Different women, different viewpoints: age, traits and women’s reaction to advertisements

Purpose This study aims to examine different consumption attitudes between two age-based cohorts of female consumers as it relates to the processing of marketing communications. Design/methodology/approach Three studies use 10 iterations of an ad for an alcoholic beverage. Ads vary in the number of models, age of those models and ad value message. Cohorts are divided into pre-millennial (35 and older) and millennial (18–34) age groups. Subjects respond to a variety of statements associated with the ads. ANOVAs are run to determine significant differences or similarities between cohorts. Findings Women of different ages have different value systems. Pre-millennials prefer ads featuring other-focused value messages and containing multiple female models. That preference is moderated for those who feel a strong closeness to other women. They prefer ads featuring single female models with other-focused messages. Millennials express no preference for the number of models or value messages. Those with high perceptions of closeness to women, however, express a preference for ads featuring multiple models, irrespective of value message. Further, perceived age similarity between consumers and models moderates the pre-millennial’s versus millennial’s attitude toward ads featuring mature female models and single versus multiple models. Research limitations/implications Only American women were surveyed for this research. Further, only one product was used to assess attitudes. Practical implications Advertisers must be cognizant of the age of targeted consumers. Further, any cultural values expressed in ads have different impacts depending on consumer age. Finally, the number of models can have an impact on consumer attitude depending on viewers’ age and preference. Originality/value This research fills an existing lacuna in studies involving female consumers by exploring and testing significant differences among women of different ages and value systems and their attitudes toward marketing communications.