Factors influencing consumer evaluations of gift promotions

Purpose - The aim of this paper is to shed light on the determinants of consumers' evaluations and purchase intentions of gift promotions. Factors analysed relate to the promoted product, the gift, the relationship between the product and the gift, and consumer traits and perceptions. Design/methodology/approach - A 2 (product type: utilitarian vs hedonic) x 2 (gift type: utilitarian vs hedonic) x 2 (brand type: high equity vs medium equity) between-subjects factorial design was undertaken. Structural equation modelling was used to test the hypotheses on a sample of 247 respondents in the UK. Findings - Gift attractiveness is the most important driver of consumers' overall evaluation of gift promotions, followed by the attitude toward the promoted brand, the perceived fit between the promoted product and the gift, the hedonic nature of the gift, plus value expression and entertainment benefits perceived by consumers. Results also reveal that deal proneness is positively associated with the hedonic benefits of value expression benefit and entertainment benefit. Finally, the overall evaluation of gift promotions with both brand attitudes and deal proneness positively influences consumers' purchase intentions. Research limitations/implications - To generalise these findings, future research should use a wider sample. Practical implications - The findings of this study provide guidelines for marketers designing their gift promotional strategies. Originality/value - The increased popularity of gift promotions necessitates a better understanding of the factors influencing consumers' evaluations. This study addresses the lack of research in this area by simultaneously investigating the effect of different key factors.