The FDA has only focused upon the physical safety of cosmetics and has ignored the significant reasonability of advertising claims. As such, the present article is intended to examine/ascertain the extent to which cosmetics claims contain deceptive content in fashion ads. Through a content analysis, the study reported herein revealed that cosmetics claims were not evenly distributed. To that end, the preponderance of the claims appeared to be described primarily by three categories (scientific, performance and subjective). The results also showed that more cosmetics claims were classified as deceptive than were deemed as acceptable. Close examination of these trends revealed that, for instance, most superiority claims were categorized as false, whereas scientific claims tended to be classified as vague or as omitting important information. Furthermore, performance claims were likely to be viewed as vague and endorsement claims were seen to be acceptable. The study concludes with practical and public policy suggestions that need to be addressed by advertisers and the FDA.

Generation Y (Gen Y) is becoming more important to marketers as its members continue to enter the workforce. Members of this generational cohort are essential to the tourism industry as they engage in planning vacations themselves. This study accesses the information search behaviour of Gen Y and makes comparisons to the previous generation, Generation X (Gen X). A demographic profile, including information sources, is compiled. Additionally, several proposals were developed based upon the literature regarding tourism information searches and decision-making for Gen X and Y. Key constructs were identified as part of the purchase decision process. They were analysed using primary research study data. Specifically, independent-samples t-tests were used to test the propositions. The analyses revealed that there were significant differences between generational cohorts regarding technology-based information sources, risk aversion and use of information sources. As a result, this study offers a synthesis of contingency factors affecting tourist decision-making. It provides both theoretical and managerial implications.

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Purpose This paper aims to explore authenticity as a multidimensional construct from both consumer and service provider perspectives in the context of culturally themed restaurants in Kolkata, India. Design/methodology/approach Utilizing a phenomenological design, data have been collected through participant observation, photographs and semi-structured interviews in Bengali-themed restaurants over a two-year period. Findings By articulating the processes and dimensions that operate behind the narrative of authenticity, the findings display the interaction between market/cultural forces and the perception of authenticity. These reveal that authenticity embraces four major categories, namely, traditional, staged-form, postmodern and constructivist. Research limitations/implications This study provides insights into the collective role of both consumers and service providers in mediating perceptions of authenticity. Theoretically, this study contributes to the literature by articulating four dimensions of authenticity. Practical implications Practically, this study assists marketers with insights into the balance of authenticity and the commoditization of culture. Originality/value As globalization weakens cultural boundaries and jeopardizes regional identities, there is a need for reassuring cultural continuity that upholds ethnic legacy for local consumers. Thus, this study provides theoretical and practical insights for both researchers and practitioners concerned about maintaining authenticity in a global marketplace.

The purpose of the research is to explore the well-being/QOL of the ageing population in China. Specifically, the study investigates the experience/meaning of ageing and the strategies that consumers deploy to cope with ageing issues through internet communication. The results show that older people have found creative ways to cope with ageing by recalling the frugal experiences in the past, and purchasing small items as emotion enhancers. The findings also indicate that older Chinese bloggers have limited acquisition desire, do not wish to be a burden on their children, and worry greatly about their future financial status, especially given concerns about the healthcare system.