Factors Influencing Consumer Perception Regarding Cosmetics Purchase : A study on Bangladeshi consumers

Abstract: Aim and method: This study aims to investigate the consumer behavior of the cosmetics customers and the consumer perception about the available local and foreign branded cosmetics products in Bangladesh. To achieve the purpose of the study, an effective mixture of qualitative and quantitative method has been utilized by conducting interviews and online survey with local businesspersons and consumers of cosmetics in Bangladesh respectively.   Result and conclusion: Consumer perception regarding cosmetics products in Bangladesh is influenced by seven factors identified in this study. They are country of origin, psychological attributes of the consumers, place where product is sold, external attributes, quality, consumers’ own characteristics and finally increased disposable income of the consumers. We identified all but one of these factors from the existing literature and our analysis showed that findings of the existing literature support our study. One new factor found in the course of this study is that the increasing number of middle to affluent consumers in Bangladesh is another crucial factor that motivates consumer perception towards cosmetics in the context of Bangladesh.   Contribution: The study contributes to literature coherent with consumer behavior and consumer perception regarding the customers of cosmetics products in Bangladesh. As the literature has remained unexplored in context of Bangladesh, this paper would be an insight for local and foreign branded cosmetics regarding how the consumers see the market and the factors that influence their purchase, preference and loyalty decisions. Furthermore, through the findings of the study, recommendations can be prescribed for the local cosmetics manufacturers to strengthen their market share in the future.