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The aim of the paper is to extend and update previous research carried out in the period immediately following the unification of Germany in 1990. This period saw a rapid and substantial movement by (West) German retailers into the former German Democratic Republic. The paper examines, though a tracking study of the top German retailers, the status of those retailers some years on in terms of the extent to which they have assimilated their operations in eastern Germany and now regard them as merely a part of a united Germany. More importantly, the paper examines the extent to which the moves into the former East Germany have been used as a springboard to expansion in the former socialist states of central and eastern Europe in a period that has seen substantial and significant consolidation among German retailers.

The changes in the Czech Republic brought by the transition process had a significant impact on all sectors of the economy and none more so than on retailing. Presents the initial findings of a long‐term longitudinal study of clothing retailing in the Czech Republic examining the retail format and merchandise assortment structure of clothing retailing in the period of 1994‐1999. The research focused on Czech towns and specifically excluded the capital city of Prague. From the analysis of the retail format development two broad conclusions emerge. First, the smaller towns appear to be more conservative in terms of structural change. Second, there appears to be more extensive changes in retail format patterns occurring in the larger towns. .

Gambling is big business in the UK with an annual turnover of some £25 billion and for the past 40 years betting shops have been the most prominent and visible element within this market. This paper outlines the changes in the general locational pattern and the service environment of betting shops as a prelude to a description of the origins, characteristics and growth of sporting betting operations on the Internet. The paper then discusses some of the issues surrounding sporting betting on the Internet focusing particularly on the challenges it is seen to pose to traditional betting shop businesses.

Briefly covers the development of the “brand” concept in marketing before looking at the experience of the service brand. Outlines the development of the fast food sector in the UK and discusses the make up and growth of McDonalds, KFC and Burger King in turn. Gathers customer perception about each brand by the use of discussion groups. Concludes that the ideas of focus, consistency and value were key, together with community activities.

Provides a short case study of the growth and operation of retail store Matalan. Looks to offer simple insights into a new player in a retail scene where traditional successful retailers are now struggling. Draws upon material published by the company, available from its Web site and upon visits to a sample of Matalan stores, together with an in‐depth interview with a Matalan store manager.

Looks at the state of selling through digital technology and the types of business which have emerged in this sector. Reports on the findings of two surveys in the UK which highlight the nature and scale of customer concerns in the market. Concludes that the jury is still out on the future of (r)etailing and that the dramatic developments earlier envisaged may be scaled down as it is assimilated alongside traditional methods. States that growth will require more attention on the consumer and the addressing of their concerns.

Co‐operation and competition characterise the inter‐firm relationships in strategic alliances. This article proposes a paradox approach to studying co‐operation and competition. It explains the paradox perspective and provides an analytic framework for the paradox of co‐operation and competition. In the light of the paradoxical nature, it advocates a multi‐paradigm approach to co‐operative and competitive strategies, which combines strategic positioning, the resource‐based view and game theory. The article suggests that the multi‐paradigms can not only encompass the contradictions of the paradox from the different perspectives, but also emulate the individual ones and provide a holistic picture. The multi‐paradigm approach therefore establishes a better methodology basis than fragmented orthodox theories in exploring the contradictory, interactive and dynamic nature.

Outlines the characteristics of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology and shows the growth of retail interest in the technology’s introduction in the UK. Discusses privacy and public policy issues that are associated with RFID. Concludes that retailers have to address a series of privacy and public liberties, associated with RFID.

The purpose of this paper is to raise for debate among marketers the issue of the relationship between marketing and sustainability.

An opinion piece, that presents the views of four authors on the current state of the debate in this field.

There is little consensus on these matters. There are those who believe that marketing and sustainability simply cannot be reconciled, while there are others who argue that marketing can contribute to the development of sustainable consumption.

The paper opens up the debate on a subject that is clearly going to be high on the agenda for years to come.