Advances in Business & Industrial Marketing Research
Vol. 4 No. 3 (2026)

From Experience to Loyalty: The Sequential Process of Building Gen Z Trust in Aesthetic Clinics

Alifia Nasya Manurung (Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara, Medan, Indonesia)
Siti Aisyah (Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara, Medan, Indonesia)
Aqwa Naser Daulay (Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara, Medan, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
29 Aug 2026

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to examine the formation of Generation Z loyalty in the context of aesthetic clinics by developing a Sequential S-O-R Framework. Unlike traditional models, this study conceptualizes the Organism component as a sequential psychological process that progresses from evaluative satisfaction to relational brand trust. Research Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 408 customers of aesthetic clinics in Medan City. The data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to examine the proposed structural relationships among variables. Results and Discussion: The findings support a statistically significant serial indirect pathway linking experiential marketing to loyalty through satisfaction and brand trust. However, because the study employs a cross-sectional design, the proposed ordering of satisfaction and brand trust should be interpreted as theoretically specified rather than as evidence of temporal or causal progression. Brand trust emerged as a stronger statistical predictor of loyalty than customer satisfaction within the tested model. Lifestyle showed a statistically significant, albeit very small, negative moderating effect on the relationship between experiential marketing and brand trust. Implications: Aesthetic clinic managers should shift their focus from merely creating physical beauty experiences toward building systematic brand integrity to strengthen long-term customer loyalty. Originality: This study contributes by integrating expectation-confirmation theory and commitment-trust theory within a Sequential S-O-R Framework to explain the complex psychological pathway of Generation Z loyalty formation.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

ABIM

Publisher

Subject

Economics, Econometrics & Finance

Description

Founded in 2023, Advances in Business & Industrial Marketing Research publishes original research that promises to advance our understanding of Business & Industrial Marketing over diverse topics and research methods. This Journal welcomes research of significance across a wide range of primary and ...