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Economic Perspectives and Trends

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ArticleOpen Access http://dx.doi.org/10.26855/ept.2025.06.009

Emotional Bonding in Virtual Shopping Among Young Consumers: A Neo five senses Marketing Perspective

Dongli Zhou, Jiaqi Lin, Ying Wei

School of Humanities, Zhuhai College of Science and Technology, Zhuhai 519041, Guangdong, China.

*Corresponding author: Ying Wei

Published: October 16,2025

Abstract

Virtual shopping is central to Gen Z consumption, yet online contexts limit traditional five senses marketing by removing touch, smell, and taste. Building on neo five senses marketing (relaxation, authenticity, presence, social connection, ambiance), this article synthesizes recent scholarship and practice to explain how these experiential dimensions foster emotional bonding and loyalty among young consumers. We integrate evidence from sensory marketing, immersive technologies (AR/VR), and social commerce to show how usability and calm (relaxation), transparent value alignment (authenticity), novelty and exclusivity (presence), participatory communities (social connection), and coherent atmospheric design (ambiance) jointly humanize digital retail. We outline practical design levers, eth-ical cautions (e.g., authenticity fatigue, over stimulation), accessibility constraints (technology gaps), and metrics for evaluation. The framework offers actionable guidance for brands seeking durable, value consistent engagement with Gen Z in virtual commerce.

Keywords

Neo Five Senses Marketing; Gen Z; Virtual Shopping; Emotional Connection; Immersive Experience; Social Commerce

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How to cite this paper

Emotional Bonding in Virtual Shopping Among Young Consumers: A Neo five senses Marketing Perspective

How to cite this paper: Dongli Zhou, Jiaqi Lin, Ying Wei. (2025) Emotional Bonding in Virtual Shopping Among Young Consumers: A Neo five senses Marketing Perspective. Economic Perspectives and Trends2(1), 47-50.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.26855/ept.2025.06.009