Katarzyna Bilińska-Reformat, Barbara Kucharska, Malgorzata Twardzik and Les Dolega
The purpose of this paper is to recognise the areas of implementation of the principles of sustainable development (SD) in the model of retail chains activity. In the paper, the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to recognise the areas of implementation of the principles of sustainable development (SD) in the model of retail chains activity. In the paper, the assumption was made that nowadays it is necessary to adopt the rules following SD while making strategic decisions by retail chains.
Design/methodology/approach
The study uses secondary data sources, reports, academic literature and the case study research method. A case study research is a multi-method paradigm based on full range of a scientist’s tool-kit: reviewing literature studies, examining secondary documents and comparing the websites of investigated retail chains.
Findings
According to that business model, the authors were recognising selected components of this model, that is to say: recourses and competences of retail chains and value proposition for their customers. The greatest chances of development will be enjoyed by those retail chains that will be able to provide real value to customers. Maintaining a competitive advantage will require constant improvements in the quality of service and innovative business models connected with sustainable elements.
Research limitations/implications
It seems necessary to develop research tools that allow for identification of the level of use of the SD concept in retail chain’s business models in the future.
Practical implications
The paper is of interest to practitioners and students of retail management.
Social implications
The concept of the SD model included in the retailer business models serves to build value for the customer through the care of his quality of life. The vast majority of retailers believe that it is the responsibility of the business sector to respond to social and environmental challenges.
Originality/value
The paper intends to fill the gap in the literature concerning the influence of SD concept on changes in the business models of retail chains. The SD activities can lead to the development of specific capabilities based on intangible recourses that are sources of competitive advantage (SD). That is the main reason of undertaking this subject.
Details
Keywords
Edyta Dorota Rudawska and Katarzyna Bilinska-Reformat
The purpose of this paper is twofold: to identify and assess the direction of development of food retail formats in Poland under the influence of a changing business environment;…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is twofold: to identify and assess the direction of development of food retail formats in Poland under the influence of a changing business environment; and to identify the key challenges that food retail companies in Poland face nowadays.
Design/methodology/approach
The approach in this paper is a systematic literature review of publications in the Web of Science, Ebsco and Pro-Quest electronic databases from 1990 (from the emergence of large-scale foreign chains in the Polish market) to 2016, as well as the results of research carried out by Polish and international research centers, food retailer groups and institutes. The paper is based on the analysis of secondary data that present the results of research carried out on the Polish food retailing market. These analyses included the development of food retailing formats operating in Poland.
Findings
According to the research results analyzed, the evolution of retail formats is an embodiment of innovations introduced by retail companies and is based on the mutual permeation of elements previously associated with a specific retail format. Currently, the blurring of differences between individual retail formats can be observed in respect of two formats in particular, i.e. discount and delicatessen. The discount format occupies a special position on the Polish market, though it differs significantly from a “classical” discount. In discount stores so-called premium group products can be purchased, with stores more and more frequently being located in expensive places, e.g. in shopping centers or in their vicinity. At the same time, the popularity of convenience stores is increasing with a simultaneous decrease in the significance of large-format stores.
Originality/value
This paper provides interesting insights into the development of food retailing formats in Poland and the influence of changes in the business environment in that process. In addition, the paper describes the specifics of the Polish market, detailing literature-based theories pertaining to the development of retailing forms. It also focuses on the perspectives and directions in the future development of retail formats.