Journal of Management - Small and Medium Enterprises (SME's)
Vol 19 No 2 (2026): JOURNAL OF MANAGEMENT Small and Medium Enterprises (SME's)

The effect of word of mouth and brand image on customer loyalty with customer satisfaction as an intervening variable

Dwi Gemina (Department of Management, Faculty of Economics and Business, Djuanda University)
Sudarijati Sudarijati (Department of Management, Faculty of Economics and Business, Djuanda University)
Annisa Suci Nur Azizah (Department of Management, Faculty of Economics and Business, Djuanda University)



Article Info

Publish Date
07 Jul 2026

Abstract

This study examines the influence of word of mouth and brand image on customer loyalty among users of Yongki Komaladi flat shoes in Bogor Regency, with customer satisfaction serving as an intervening variable. In the increasingly competitive fashion and footwear industry, understanding the factors that foster customer loyalty is essential for maintaining long-term business sustainability and competitive advantage. Employing a quantitative research design, data were collected through questionnaires administered to 100 consumers selected using purposive sampling, with respondents required to be at least 17 years old and to have purchased Yongki Komaladi flat shoes on at least two occasions. Path analysis was used to examine both direct and indirect relationships among the variables. The findings reveal that word of mouth and brand image each exert positive and significant influences on customer satisfaction and customer loyalty. Customer satisfaction was also found to have a strong positive effect on loyalty, highlighting its central role in strengthening long-term consumer relationships. Furthermore, customer satisfaction successfully mediates the relationships between word of mouth and customer loyalty as well as between brand image and customer loyalty, indicating that favorable consumer recommendations and a strong brand image enhance loyalty by first increasing customer satisfaction. These findings underscore the importance of maintaining a positive brand reputation, encouraging customer advocacy, and delivering satisfying consumer experiences to strengthen loyalty within the fashion retail sector. Keywords: Word Of Mouth; Brand Image; Customer Loyalty; Customer Satisfaction

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Journal Info

Abbrev

JEM

Publisher

Subject

Economics, Econometrics & Finance

Description

Tujuan dari jurnal ini adalah mempublikasikan artikel hasil penelitian dan kajian pustaka yang ditulis oleh dosen, peneliti dan mahasiwa. Adapun lingkup topik dari jurnal ini adalah : 1. Manajemen Umum 2. Manajemen Pemasaran 3. Sumberdaya Manusia 4. Keuangan 5. Manajemen Operasi 6. Manajemen ...