The effect of common features on brand choice: Moderating role of attribute importance

In this article, the effect of common features on brand choice and the moderating role of attribute importance are examined. It is argued that when brand attributes differ in importance, common features are likely to enhance consumer preferences for the option with the best value on the most important attribute, thus further polarizing brands' choice shares. In contrast, when attributes are similar in their importance, common features are likely to have an opposite effect, equalizing brands' shares. The data provide support for these propositions.