The customer equity framework was created by Rust et al. in 2000 after studying severalspecific industries. We use this framework as the theoretical basis for this study to examine the relative impact of the three customer equity drivers- value equity, brand equity and relationship equity- across two brands in the retail clothing industry on purchase intentions of young consumers. Based on the responses of 156 female university students who are the target for the two brands studied, value equity is the most important customer equity driver for customers whereas, for H&M relationship equity was the driver which had the greatest influence on purchase intentions while for Gina tricot brand equity had the greatest impact on purchase intentions.

Previous research has proven that perceived Brand Authenticity functions as a differentiator, which brands can use to stand out in today’s marketplace. However, few studies have investigated whether it is possible for brands to become more profitable by utilizing their authenticity. This thesis therefore investigates the relationship between the two branding concepts Brand Authenticity and Customer-Based Brand Equity (CBBE). An explanatory survey study is made on the Swedish retail clothing industry, which measures the effect of the Brand Authenticity associations Continuity, Originality, Trustworthiness, Genuineness, Heritage, and Symbolism on the CBBE outcomes (1) consumers’ willingness to pay a price premium, (2) recommend a brand, and (3) buy a brand before other brands. The results show that while some Brand Authenticity associations increase the CBBE outcomes, others seem to give no effect and some even to undermine them. If brand managers of authentic brands wish to increase their value sales through price premiums and increase volume sales through increased purchases, they should focus on communicating Symbolism, Originality and Genuineness. If decreased marketing costs through word of mouth is the goal, brand recommendations can be achieved through communicating Trustworthiness as well. However, Continuity and Heritage should be avoided in all brand communication if increased profits is the primarily goal.