Editorial

Citation

Broadbridge, A. (2007), "Editorial", International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management, Vol. 35 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijrdm.2007.08935caa.001

Editorial

Peter Jones, David Hillier and Daphne Comfort's paper considers the decline of market halls and covered markets, taking as case examples Grainger Market, Newcastle and Market Hall, Chester. They point to the Government's planning policy statement for Town centres which argues the valuable contribution that covered markets can make to local choice and diversity in shopping as well as the vitality of town centres, and their recommendations to retain or create them. Yet, after outlining the origins of market halls and covered markets, the authors go onto provide some explanations for their decline which include changing demographic and lifestyle changes, the market concentration and dominance of a few major players, the effect of general planning restrictions on new retail developments in edge and out of town sites, a lack of investment in the markets themselves and the need to comply with stringent legislative regulations. All of these factors make markets vulnerable.

They then outline two case studies of market halls that have suffered from decline. One is undergoing refurbishment while the other involves a new build project on a new site. The changes inter alia include revitalising the environmental amenities that have restricted trade, a new tenant mix strategy and opening of food outlets. The cases illustrate how local authorities are looking to address the problems and challenges facing market halls and covered markets. In their discussion, the authors suggest that physical improvements should be complemented by a thorough review of all aspects of market trading. They argue that perhaps local authorities should consider new uses of the existing and refurbished market hall so as to capitalise of their architectural heritage and centrally located space. The paper would make a useful teaching aid, and as such the authors have included some questions that students might be asked to consider in structuring their learning.

The growth of fast fashion has led Grete Birtwistle and Christopher Moore to undertake some research on how people dispose of their fashion items. This paper provides some of their preliminary findings. Indeed, through a series of group discussions and in-depth interviews, they found that there is a tendency for people to keep clothing for a shorter time. The findings revealed that the respondents lacked an understanding of how their behaviour affects the environment. Various respondents recycled their unwanted clothing via charity shops but many were just thrown away. Council recycling boxes were not used and a few had actually sold their no longer wanted items. Charity shop managers reported their donations have risen in recent years, which would match the increased consumer behaviour in purchasing fashion items. The respondents, however, generally felt uninformed about how and where to recycle/dispose of their unwanted clothes. The authors recommend that the media and local councils can help the situation by providing more information about sustainable consumption in the area of fashion clothing and raising consumer awareness.

Jones et al.'s second article takes a topical review of biometrics, by first defining it and showing its origins and then goes on to consider the potential applications of biometrics within retailing. These include its use in overcoming identity theft, increasing transaction speed at the point of sale and reducing transaction processing costs for retailers. It also allows the development of individually tailored marketing and customer loyalty programmes. They outline some of the potential issues involved, including public concerns, costs and accuracy of the technologies.

Adelina BroadbridgeUniverstiy of Stirling, Stirling, Scotland, UK