Abstract:
This research aims to study (1) the attitudes of Generation Z consumers towards 96.5% gold jewelry, (2) the factors influencing their purchasing decisions, and (3) guidelines for developing gold shop businesses in Thailand. The sample group consisted of 400 Generation Z consumers aged 16 to 30 years old, residing in Chiang Rai province. Data were collected through questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis.
The findings revealed that most Generation Z consumers purchased gold jewelry as a gift for themselves, with a preference for necklaces featuring modern designs, commonly purchased from gold shops located in department stores. Relationship marketing factors, including the credibility of gold shops, customer assurance, and customer loyalty, had a statistically significant influence on purchasing decisions (p < 0.01), with customer assurance having the highest impact. Although staff attentiveness received high average scores, it did not statistically affect purchasing decisions. Moreover, attitudinal factors such as knowledge and understanding of gold jewelry and emotional perceptionssuch as using gold jewelry for beauty, social status representation, or investmentwere all significantly influential. Emotional perception had the highest influence (β = 0.592, Sig. = 0.00000). The study reflects that relationship marketing, emotional behavior, and consumer knowledge and understanding are critical elements in developing effective gold shop management strategies that meet the needs of the new generation of consumers.