Fortuitous Brand Image Transfer

This study investigates the phenomenon of fortuitous brand image transfer, or image transfer that occurs by chance, between two brands sponsoring the same event concurrently (i.e., concurrent sponsorships). Two experiments show that concurrent sponsorships lead either to a transfer of image or to a contrast of image between sponsoring brands that are both familiar, depending on the similarity of their underlying brand concept. Image transfer occurs when the brand concepts of the two sponsors are similar, whereas image contrast occurs when the two sponsors have dissimilar brand concepts. Implications for branding and sponsorship research are provided, as well as recommendations for managers. Finally, directions for further research are suggested.