مهدی بشیری

The distinctive characteristics of sportswear underscore the critical importance of product quality in this sector, where purchasing decisions are often influenced by brand reputation and perceived quality. Sports products are not only essential for athletic activities but are also increasingly integrated into daily wear and leisure attire. This study examines the impact of sports product quality and retail service quality on brand preference and purchase intention, with a focus on the mediating roles of perceived value and brand equity. Using a descriptive-survey approach and structural equation modeling, the research targeted customers of prominent domestic and international sports brands in Iran. Given the unlimited population size, a sample of 384 was determined based on the Krejcie and Morgan table; ultimately, 370 completed questionnaires were analyzed. Data were collected using validated scales: perceived value (Ebrahimi et al., 2014), brand equity (Boyle et al., 2013), purchase intention and brand preference (Chang & Liu, 2009), and product and service quality adapted from Ebrahimi et al. (2009) and Ismailpour and Goldouzi (2013). The structural equation analysis revealed that both product and service quality directly affect purchase intention and also exert influence through the mediating role of brand equity. Furthermore, brand equity mediated the relationship between quality dimensions and brand preference. These findings suggest that enhancing perceived quality—through factors such as durability, functionality, product design, and after-sales service, supported by strategic communication—can strengthen brand preference and maximize purchase intention among consumers.