Influence of Price-Based Segmentation Drives Financial Performance
of Fashion Merchandisers in the Kenyan Market
Dr. Ann Kwamboka Orangi, Joy Moraa
Kirinyaga University
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2025.91100455
Received: 01 November 2025; Accepted: 09 November 2025; Published: 18 December 2025
ABSTRACT
This study investigates the influence of price-based market segmentation on the performance of fashion
merchandising outlets in Kenya. The contemporary Kenyan retail sector demands dynamic pricing strategies to
capture diverse consumer purchasing power. Using a descriptive-survey design and collecting data from 120
fashion outlet managers, the study finds a strong, positive correlation between the implementation of a multi-
tiered price segmentation strategy and enhanced organizational performance, particularly in terms of
profitability and market share. The research suggests that strategically aligning price points with perceived
customer value is a critical success factor for fashion retailers operating in emerging economies.
Keywords: Market segmentation, Price Performance
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Introduction:
The fashion merchandising sector in Kenya is characterized by intense competition and a wide gap between
high-end luxury shoppers and value-conscious consumers. An effective market segmentation strategy is crucial
for survival. This chapter establishes that price is perhaps the most direct and influential segmentation variable,
as it dictates accessibility and brand positioning. The problem is that many Kenyan outlets fail to move beyond
uniform pricing, missing opportunities to maximize returns from different consumer segments.
1.2 Specific Objective: To assess the influence of Segmentation by Pricing on the financial performance
of fashion merchandising outlets in Kenya.
1.3 Hypothesis: A positive and significant relationship exists between segmentation by pricing and the
financial performance of fashion merchandising outlets in Kenya.
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Introduction:
This chapter reviews literature on pricing strategies (skimming, penetration, value pricing) and their integration
with segmentation theory.
Studies show that consumers segment themselves based on price elasticity of demand. In fashion retail, this
manifests in the success of Masstige (mass-prestige) brands that offer different tiers of quality/price. African
retail literature highlights that price often overrides brand loyalty, making dynamic pricing segmentation
essential.
Value based pricing can be defined as setting a price in relation to an offering’s value (Anderson Narus, 2014).
A price increase can bring either an increase or decrease in revenue depending on the elasticity of demand.
Nagle & Holden (2012) suggest 10 factors which influence customer price sensitivity in the context of
services. They proposed that price sensitivity decreases as the customer’s ability to build an inventory
decrease. The factor which perhaps most directly lends itself to value-based pricing is that price sensitivity
decreases the less price-sensitive customers are to the end benefit (Nagle & Holden,2012).