Title: Ethical concerns in cosmetics retailing: a comparative study of consumer attitudes towards cosmetics purchase between Europe and Asia with particular reference to Bangladesh and the UK

Authors: Shahina Pervin; Ashok Ranchhod

Addresses: Southampton Solent University, East Park Terrace, Southampton, SO14 ORH, UK ' Winchester School of Arts, Winchester, SO23 8DL, UK; Southampton Solent University, East Park Terrace, Southampton, SO14 0RH, UK

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to explore the ethical concerns in cosmetics retailing and its implications on comparative consumers' purchase decisions of cosmetics in the UK and Bangladesh. Consumer response to ethical and green issues in the recent years appears to vary considerably between developed and developing economies. In particular, this paper also intends to identify how and to what extent, in a developing country like Bangladesh, consumers' purchase decisions are influenced by the concept of ethical, green and animal welfare issues. Results show that ethical purchasing attitudes have some similarities between the UK and Bangladesh. However, there could be differing reasons for the adoption of ethical stances. Young consumers, however, have similar attitudes in both countries.

Keywords: cross-cultural comparison; consumer behaviour; consumer attitudes; ethics; cosmetics retailing; animal welfare; green issues; Bangladesh; UK; United Kingdom; ethical concerns; consumer purchase decisions; ethical purchasing; young consumers.

DOI: 10.1504/WREMSD.2014.060385

World Review of Entrepreneurship, Management and Sustainable Development, 2014 Vol.10 No.2/3, pp.230 - 246

Published online: 30 May 2014 *

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