Consumer Behavior

It’s about Inclusion! Mining Online Reviews to Understand the Needs of Adaptive Clothing Consumers

Authors: Muzhen Li (University of Missouri) , Li Zhao (University of Missouri) , Sharan Srinivas (University of Missouri)

Abstract

Adaptive clothing plays an important role in reducing the negative consequences of disability limitation problems. It is important to understand the various challenges that disabled individuals face while shopping online. This study analyzed thousands of online customer reviews from three different websites selling adaptive clothing (Silverts’, IZ adaptive, and Amazon), using a topic modeling algorithm in text-mining to explore customers’ needs regarding adaptive clothing online shopping experience. Guided by the Theory of Customer Value and Functional, Expressive, and Aesthetic Consumer Needs model, the findings suggest that customers place more emphasis on functional considerations and fashionable products. The valence of the online experience is also an important component of customer value during online adaptive clothing shopping.

Keywords: adaptive clothing, text mining, customer needs, FEA theory, customer value

How to Cite: Li, M. , Zhao, L. & Srinivas, S. (2022) “It’s about Inclusion! Mining Online Reviews to Understand the Needs of Adaptive Clothing Consumers”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings. 78(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.13524