Abstract:

This study explored the influence exerted by celebrity endorsement on the purchase of slim tea products by female undergraduate students in universities in southeast Nigeria. Specifically, the study aimed to determine the relationship between the brand image of slime tea and celebrity endorsement, identify how celebrity choice influences the brand image of a product, and also examine how female undergraduate students’ choice of brand product is driven by celebrity influence. The population of this study consisted of female undergraduate students in the University of Nigeria Nsukka, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, Madonna University Okija, and Ebonyi State University Abakiliki. A multistage sampling technique was used to arrive at a required sample size of 383. I did an oversampling and a total of 400 copies of the questionnaire were distributed and 392 copies of this questionnaire were filled and returned, making for a return rate of 98%. Findings from this study showed that respondents believe that celebrity endorsement can influence their brand choice. And that the choice of celebrity used matters a lot. If an organization fails to provide a positive and strong brand image, it may directly or indirectly affect consumers’ decision-making; as consumers may shift to competitors that offer a better experience. From the findings of this study, it is recommended that advertisers should make use of the right celebrities to enhance the brand image of their products and also consider celebrities whose profession and lifestyle are in sync with the products and services that they are endorsing.