The effect of sensory brand experience and involvement on brand equity directly and indirectly through consumer brand engagement

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to examine the effect of sensory brand experience and involvement on brand equity directly and indirectly through cognitive, emotional and behavioral consumer brand engagement (CBE). Design/methodology/approach A survey was administered to the customers of a Finnish tableware brand using relevant Facebook channels. A total of 1,390 responses were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling. Findings The empirical findings suggest that both involvement and sensory brand experience are directly related to the three facets of CBE. Further, involvement, sensory brand experience and CBE jointly explain more than 50 per cent of the variance in brand equity. In addition, the results reveal that emotional engagement was the most influential factor in determining consumers’ overall engagement level. Research limitations/implications The framework should be tested in other contexts, and the application of longitudinal research setting is encouraged. Practical implications The study highlights not only the importance of holistic CBE management but also the necessity to manage sensory aspects of consumer–brand interactions. In this way, managers can build sustainable consumer–brand relationships. Originality/value The nomological network of CBE is not well-known. This study integrates two central constructs (sensory brand experience and brand equity) with the concept of CBE and examines their effects on brand equity both directly and indirectly through cognitive, emotional and behavioral CBE.