This research introduces the construct of perceived brand local connectedness
(PBLC) that captures the extent to which a (domestic or foreign) brand is associated
with and connected to a consumer’s home culture. Together with perceived
brand globalness (PBG), PBLC is linked to purchase intention (PINT) through
consumer-brand identification (CBI) and perceived brand quality (QUAL).
Across two studies in mature and emergent market settings, findings provide evidence
that both constructs matter, although PBLC’s effects are relatively stronger
than those of PBG. Results further indicate that global identity moderates the effects
of PBG on CBI while consumer ethnocentrism (CET) moderates the corresponding
effects of PBLC. Implications of the findings for theory and practice are
considered.