Essay on the origins, development and future of the consumption experience as a concept in marketing and consumer research

Purpose This paper aims to trace the origins, development and future of the consumption experience as a concept in marketing and consumer research. Design/methodology/approach The author relies on subjective personal introspection to describe his involvement in the introduction and elaboration of the consumption-experience concept. Findings The author finds that the concept of the consumption experience has extended to many areas of marketing and consumer research, with widespread applicability in the creation of brand-related promotional messages. Research limitations/implications The consumption experience is central to our understanding of consumers and deserves full exploration in the work of consumer researchers. Originality/value Working with Professor Elizabeth Hirschman, the author played a pioneering role in understanding the consumption experience and is happy to see that their contribution has encouraged others to pursue related themes.