Digitalization and Brand Identity Construction: A Comparative Analysis of Marketing Strategies in Zara, Supreme, and Prada
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54097/ag37sy94Keywords:
Digitalization, brand image, fashion marketing, consumer behavior, branding strategy.Abstract
This research investigates the impact of digitalization on the formation of brand image and consumer behavior in the global apparel sector, using a comparative analysis of three representative brands: Zara, Supreme, and Prada. Zara thrives due to its fast-fashion model that prioritizes speed, data-informed production, and omnichannel integration; however, sustainability continues to be a significant issue. Supreme constructs its brand image by leveraging scarcity, collaboration, and subcultural capital, which transforms authenticity into commercial value while risking brand dilution. Prada merges its heritage, celebrity endorsements, and digital marketing strategies to reconcile exclusivity with modernization. However, it faces difficulties in preserving its luxury identity within the context of digital accessibility. This study emphasizes the adaptation of various brand archetypes to the digital age and the consequences for strategic branding by contrasting their unique marketing logics—speed, scarcity, and heritage. The results help to comprehend the changing processes of fashion branding and provide practical guidance for maintaining brand identity in a competitive online context.
Downloads
References
[1] Ayuningtyas, W. E. P., & Adhitya, G. N. (2021). Fashion and commodification: An analysis on the global phenomenon of Supreme. Rubikon Journal of Transnational American Studies, 8 (2), 153–169.
[2] Chen, M. (2023). Luxury brand Prada's digital multinational marketing strategy in China. Highlights in Business, Economics and Management, 13, 91–97.
[3] Chen, R., Newman, J., Xue, H., & Watanabe, N. M. (2025). Refashioning post-cosmopolitan China: A critical discourse analysis of Prada's use of China Women's National Football Team athletes as brand embodiments. Communication & Sport (forthcoming).
[4] Hwang, J., Tung, T., & Cho, H. (2020). Too many choices? Consumer behavior in fast fashion stores. International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings, 77 (1).
[5] Lu, Y., Li, C., Tu, Y., & Zou, Y. (2022). Strategies to change brand association towards Prada. BCP Business & Management, 20, 747–757.
[6] Moore, C. M., & Doyle, S. A. (2010). The evolution of a luxury brand: The case of Prada. International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management, 38 (12), 915–927.
[7] St. Gallen Financial Economics Review. (2024). VF Corporation acquires iconic streetwear brand Supreme in a $2.1B all-cash deal.
[8] Tőkés, G. E. (2022). The digital brand identity of fast-fashion brand Zara: A case study. Acta Universitatis Sapientiae Social Analysis, 12 (1), 131–154.
[9] Xie, Y., & Yang, Q. (2023). Comparative analysis of marketing strategies of fast fashion brands Zara and H&M. BCP Business & Management, 39, 318–324.
[10] Yin, Z. (2022). A discussion of streetwear fashion as a cult: A qualitative approach. International Journal of Business and Management Research, 5 (6), 12–23.
[11] Zhang, E. (2024). Behind Zara's success: An analysis of brand marketing and management in fast fashion. SHS Web of Conferences, 199.
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

