The Impact of Demographic Variables and Sustainability Awareness on Purchase Intention on Second-hand Clothing in Nigeria

Abstract: ABSTRACT  Background: Second-hand clothing has significantly continued to generate interest both in research and in the real world and emphasis ofexisting works revolve around history, motivations for buying and effect on the environment as well as the impact on the countries that these second-hand clothes are imported. Consumers’ demographics is expected to play a role in their intention to purchase certain goods including clothes and findings also revealed that people have begun to incorporate sustainability in their intention to purchase second-hand clothing. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of demographic variables and sustainability awareness on the consumers’ purchase intention on second-hand clothing. In other words, to investigate if statistical relationships exist between gender, age, income, educational level and sustainability awareness on the intention to purchase second-hand clothing. Method: This research was conducted through a quantitative method and five hypotheses were formulated based on the theory. An online survey was developed and shared through social media and sample of 111 respondents was generated. These responses were analysed through Excel and SPSS. Conclusion: Findings showed that none of the variables influenced consumers’ intention to purchase second-hand clothing. Implications: Business men can take advantage of this study to position their businesses using this findings to intensify their strategies since intention to purchase second-hand clothing has no relationship with gender, age, income, educational level and sustainability awareness. It also brought to light the level of sustainability awareness of the people and the need for the government to promote it. Originality: This work was the first to examine how demographic variables and sustainability awareness impact purchase intention on second-hand clothing in Nigeria. This contributes to existing second-hand clothing literature which is capable of inspiring comparative study and can also be useful for business decision.