Brand image and lexicographic analysis: an application to shopping malls

Abstract

The concept of image in its different aspects is very important in today's society as well as in the business management field. Some authors reports that most of the studies that measure "image" do not take into account neither previous theoretical and conceptual models nor other possible empirical evidence alternatives. Given this need, a research regarding the concept of brand image applied to shopping malls was conducted based on the conceptual model of the consumer cognitive response in order to empirically explore and contrast it. For this reason, a survey was applied to 420 consumers in five shopping malls in Bogotá, achieving a database of 3.749 cases. The results show attribute-shopping mall associations expressed in unique, differentiated, and notorious vocabulary obtained applying lexicometric and multivariate analysis techniques. Attribute-shopping mall asso­ciations such as "spacious", "good location", "good variety of stores", and the existence of "movie theaters". Finally, this research aims to potentially improve the management of shopping malls and increase their attrac­tiveness and customer loyalty by applying the development of service quality systems, integral communication, segmentation, and positioning.