campaigns of action sports brands. The results of this study indicate that the action sports market initially captivated the attention of the youth by offering teenagers a sense of acceptance through rebellion. Unfortunately, as the movement grew in popularity the exclusivity of the movement decreased and the clothing associated with it became viewed as too ‘mainstream’ by the wearers. Although the anti-establishment movement is striving for individuality and shies away from conformity, the study found that there appears to be a misconception in the notion that all ‘brands’ are susceptible to ‘trends’ which are driven by ‘designers’. Therefore, there can never be a pure ‘anti-establishment brand’ as the concept of a brand rejects the purpose of anti- establishment rebellion.