Why Chinese Consumers Buy Pre-Loved Luxury Fashion: The Mediating Role of Channel Engagement

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

Dear authors,

The paper about pre-loved fashion in China could be resent again after thorough careful changes.

It may be a review paper, not an article.

The strengths of the paper are in the introduction section with the wide description of consumer behaviour on the second-hand goods market.

The results are very weak and the data set is not appropriate for a scientific article.

The presentation of results is inadequate.

Particular major changes to be concerned:

In introduction lines 51-60 what is the social stigma in China, add references and describe

In lines 67-70

retail channel is widely discussed … and not even 1 reference ?

Explain all terms according to literature in 2.1

Preowned – no reference

Vintage – no reference

Since for collector luxury 2 references were made-

For others (consumers, researchers) this it is just second hand goods.

So there is no description of the pre-loved luxury so suppose authors invented this term?

Model diagnostics is missing

The statistic missing : F test results,

Model results,  χ2/DF ;  CFI ; RMSEA; SRMR; TLI = 0

Very limited number of observations, 32 persons for the model is not enough

3. Methodology

Table 1 is missing data about age,

if almost 50% is over 36 years

this category should be divided 31-40: 41-50; 51-60; 61-70, over 70

Education should indicate no degree, what does this mean no primary, secondary, explain.

Divide primary, secondary, tertiary, bsc, msc. phD or other.

Income show currency 1 y is how many $ or € so readers can understand the income.  

What is the average income in China?

4. Findings

Since PCA was performed show the table with variables, their M, SD, factor scores.

Show a table with mentioned numbers.

Show  a table with Internal correlation coefficient of test scale.

Show a table with descriptive statistics of the constructs.

Show a table with regression results and R coefficients to defend the tested  model.

No data were shown for the chosen 32 persons and the description of the sewmi structured interview in not existing in the paper

A table about the sample interviewed should be given  at least socio demography and economic parameters.

This paper has many limitations and therefore is not ready for publication

kindly, 

the reviewer

 

Author Response

Review 1

Dear authors,

The paper about pre-loved fashion in China could be resent again after thorough careful changes.

It may be a review paper rather than an article.

The strengths of the paper are in the introduction section with the wide description of consumer behaviour on the second-hand goods market.

The results are very weak and the data set is not appropriate for a scientific article.

The presentation of results is inadequate.

Response: Thank you for your review. We have updated the manuscript to update it to be an atricle

Particular major changes to be concerned:

In introduction lines 51-60 what is the social stigma in China, add references and describe

Response: Thank you. Two references are added.

In lines 67-70

retail channel is widely discussed … and not even 1 reference ?

Response: Thank you. Two references are added.

Explain all terms according to literature in 2.1

Preowned – no reference

Response: Thank you. A reference is added.

Vintage – no reference

Response: Thank you. A reference is added.

Since for collector luxury 2 references were made-

For others (consumers, researchers) this it is just second hand goods.

So there is no description of the pre-loved luxury so suppose authors invented this term?

Response: Thank you. A reference is added.

 

Model diagnostics is missing

The statistic missing : F test results,

Model results,  χ2/DF ;  CFI ; RMSEA; SRMR; TLI = 0

Very limited number of observations, 32 persons for the model is not enough

Response: Thank you for your comment. I acknowledge that the qualitative phase involved a relatively small number of interviewees (21 participants). However, it is important to clarify that the structural model was not based on the qualitative sample. The quantitative phase—used for hypothesis testing and model estimation—was conducted using a robust dataset of 438 valid survey responses, exceeding the recommended minimum sample size for PLS-SEM and ensuring sufficient statistical power. The qualitative interviews were conducted only to complement and contextualise the quantitative findings through thematic analysis, consistent with best-practice guidelines for sequential mixed-methods research. As qualitative inquiry prioritises depth over breadth, the sample size of 21 participants was sufficient to reach data saturation and capture the nuanced perspectives required for interpretation. Therefore, while the qualitative sample is intentionally small, the conclusions derived from the structural model are strongly supported by the large quantitative dataset.

 

Methodology

Table 1 is missing data about age,

if almost 50% is over 36 years

this category should be divided 31-40: 41-50; 51-60; 61-70, over 70

Response: Thank you for the valuable comments. However, in this study, age is not a focal variable in either the theoretical model or the subsequent analyses. The demographic information is included primarily for descriptive purposes rather than as an analytical factor. Since age is not used as a predictor, moderator, or control variable in the structural model, the broader categorisation does not affect the study’s core findings or interpretations. For this reason, while a more detailed breakdown could be informative, it is not strictly necessary for this research's objectives.

Education should indicate no degree, what does this mean no primary, secondary, explain.

Divide primary, secondary, tertiary, bsc, msc. phD or other.
Response: Thank you for the valuable comments. We have updated Table 2: Degree include/under tertiary or no degree, Undergraduate (BSc), Postgraduate (MSc) and above

Income show currency 1 y is how many $ or € so readers can understand the income. 
Response: Thank you for the valuable comments. A conversion table is listed in Table 2.

What is the average income in China?
Response: Thank you. A reference is added.

Findings

Since PCA was performed show the table with variables, their M, SD, factor scores.

Show a table with mentioned numbers

Show  a table with Internal correlation coefficient of test scale.

Show a table with descriptive statistics of the constructs.

Show a table with regression results and R coefficients to defend the tested  model.

Thank you for your helpful comment. We fully acknowledge the importance of presenting statistical tables such as PCA outputs, descriptive statistics, inter-construct correlations, reliability coefficients, and full regression/SEM results. However, due to the extensive length of these tables, including all of them in the manuscript would significantly exceed the journal’s formatting and space limitations.

To maintain clarity and conciseness in the published article while still ensuring full transparency, we respectfully refer readers to the following publicly accessible source, where all detailed tables and methodological steps are reported in full as indicated in Section 3:

Liu, H. (2025). Investigating Pre-Loved Luxury Fashion Consumption: Evidence from the Chinese Consumers (Doctoral dissertation, Liverpool John Moores University).

This dissertation includes the complete PCA matrices, descriptive statistics tables, internal consistency and correlation matrices, and the full structural model output. These materials were used to inform the analysis presented in the current manuscript.

We hope this approach balances thoroughness with readability.

No data were shown for the chosen 32 persons and the description of the sewmi structured interview in not existing in the paper

Response: Thank you for your comment. We would like to clarify that the figure of 32 participants does not appear in the manuscript; the qualitative phase consisted of 21 semi-structured interviews, as stated. To address the concern about missing methodological detail, we have now added a full description of the semi-structured interview process and included the complete list of interview questions in the Appendix: Final Interview Question List.

A table about the sample interviewed should be given, including at least socio-demography and economic parameters.

Response: Thank you for your comment. A new table titled “Demographic Attributes of the Interview Respondents” has been incorporated to provide socio-demographic and economic information for all interview participants. This enhancement ensures greater transparency and allows readers to better understand the characteristics of the qualitative sample.

This paper has many limitations and therefore is not ready for publication

Response: Thank you for your comment. I hope the revision has upgraded the paper.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

1. Originality and Novelty

The study demonstrates strong originality by focusing on Chinese consumers’ engagement with pre-loved luxury fashion—a market segment underrepresented in existing literature largely centered on Western contexts. Its incorporation of “channel engagement” as a mediating construct in the luxury resale domain is conceptually novel and contributes to extending the circular fashion literature into digital and cultural domains. However, the title, while clear and intriguing, could further emphasize the theoretical linkage between motivation–engagement–intention to reinforce conceptual depth. Additionally, the study could have elaborated more explicitly on how the adapted luxury value frameworks differ from existing models to strengthen its theoretical innovation.

2. Introduction and Rationale

The introduction effectively establishes the context of China’s rapidly expanding resale luxury market, highlighting sustainability, affordability, and personal expression as key behavioral drivers. The rationale for the study is compelling, as it identifies a clear research gap in understanding Chinese consumer motivations within the pre-loved luxury sector. However, while the introduction frames the study’s purpose well, it would benefit from a more explicit articulation of the research questions and hypotheses. Furthermore, the justification for introducing channel engagement as a mediating variable could be supported with stronger theoretical reasoning linking consumer value perception and behavioral intention through digital interaction pathways.

 

3. Research Design

The sequential mixed-methods design is a major strength, integrating quantitative rigor (survey of 438 consumers) with qualitative depth (21 interviews). This approach enhances the robustness and contextual richness of the findings. The use of Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) is appropriate for testing mediation effects and theoretical relationships. However, the study would benefit from clearer reporting of reliability and validity measures—such as Cronbach’s alpha, composite reliability, AVE, and discriminant validity tests (Fornell–Larcker and HTMT). The absence of a detailed table for measurement model assessment limits methodological transparency. Additionally, the mediation analysis lacks a clear distinction between direct and indirect effects, which weakens the inferential precision of the model.

 

4. Findings

The findings provide meaningful insights into the motivational structure of Chinese consumers, demonstrating that economic, individual, and social motivations significantly shape perceived value and engagement with resale channels. The finding that functional motivations are less influential adds nuance to understanding consumer heterogeneity. The identification of channel engagement—spanning online and offline platforms—as a significant mediator contributes to expanding theoretical models of luxury resale behavior. Nevertheless, the results section would be strengthened by reporting standardized path coefficients, indirect effects, and effect sizes to substantiate the mediation claim statistically in a tabular form. A visual representation of the SEM results could also improve interpretability.

5. Implications

The study’s theoretical implication lies in extending established luxury value frameworks to a circular and digitally mediated consumption context. By positioning channel engagement as a bridge between perceived value and purchase intention, the paper advances understanding of how consumers interact with resale ecosystems. Practically, the findings offer actionable strategies for luxury brands and platform operators to enhance consumer trust and experiential value in China’s resale market. However, managerial implications could be more explicitly aligned with the empirical results. The discussion section could further explore how cultural factors (e.g., social prestige, digital trust) interact with channel engagement to influence purchase decisions.

6. Conclusion and Future Scope

The conclusion effectively summarizes the study’s contributions and reinforces its relevance to both theory and practice in the luxury resale sector. It appropriately highlights the contextual significance of studying non-Western consumers in a digitally advanced environment. However, the conclusion could be strengthened by integrating statistical evidence of the mediation mechanism and acknowledging limitations more systematically. The future research scope is promising, suggesting directions for cross-cultural comparison and longitudinal analysis. Expanding future work to examine additional mediators (e.g., trust, authenticity perception) or moderators (e.g., digital literacy, brand attachment) would enhance the generalizability and depth of understanding.

Comments for author File: Comments.pdf

Comments on the Quality of English Language

Can be improved.

Author Response

Reviewer 2

Originality and Novelty

The study demonstrates strong originality by focusing on Chinese consumers’ engagement with pre-loved luxury fashion—a market segment underrepresented in existing literature largely centered on Western contexts. Its incorporation of “channel engagement” as a mediating construct in the luxury resale domain is conceptually novel and extends the circular fashion literature into digital and cultural domains. However, the title, while clear and intriguing, could further emphasise the theoretical linkage between motivation, engagement, and intention to reinforce conceptual depth. Additionally, the study could have elaborated more explicitly on how the adapted luxury value frameworks differ from existing models to strengthen its theoretical innovation.

Response: Thank you for this thoughtful suggestion. We carefully reviewed the title and concluded that it already captures the study's core focus and remains consistent with the journal's scope. Therefore, we have retained the original title. However, to address your recommendation, we have strengthened the theoretical framing within the manuscript by more explicitly articulating the motivation–engagement–intention linkage and clarifying how our adapted luxury value frameworks extend existing models. These revisions reinforce the conceptual depth without necessitating a title change.

Introduction and Rationale

The introduction effectively establishes the context of China’s rapidly expanding resale luxury market, highlighting sustainability, affordability, and personal expression as key behavioral drivers. The rationale for the study is compelling, as it identifies a clear research gap in understanding Chinese consumer motivations within the pre-loved luxury sector. However, while the introduction frames the study’s purpose well, it would benefit from a more explicit articulation of the research questions and hypotheses. Furthermore, the justification for introducing channel engagement as a mediating variable could be supported with stronger theoretical reasoning linking consumer value perception and behavioral intention through digital interaction pathways.

Response: Thank you for this helpful feedback. We have revised the introduction and literature review to more explicitly articulate the research questions and hypotheses, providing a clearer link between the study’s aims and the identified gaps in the existing literature. In addition, we have strengthened the theoretical justification for incorporating channel engagement as a mediating variable by elaborating on its role in linking perceived value to behavioural intention, particularly in digitally mediated resale environments. To enhance clarity and coherence, we have also added a new Section 2.5 that outlines the research questions and the study's key contributions. These revisions improve the conceptual grounding of the introduction and reinforce the rationale for our proposed model.

Research Design

The sequential mixed-methods design is a major strength, integrating quantitative rigor (survey of 438 consumers) with qualitative depth (21 interviews). This approach enhances the robustness and contextual richness of the findings. The use of Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) is appropriate for testing mediation effects and theoretical relationships. However, the study would benefit from clearer reporting of reliability and validity measures—such as Cronbach’s alpha, composite reliability, AVE, and discriminant validity tests (Fornell–Larcker and HTMT). The absence of a detailed table for measurement model assessment limits methodological transparency. Additionally, the mediation analysis lacks a clear distinction between direct and indirect effects, which weakens the inferential precision of the model.
Response: Thank you for your constructive comments on the research design. We appreciate your recognition of the strength of our sequential mixed-methods approach and the appropriateness of SEM for testing mediation relationships. In response to your suggestions, we have substantially strengthened our reporting of the measurement and structural model. The revised manuscript now includes full reliability and validity assessments, including Cronbach’s alpha, composite reliability (CR), average variance extracted (AVE), and discriminant validity tests using both the Fornell–Larcker criterion and HTMT ratios. These statistics are now incorporated into Sections 3 and 4, improving methodological transparency while keeping the manuscript aligned with the journal’s length requirements.

We have also clarified the mediation analysis to explicitly differentiate between direct and indirect effects. Standardised path coefficients (β), significance levels, and bootstrapped indirect effects (5,000 subsamples) are now reported to demonstrate the mediating role of channel engagement between perceived value and purchase intention. This revision aligns the mediation analysis with best practices in SEM and enhances the precision of our inferential claims.

 

Because the full measurement model outputs (e.g., complete CFA matrices, HTMT table, PCA outputs) are extensive and would disrupt the readability of the manuscript, we direct readers to the doctoral thesis where these tables are documented in detail:

Liu, H. (2025). Investigating Pre-Loved Luxury Fashion Consumption: Evidence from Chinese Consumers (Doctoral dissertation, Liverpool John Moores University).

Together, these revisions improve methodological rigour while maintaining a clear and accessible presentation.

Findings

The findings provide meaningful insights into the motivational structure of Chinese consumers, demonstrating that economic, individual, and social motivations significantly shape perceived value and engagement with resale channels. The finding that functional motivations are less influential adds nuance to understanding consumer heterogeneity. The identification of channel engagement—spanning online and offline platforms—as a significant mediator contributes to expanding theoretical models of luxury resale behavior. Nevertheless, the results section would be strengthened by reporting standardized path coefficients, indirect effects, and effect sizes to substantiate the mediation claim statistically in a tabular form. A visual representation of the SEM results could also improve interpretability.

Response: Thank you for your positive assessment of the findings and for recognising the contribution our results make to understanding the motivational structure and channel engagement mechanisms in the Chinese pre-loved luxury market. As noted, our original Findings section already reported standardised path coefficients (β-values), significance levels, and R² values for perceived value, channel engagement, and purchase intention, as shown in the detailed quantitative results (e.g., β = 0.35 for functional motivation; R² = 0.61 for perceived value; R² = 0.56 for channel engagement; R² = 0.49 for purchase intention). These indicators, which are already included in Section 4 of the manuscript, provide a solid foundation for interpreting the SEM model.

 

In response to your suggestion, we have further strengthened the Findings section by adding a dedicated summary table that consolidates all standardised path coefficients, direct effects, indirect effects, and effect sizes. This allows readers to interpret the mediation results more easily and aligns our reporting with best practice in SEM. As you recommended, we have also added a clearer presentation of the bootstrapped indirect effects (5,000 subsamples) to substantiate the mediating role of channel engagement. Although the initial text described the mediation pattern verbally, the enhanced statistical reporting now provides explicit numerical evidence for both direct and indirect paths.

 

In addition, while the manuscript already contained a structural equation model figure (Figure 2) illustrating the validated model and its coefficients, we have now refined this diagram to improve clarity and visual readability. This visual summary complements the expanded quantitative tables and reinforces interpretability.

Finally, the qualitative findings, which already incorporated direct participant quotations on trust, authenticity, and tactile experiences, have been expanded by explicitly linking each theme to the corresponding hypotheses (H5 and H6). This integration clarifies how the qualitative insights triangulate and contextualise the quantitative model, a process that was already underway in the initial draft but is now presented with sharper alignment.

With these enhancements, the Findings section now offers both the depth already present in the original manuscript and the increased transparency and accessibility recommended by the reviewer.

Implications

The study’s theoretical implication lies in extending established luxury value frameworks to a circular and digitally mediated consumption context. By positioning channel engagement as a bridge between perceived value and purchase intention, the paper advances understanding of how consumers interact with resale ecosystems. Practically, the findings offer actionable strategies for luxury brands and platform operators to enhance consumer trust and experiential value in China’s resale market. However, managerial implications could be more explicitly aligned with the empirical results. The discussion section could further explore how cultural factors (e.g., social prestige, digital trust) interact with channel engagement to influence purchase decisions.

Response: Thank you for highlighting the need for stronger alignment between the empirical results and the managerial implications. We have now substantially revised Section 5.2 Managerial Implications to ensure a clear, direct connection between the quantitative findings (functional value, economic value, perceived value, channel engagement) and the strategic recommendations for brands and platforms. The revised section is now structured around key themes—digital engagement, trust and authenticity, functional value and financial benefits, symbolic/experiential value, and hybrid retail/policy support—each grounded explicitly in the empirical results. We have also expanded the discussion of cultural dynamics, such as social prestige and digital trust (Section 5, paragraphs 3–4), to provide deeper insight into how these factors shape engagement and purchase likelihood.

Conclusion and Future Scope

The conclusion effectively summarizes the study’s contributions and reinforces its relevance to both theory and practice in the luxury resale sector. It appropriately highlights the contextual significance of studying non-Western consumers in a digitally advanced environment. However, the conclusion could be strengthened by integrating statistical evidence of the mediation mechanism and acknowledging limitations more systematically. The future research scope is promising, suggesting directions for cross-cultural comparison and longitudinal analysis. Expanding future work to examine additional mediators (e.g., trust, authenticity perception) or moderators (e.g., digital literacy, brand attachment) would enhance the generalizability and depth of understanding.

Response: We appreciate the suggestion to strengthen the conclusion with statistical evidence and to clarify the limitations. The Conclusion section has been fully rewritten to incorporate the central mediation result and to clearly position channel engagement as a key mechanism in the model. We also updated Section 5.3 Limitations and Future Research to acknowledge methodological and contextual constraints more systematically and to outline concrete directions for further research (e.g., additional mediators such as trust and authenticity perceptions, moderators such as digital literacy and brand attachment, cross-cultural comparisons, and longitudinal/external validity designs).

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 3 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

This paper represents a significant and well-executed contribution to the literature on sustainable consumption and luxury consumer behaviour. Its methodological rigour, theoretical integration, and cultural focus make it both original and relevant. The study offers valuable insights into how consumer motivations, digital engagement, and trust interact in shaping pre-loved luxury consumption patterns in China. However, it would benefit from greater conciseness in the introduction and literature review, the addition of visual elements such as a conceptual model and hypothesis summary table, and a deeper interpretive analysis of results within the discussion. Strengthening the connection between theoretical constructs and managerial recommendations would further enhance both its academic and practical value.

Below there comments for each section of the paper.

Abstract

The abstract provides a comprehensive summary of the research purpose, methodology, and findings, demonstrating good structure and coherence. However, it could be improved by mentioning the main theoretical frameworks that underpin the study, such as the Brand Luxury Index and the Four Value Dimensions, to give readers a clearer understanding of its conceptual foundation. Including some key quantitative indicators, such as β-values or R², would make the summary more specific and informative. The abstract would also benefit from being divided into two short paragraphs, separating the methodological details from the key findings and implications, thereby improving readability and emphasis.

Introduction

The introduction provides a strong contextual background for the study, clearly identifying the growing relevance of pre-loved luxury fashion within the Chinese market. The author effectively discusses cultural factors such as mianzi and the traditional stigma surrounding second-hand consumption, which adds depth to the research context. The argument for focusing on the mediating role of channel engagement is novel and compelling. However, the section is somewhat lengthy and could be made more concise by summarising some of the descriptive background details. The research gap and objectives should be stated earlier and more directly, perhaps in a brief statement that outlines the study’s purpose and key questions. A visual conceptual model presented in this section would help orient the reader and clarify how the main constructs relate to each other.

Literature Review and Hypotheses Development

The literature review is detailed, theoretically grounded, and logically structured. It integrates several conceptual frameworks to explain consumer motivations and behaviour in the pre-loved luxury context. The division of motivations into economic, functional, individual, and social dimensions is clear and well-supported by previous research. The hypotheses are logically developed and flow naturally from the reviewed literature. Nevertheless, the section could be improved by including a conceptual model diagram that visually represents the relationships among the variables, making the theoretical logic easier to follow. A summary table linking each construct to its definition and main sources would enhance clarity and allow readers to see how prior research supports the hypotheses. Some sections repeat similar ideas about consumer motivations and could be streamlined for better flow. Incorporating more recent empirical studies, especially those focusing on digital engagement or sustainable fashion in Asian markets, would strengthen the contemporary relevance of this section.

Methodology

The methodology section is thorough and demonstrates strong research design. The use of a mixed-methods approach adds depth to the analysis, combining quantitative precision with qualitative richness. The data collection procedures and sample description are transparent and well explained, and the choice of measurement scales is justified. However, the rationale for selecting PLS-SEM rather than CB-SEM should be elaborated, clarifying whether the decision was based on the exploratory nature of the study, sample characteristics, or data distribution. The non-random sampling strategy introduces potential bias, particularly toward younger, digitally active respondents, and this limitation should be explicitly acknowledged. The table outlining the survey measures is informative but makes the section lengthy; it would improve the flow of the paper if moved to an appendix. In the qualitative part, the authors could provide additional details on how data saturation was achieved and why 21 interviews were considered adequate for ensuring representativeness and depth.

Findings

The presentation of findings is clear, well-organised, and supported by appropriate statistical evidence. The quantitative results are explained systematically, showing the relationships between variables and the significance of each hypothesis. The integration of qualitative findings enriches the interpretation and offers valuable contextual insights. However, this section would be easier to follow if it included a summary table listing all hypotheses with corresponding coefficients and significance levels. The discussion of technical details, such as statistical assumptions and model validation, could be summarised more briefly, allowing greater focus on what the results reveal conceptually. The qualitative findings would be even stronger if supported by additional participant quotes that highlight emotional or attitudinal aspects of the consumers’ experiences. Linking each qualitative theme explicitly to the corresponding hypothesis would enhance coherence between the two methodological approaches.

Discussion

The discussion section interprets the results effectively and connects them to existing theoretical frameworks. It offers meaningful insights into how cultural values, digital engagement, and consumer motivations interact in shaping pre-loved luxury purchase behaviour. The analysis of why functional and economic motivations dominate is particularly relevant to the Chinese market. However, the discussion occasionally restates results rather than analysing them in greater depth. The section could benefit from a stronger focus on interpretation, particularly in explaining why certain findings differ from those in Western contexts. The treatment of channel engagement is strong, but it could be expanded by linking it to adjacent constructs such as trust, digital satisfaction, or perceived authenticity. Exploring generational and lifestyle differences in digital consumption would also provide additional nuance and strengthen the discussion.

Theoretical Contributions

The article’s theoretical contributions are clearly presented. The integration of channel engagement as a mediating variable between motivations and purchase intentions represents a meaningful contribution to the literature on consumer engagement and luxury consumption. However, this section could clarify the precise nature of the theoretical advancement. It should specify whether the study extends, refines, or integrates existing frameworks and how these findings expand the theoretical understanding of digital consumption in luxury markets. The discussion would be strengthened by noting possible moderating factors that future research could examine, such as cultural values or technological familiarity, to deepen the theoretical implications.

Managerial Implications

The managerial implications are relevant, practical, and consistent with the research findings. The paper offers insightful recommendations for luxury brands and online resale platforms, particularly regarding authenticity verification, digital trust-building, and hybrid retail strategies. The inclusion of suggestions related to improving customer engagement and transparency is well aligned with the results. Nevertheless, this section would benefit from clearer structure and organisation. Grouping the recommendations into thematic areas, such as digital engagement, customer trust, and communication strategy, would improve readability. Each recommendation should also be explicitly connected to the relevant theoretical construct or empirical result. Additionally, expanding this section to include broader implications, such as the role of policymakers in developing certification standards for second-hand luxury goods in China, would make it more comprehensive and applicable.

Limitations and Future Research

The limitations and directions for future research are appropriately discussed and demonstrate academic rigour. The authors acknowledge the study’s reliance on self-reported data, limited cultural scope, and cross-sectional design. They also propose relevant extensions such as longitudinal studies and cross-country comparisons. This section could be further strengthened by recommending the inclusion of moderating or mediating variables such as age, gender, and digital literacy in future models. Suggesting the use of experimental or longitudinal designs would also add depth by allowing the testing of causal relationships. Finally, proposing comparative research across different Asian markets could broaden the applicability and robustness of the findings.

Conclusion

The conclusion successfully summarises the main findings and reiterates the paper’s theoretical and managerial contributions. It ties together the study’s arguments coherently and confirms the central role of channel engagement in shaping purchase intentions for pre-loved luxury goods. However, the conclusion could be more impactful by emphasising the novelty of this mediation model and explicitly positioning the study as one of the first to explore this mechanism in the Chinese context. The paper could also end with a brief reflection on how future digital and technological developments, such as artificial intelligence and virtual resale environments, might further influence channel engagement and consumer trust.

Comments on the Quality of English Language

The English used in the article is clear, accurate, and suitable for academic publication. The authors show a strong command of academic vocabulary and write in a professional and coherent style. The paper maintains a formal tone throughout and presents its arguments in a logical and structured manner, which contributes to the overall readability and clarity of the text. The use of terminology is consistent, and the language successfully conveys complex ideas without unnecessary jargon. There are, however, a few areas where minor improvements could further refine the writing. Some sentences are quite long and contain several clauses, which slightly affects readability. Shortening or restructuring these sentences would make the text flow more smoothly. In addition, occasional repetitions and overly descriptive phrases could be reduced to improve conciseness. A few minor grammatical issues, such as inconsistent use of articles and prepositions, appear occasionally but do not significantly interfere with comprehension. Overall, the quality of English is strong and meets the expectations of an international academic audience. A final proofreading or light language edit focusing on sentence clarity, punctuation, and stylistic precision would elevate the manuscript to an excellent standard suitable for publication.

Author Response

 

This paper represents a significant and well-executed contribution to the literature on sustainable consumption and luxury consumer behaviour. Its methodological rigour, theoretical integration, and cultural focus make it both original and relevant. The study offers valuable insights into how consumer motivations, digital engagement, and trust interact in shaping pre-loved luxury consumption patterns in China. However, it would benefit from greater conciseness in the introduction and literature review, the addition of visual elements such as a conceptual model and hypothesis summary table, and a deeper interpretive analysis of results within the discussion. Strengthening the connection between theoretical constructs and managerial recommendations would further enhance both its academic and practical value.

Response: Thank you for your comments. I have amended the paper thoroughly.

Below there comments for each section of the paper.

Abstract

The abstract provides a comprehensive summary of the research purpose, methodology, and findings, demonstrating good structure and coherence. However, it could be improved by mentioning the main theoretical frameworks that underpin the study, such as the Brand Luxury Index and the Four Value Dimensions, to give readers a clearer understanding of its conceptual foundation. Including some key quantitative indicators, such as β-values or R², would make the summary more specific and informative. The abstract would also benefit from being divided into two short paragraphs, separating the methodological details from the key findings and implications, thereby improving readability and emphasis.

Responses: Thank you for this helpful suggestion. The abstract has now been revised to address all points.

Introduction

The introduction provides a strong contextual background for the study, clearly identifying the growing relevance of pre-loved luxury fashion within the Chinese market. The author effectively discusses cultural factors such as mianzi and the traditional stigma surrounding second-hand consumption, which adds depth to the research context. The argument for focusing on the mediating role of channel engagement is novel and compelling. However, the section is somewhat lengthy and could be made more concise by summarising some of the descriptive background details. The research gap and objectives should be stated earlier and more directly, perhaps in a brief statement that outlines the study’s purpose and key questions. A visual conceptual model presented in this section would help orient the reader and clarify how the main constructs relate to each other.

Responses: Thank you for this helpful suggestion. We have improved conciseness by reducing descriptive background details and streamlining explanations of cultural context. We moved the statement of the research gap and objectives to an earlier position to provide clearer direction at the outset of the paper. Following the reviewer’s recommendation, we also added a visual conceptual model to orient readers to the relationships among the main constructs. These revisions have made the introduction more focused and aligned with the standard academic structure.

Literature Review and Hypotheses Development

The literature review is detailed, theoretically grounded, and logically structured. It integrates several conceptual frameworks to explain consumer motivations and behaviour in the pre-loved luxury context. The division of motivations into economic, functional, individual, and social dimensions is clear and well-supported by previous research. The hypotheses are logically developed and flow naturally from the reviewed literature. Nevertheless, the section could be improved by including a conceptual model diagram that visually represents the relationships among the variables, making the theoretical logic easier to follow. A summary table linking each construct to its definition and main sources would enhance clarity and allow readers to see how prior research supports the hypotheses. Some sections repeat similar ideas about consumer motivations and could be streamlined for better flow. Incorporating more recent empirical studies, especially those focusing on digital engagement or sustainable fashion in Asian markets, would strengthen the contemporary relevance of this section.

Responses: Thank you for this helpful suggestion. We have refined and tightened the text by removing repeated concepts and improving the flow of ideas. In addition, we added a conceptual model diagram and a summary table linking each construct to its definition and main supporting sources. Recent empirical studies, especially those related to digital engagement and sustainable fashion consumption in Asian markets, have been incorporated to strengthen contemporary relevance. These updates clarify our theoretical foundations and support the logical development of the hypotheses.

Methodology

The methodology section is thorough and demonstrates strong research design. The use of a mixed-methods approach adds depth to the analysis, combining quantitative precision with qualitative richness. The data collection procedures and sample description are transparent and well explained, and the choice of measurement scales is justified. However, the rationale for selecting PLS-SEM rather than CB-SEM should be elaborated, clarifying whether the decision was based on the exploratory nature of the study, sample characteristics, or data distribution. The non-random sampling strategy introduces potential bias, particularly toward younger, digitally active respondents, and this limitation should be explicitly acknowledged. The table outlining the survey measures is informative but makes the section lengthy; it would improve the flow of the paper if moved to an appendix. In the qualitative part, the authors could provide additional details on how data saturation was achieved and why 21 interviews were considered adequate for ensuring representativeness and depth.

Responses: Thank you for this helpful suggestion. The Methodology section has been enhanced by providing a clearer rationale for selecting PLS-SEM over CB-SEM, explaining that the exploratory nature of channel engagement, the model's complexity, and data distribution characteristics make PLS-SEM a more appropriate choice. We now explicitly acknowledge the potential bias introduced by the non-random sampling strategy, which may over-represent younger and digitally active consumers. To improve flow, we moved the detailed measurement table to the appendix. Additionally, we expanded the explanation of qualitative sampling decisions, including why 21 interviews were considered sufficient, supported by methodological authorities such as Patton (2015) and Hennink et al. (2017), and clarified how saturation was determined.

Findings

The presentation of findings is clear, well-organised, and supported by appropriate statistical evidence. The quantitative results are explained systematically, showing the relationships between variables and the significance of each hypothesis. The integration of qualitative findings enriches the interpretation and offers valuable contextual insights. Responses: Thank you for this helpful suggestion. However, this section would be easier to follow if it included a summary table listing all hypotheses, their corresponding coefficients, and significance levels. The discussion of technical details, such as statistical assumptions and model validation, could be summarised more briefly, allowing greater focus on what the results reveal conceptually. The qualitative findings would be even stronger if supported by additional participant quotes that highlight emotional or attitudinal aspects of the consumers’ experiences. Linking each qualitative theme explicitly to the corresponding hypothesis would enhance coherence between the two methodological approaches.

Responses: Thank you for this helpful suggestion. In the Findings section, we responded to the reviewer’s recommendation by adding a summary table that presents all hypotheses alongside their coefficients and significance levels. We also condensed technical statistical explanations to highlight the most essential results, allowing the conceptual meaning of findings to be more prominent. The qualitative findings have been strengthened through the inclusion of additional participant quotations, and we now explicitly link each qualitative theme to relevant hypotheses, thereby improving coherence between the quantitative and qualitative components of the study.

Discussion

The discussion section interprets the results effectively and connects them to existing theoretical frameworks. It offers meaningful insights into how cultural values, digital engagement, and consumer motivations interact in shaping pre-loved luxury purchase behaviour. The analysis of why functional and economic motivations dominate is particularly relevant to the Chinese market. However, the discussion occasionally restates results rather than analysing them in greater depth. The section could benefit from a stronger focus on interpretation, particularly in explaining why certain findings differ from those in Western contexts. The treatment of channel engagement is strong, but it could be expanded by linking it to adjacent constructs such as trust, digital satisfaction, or perceived authenticity. Exploring generational and lifestyle differences in digital consumption would also provide additional nuance and strengthen the discussion.

Response: Thank you for your constructive feedback. We have comprehensively expanded the Discussion section to move beyond restating results and instead provide deeper interpretation. In particular:

• We now explain why functional and economic motivations dominate in China, situating this in China’s cultural norms, stigma around second-hand goods, and differences compared to Western contexts.
• We elaborated on the evolving attitudes of younger Chinese consumers and how this generational shift shapes hedonic and symbolic value perceptions.
• We expanded the analysis of channel engagement, linking it to adjacent constructs such as trust, perceived authenticity, platform satisfaction, and community belonging (Section 5, paragraphs 2–4).
• We additionally discuss how cultural values and digital trust interact with channel engagement and shape behavioural outcomes.

 

Theoretical Contributions

The article’s theoretical contributions are clearly presented. The integration of channel engagement as a mediating variable between motivations and purchase intentions represents a meaningful contribution to the literature on consumer engagement and luxury consumption. However, this section could clarify the precise nature of the theoretical advancement. It should specify whether the study extends, refines, or integrates existing frameworks and how these findings expand the theoretical understanding of digital consumption in luxury markets. The discussion would be strengthened by noting possible moderating factors that future research could examine, such as cultural values or technological familiarity, to deepen the theoretical implications.

Response: Section 5.1 Theoretical Contributions has been fully revised to clearly articulate the theoretical advancements made by this research. We specify how the study:

• Extends existing frameworks by incorporating channel engagement as a mediating mechanism
• Refines understanding of luxury consumption by evaluating the model in a non-Western, digitally advanced context
• Integrates value-based theories with digital engagement and technology acceptance perspectives
• Identifies likely mediators and moderators (trust, technology familiarity, digital literacy, brand attachment, cultural values) for future theory-building.

Managerial Implications

The managerial implications are relevant, practical, and consistent with the research findings. The paper offers insightful recommendations for luxury brands and online resale platforms, particularly regarding authenticity verification, digital trust-building, and hybrid retail strategies. The inclusion of suggestions related to improving customer engagement and transparency is well aligned with the results. Nevertheless, this section would benefit from clearer structure and organisation. Grouping the recommendations into thematic areas, such as digital engagement, customer trust, and communication strategy, would improve readability. Each recommendation should also be explicitly connected to the relevant theoretical construct or empirical result. Additionally, expanding this section to include broader implications, such as the role of policymakers in developing certification standards for second-hand luxury goods in China, would make it more comprehensive and applicable.

Response: Thank you for your constructive feedback. We revised the implications section by restructuring it around five clearly delineated strategic areas. Each recommendation is now explicitly connected to the empirical findings, enhancing clarity and practical relevance. We also expanded the section with broader reflections on policy-level authentication standards and hybrid retail models, as suggested.

 

Limitations and Future Research

The limitations and directions for future research are appropriately discussed and demonstrate academic rigour. The authors acknowledge the study’s reliance on self-reported data, limited cultural scope, and cross-sectional design. They also propose relevant extensions such as longitudinal studies and cross-country comparisons. This section could be further strengthened by recommending the inclusion of moderating or mediating variables such as age, gender, and digital literacy in future models. Suggesting the use of experimental or longitudinal designs would also add depth by allowing the testing of causal relationships. Finally, proposing comparative research across different Asian markets could broaden the applicability and robustness of the findings.

Response: Thank you for your constructive feedback. We strengthened Section 5.3 by adding specific methodological and contextual limitations and providing detailed suggestions for future research, including:

• Longitudinal and experimental designs;
• Studies across different cultural and market contexts;
• Additional mediators (trust, perceived authenticity, perceived risk, satisfaction);
• Moderating variables (digital literacy, age, gender, brand attachment);
• Qualitative inquiry into stigma, face consciousness, and symbolic meaning.

Conclusion

The conclusion successfully summarises the main findings and reiterates the paper’s theoretical and managerial contributions. It ties together the study’s arguments coherently and confirms the central role of channel engagement in shaping purchase intentions for pre-loved luxury goods. However, the conclusion could be more impactful by emphasising the novelty of this mediation model and explicitly positioning the study as one of the first to explore this mechanism in the Chinese context. The paper could also conclude with a brief reflection on how future digital and technological developments, such as artificial intelligence and virtual resale environments, may further shape channel engagement and consumer trust.

Response: Thank you for your constructive feedback. The Conclusion has been expanded to emphasise the novelty of the mediation model and explicitly position the study as an early empirical exploration of engagement mechanisms in China’s luxury resale sector. We also added a forward-looking reflection on how emerging technologies (AI, blockchain, VR/AR) may shape future resale behaviours.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Round 2

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The paper was revised according to the reviewers quest

 it is now ready for publication,

kindly, the reviewer

Author Response

Thank you for your support.

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

I have reviewed the research “Why Chinese Consumers Buy Pre-Loved Luxury Fashion? The Mediating Role of Channel Engagement”  with Manuscript ID: Sustainability-3963654-V2.  This revised manuscript offers a clearer and more coherent contribution to understanding Chinese consumers’ engagement in the pre-loved luxury fashion market. The author has carefully incorporated earlier suggestions, strengthened the conceptual framing, and improved methodological transparency to a meaningful degree. The study is theoretically relevant, methodologically sound, and contextually significant for both circular fashion scholarship and luxury marketing research. With the revisions implemented, the manuscript is now suitable for publication.

1. Originality and Novelty

The manuscript demonstrates strong originality by examining pre-loved luxury consumption in China—an emerging domain underexplored in global research. The conceptual introduction of channel engagement as a mediating mechanism between perceived value and purchase intention adds novel theoretical depth to the literature on circular fashion and luxury resale. The revised version now offers a clearer explanation of how established luxury value frameworks (e.g., Brand Luxury Index, value dimensions) were adapted for the pre-loved context, thereby strengthening the theoretical innovation. The revised title more clearly reflects the motivational–engagement–intention logic of the model.

2. Introduction and Rationale

The introduction continues to provide a compelling and well-contextualized foundation, emphasizing sustainability concerns, affordability considerations, and cultural motivations shaping Chinese consumers’ interest in pre-loved luxury goods. The revised manuscript now articulates research questions and hypotheses more explicitly and provides a more solid theoretical justification for the mediating role of channel engagement. The enhanced linkage between digital engagement pathways and consumers’ perceived value strengthens the rationale for including engagement as a key construct.

3. Research Design and Methodological Rigor

The study’s sequential mixed-methods design remains a significant strength, integrating a large-scale survey (N = 438) with qualitative insights from 21 interviews to ensure both breadth and depth. These improvements substantially enhance the methodological transparency of the measurement and structural models. Although a more detailed measurement table could further strengthen reproducibility, the current revisions sufficiently address prior concerns.

 

4. Findings and Interpretation

The findings are well-presented and now supported by clearer reporting strengthens the credibility of the mediation claims. The results confirm that economic, individual, and social motivations significantly predict perceived value, while functional motivations exert comparatively weaker influence—an insightful and culturally relevant finding. The mediating role of channel engagement through online platforms, livestream commerce, and offline consignment boutiques is now statistically well-substantiated. The author has also added a visual representation of the SEM results, enhancing interpretability.

5. Theoretical and Managerial Implications

The revised manuscript provides more direct alignment between empirical results and theoretical contributions. It expands the luxury value framework into the circular and digitally mediated consumption environment characteristic of China’s resale market.

Managerial implications are now more actionable and grounded in the findings, addressing:

• Trust building in resale ecosystems
• Enhancing experiential value through channel design
• Leveraging digital engagement practices

The discussion also reflects greater sensitivity to cultural dynamics—particularly regarding social prestige, digital trust, and value perception.

6. Conclusion and Future Research

The conclusion has been strengthened to incorporate clearer statistical support for mediation and a more systematic acknowledgement of limitations. Future research directions—including cross-cultural extensions, moderator variables (e.g., digital literacy), and additional psychological mediators—are now better articulated and provide a strong foundation for subsequent scholarly work.

The revised manuscript shows substantial improvement and a clear effort to thoughtfully integrate reviewer feedback. The theoretical positioning is now stronger, the methodological reporting more transparent, and the mediation analysis more robustly justified. The enhanced discussion of Chinese cultural and digital consumption dynamics enriches the contribution and strengthens the study’s contextual relevance.

To further refine the manuscript before publication, I encourage minor polishing of table formatting, consistent variable labelling, and a slightly more concise discussion section. Overall, this is a valuable and timely contribution to the circular luxury and consumer behaviour literature. Well done.

Comments on the Quality of English Language

Can be improved.

Author Response

Thank you for your support.