Linh Khanh Vu

Type of the article: Research Article

Abstract
The aim of this study is to examine the impact of rebranding, which includes three key activities: repositioning, redesign, and relaunching on the four fundamental pillars of brand equity: brand awareness, perceived quality, brand associations, and brand loyalty. The study focuses on three typical Vietnamese companies that rebranded in the past 5 years in different business sectors, including Vinamilk, Viettel and Highland Coffee, with a sample size of 528 consumers aged 16 to 55 who are customers of these businesses. The results reveal that rebranding has a significant positive effect on brand awareness, perceived quality, and brand association, with brand association being the most responsive factor, reflecting consumers’ strong emotional and symbolic reactions to brand changes. Brand awareness and perceived quality significantly mediate the relationship between rebranding and brand loyalty, highlighting their crucial roles in strengthening long-term customer relationships. In contrast, brand association does not exhibit a significant mediating effect, suggesting that emotional and symbolic associations may require more time to influence loyalty. ANOVA results show clear perceptual differences across the three brands: Highland Coffee scores highest in awareness, quality, and associations, followed by Vinamilk, while Viettel ranks lowest. However, brand loyalty remains relatively stable across all three firms, indicating its enduring nature and resistance to short-term branding changes. This study enhances theoretical understanding of how rebranding drives brand equity in emerging markets and offers practical implications for managers aiming to sustain competitive advantage through strategic brand transformation.

Acknowledgment
This research was funded by Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU) under project code QG.25.95. The authors would like to express their sincere gratitude to VNU for the support provided.