4.1.3. Epistemic value
Some participants went shopping to get inspired and find new ideas because of the exposure to new trends and fashions, new ideas, and novelty goods in the marketplace. Therefore, shopping’s capability of arousing curiosity, providing novelty, satisfying a desire for knowledge, and keeping up with the newest trends and fashions is defined as epistemic value.
Meanwhile, participants revealed that they gained epistemic value at mass merchandisers by learning about available products and novelty merchandise.