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Publication date: 25 October 2018

Leigh Sparks

The UK food retailing sector has undergone a radical transformation over the last 70 or so years. It has become a sector dominated by very large businesses with considerable power…

Abstract

The UK food retailing sector has undergone a radical transformation over the last 70 or so years. It has become a sector dominated by very large businesses with considerable power over both the upstream and downstream supply chain. The scale and power of those leading retailers has attracted considerable academic focus and political attention. In the first two decades of the twenty-first century, global concern has emerged via a number of grand challenges including sustainability. Retailers have increasingly sought to address issues of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability, both to stave off criticism and for reasons of operational efficiency. The scale of the UK’s leading food retailers thus becomes a two-edged sword; should these retailers be co-opted in the fight for global sustainability or radically challenged as the cause of many of the problems? This chapter reviews the changing roles of food retailers, their steps in CSR and then poses the question as the future role of retailers in this changing environmental landscape.

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Food Retailing and Sustainable Development
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78714-554-2

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Article
Publication date: 1 January 1983

Leigh Sparks

In the May/June 1982 issue of RDM we published an article by Stuart Eliot of UMIST which discussed the contribution that superstores can make to inner city areas. In this article…

110

Abstract

In the May/June 1982 issue of RDM we published an article by Stuart Eliot of UMIST which discussed the contribution that superstores can make to inner city areas. In this article Leigh Sparks develops some of the points made by Stuart Eliot, and in particular discusses the employment and locational policies of superstore retailers in more detail. However, there are considerable costs involved for retailers in opting for inner city location, as has already been pointed out by more than one major retailer. Occupancy costs — especially rates and car‐parking — are considerably more than the same costs in an edge‐of‐town location. There are also indirect costs in terms of the greater risks arising out of vandalism and shrinkage. Distribution and handling costs are, in general terms, lower in single‐storey stores which are more suited to edge‐of‐town locations. But, argues Leigh Sparks, why should retailers be expected to pay the cost of the government's inner city dilemma? The government should recognise the contribution that inner city superstores can make in employment and social terms, and extend inducements to retailers by way of capital expenditure and rates allowances.

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Retail and Distribution Management, vol. 11 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0307-2363

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Book part
Publication date: 4 December 2014

Mathieu Strale

The purpose of this chapter is first to establish a state of the art about cargo tram, in order to understand its opportunities and constraints. In a second step, the aim is to…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this chapter is first to establish a state of the art about cargo tram, in order to understand its opportunities and constraints. In a second step, the aim is to add an often overlooked spatial dimension in the analysis, which may offer a renewed insight into the issue and extend the understanding of the potential use of urban light rail for freight.

Design/methodology/approach

The first step of the analysis is carried out through a study of the literature. In particular, the potential use of cargo tram for the various urban supply chains is evaluated. The aim is to establish a European state of the art on urban light rail use for freight. Then, to concretise these elements and to add an empirical geographical approach, the Brussels situation is studied in detail.

Findings

This combination of a theoretical analysis and a field approach of the case of Brussels allows us to lead an original study. Obstacles, opportunities and interest for the implementation of cargo trams are specified. In addition, the use of geographical approach gives a new point of view since most of the publications in this field are based on economic or technical approaches.

Practical implications

This study may help public and private actors involved in urban freight matters, as well as public transport companies, to better understand the issues related to cargo trams. In a context where this transport mode is promoted and discussed in a growing number of cities and urban supply chains, it is useful to get an objective synthesis and a prospective analysis on this topic. This research may also have social implications in the way it helps to define a more sustainable urban logistics.

Originality/value

The originality of this research is related to the combination of a theoretical and empirical approach, to the link that is made between urban supply chains and capabilities of cargo trams and finally to the prospective study on the Brussels case. Indeed, because of the novelty of the topic, there are very few studies, either ex-post or ex-ante.

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Sustainable Logistics
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78441-062-9

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Article
Publication date: 14 November 2016

Adam Szymoszowskyj, Mathieu Winand, Dimitrios Kolyperas and Leigh Sparks

While some football clubs are recognised as popular brands, little is known about the way they leverage their brand in their merchandise retailing. To address this gap the purpose…

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Abstract

Purpose

While some football clubs are recognised as popular brands, little is known about the way they leverage their brand in their merchandise retailing. To address this gap the purpose of this paper is to investigate retail branding strategies used by professional football clubs through brand equity and supply chain management. In particular, it analyses the type of product merchandised, the reasons for selling certain products and the ways through which football clubs merchandise, including their partners in distribution channels.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative approach was undertaken involving content analysis of 22 Scottish professional football clubs’ websites and annual reports, and semi-structured interviews with seven football clubs retail managers and four supply chain partners. Transcribed data were coded and thematically organised through an inductive process using the qualitative data analysis software NVivo 10.

Findings

Three types of merchandise have been identified: basic, fashion and short season. Building brand equity is considered the main motive for retailing merchandise. Some football clubs use intermediaries or outsourcers to respond to sudden consumer demands and to ensure high levels of service, whereas others have an integrated supply chain which allows for greater control.

Research limitations/implications

This paper contributes to the discussion on the role of retailing in football club brand equity. It suggests initiating intermediaries in the distribution channels to build brand equity thus enabling clubs to become more responsive to consumer demand.

Originality/value

This is the first paper to look at retail branding strategies of professional football clubs.

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Sport, Business and Management: An International Journal, vol. 6 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2042-678X

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Article
Publication date: 1 July 2005

Stéphane J.G. Girod

While the charity retail literature emphasizes the richness of human resource practices among charity retailers, it rarely makes the link between these practices and their…

6094

Abstract

Purpose

While the charity retail literature emphasizes the richness of human resource practices among charity retailers, it rarely makes the link between these practices and their interest for establishing charity retailers' brands. Simultaneously, while the retail branding literature increasingly emphasizes the central role of human resource practices for retail branding, it rarely explains how retailers should conduct such practices. The purpose of this study is to test the recent model proposed by Burt and Sparks in 2002 (the “fifth generation of retail branding”) which proposes that a retail brand depends on the alignment between a retailer's substance (vision and culture) and its perceived image by customers.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is based on an ethnographic study conducted within the Oxfam Trading Division, GB from October to December 2002.

Findings

The study supports the Burt and Spark's model and makes explicit the practice of human resource for branding. The study demonstrates that it was the alignment between the vision of Oxfam's top management and its new customer‐oriented culture, two elements of its core substance mediated to customers by store employees, which has enabled an improved customers' perception of the brand. The study also seeks to elaborate upon the Burt and Spark's model by specifying an ascending feedback loop starting from customers' perception of Oxfam brand and enabling the creation of a suitable culture and vision again mediated by store employees.

Research limitations/implications

New research should explore whether and how retailers create synergies between human resource and marketing functions to sustain their brand image.

Practical implications

If the adoption of business practices by charity retailers is often discussed, this study highlights that commercial retailers could usefully transfer human resource best practices from leading charity retailers to develop their retail brand.

Originality/value

The paper is of value to commercial retailers.

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International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management, vol. 33 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-0552

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Article
Publication date: 1 December 1996

P.M. Pelagagge, A.C. Caputo and G. Giacchetta

Investigates the application of the up‐flow anaerobic sludge bed (UASB) reactor for the anaerobic treatment of sewage sludge containing high concentrations of soluble and…

426

Abstract

Investigates the application of the up‐flow anaerobic sludge bed (UASB) reactor for the anaerobic treatment of sewage sludge containing high concentrations of soluble and insoluble sulphides. Assesses the reactor’s performance in terms of volatile organic matter (VOM) and biogas production rate. The average percentage removal of VOM, total sulphide and biogas for the reactor operation without sulphide was 67 per cent, 65mgS/L and 1 L/day, respectively. The corresponding average percentage removal of VOM, total sulphide and biogas production rate for the experiment with 800mgS/L soluble sulphide was 45 per cent, 450mgS/L and 0.7L/day. Equilibrium concentrations of soluble sulphide up to 200mgS/L exert insignificant toxic effects, but toxicity increases as the concentration of soluble sulphide increases. A concentration of soluble sulphide of 1,200mgS/L produces severe toxic effects and the complete termination of gas production. An inhibitory concentration of sulphides affects gas production first, while significant volatile acid accumulation takes place much slower, and only after gas production has been severely retarded. Insoluble sulphide has an insignificant effect on the UASB up to a concentration of at least 800mgS/L. The addition of iron as ferric chloride prevents the toxicity of soluble sulphides as indicated by the minor effect on gas production. Therefore, the use of iron to precipitate sulphide could be used on a continuous basis to reduce sulphide toxicity.

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Environmental Management and Health, vol. 7 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0956-6163

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Article
Publication date: 1 April 1936

A List of Orders Placed During the Months of January and February.

20

Abstract

A List of Orders Placed During the Months of January and February.

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Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 8 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0002-2667

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Article
Publication date: 28 March 2023

Dmitri Williams, Sukyoung Choi, Paul L. Sparks and Joo-Wha Hong

The study aims to determine the outcomes of mentorship in an online game system, as well as the characteristics of good mentors.

191

Abstract

Purpose

The study aims to determine the outcomes of mentorship in an online game system, as well as the characteristics of good mentors.

Design/methodology/approach

A combination of anonymized survey measures and in-game behavioral measures were used to power longitudinal analysis over an 11-month period in which protégés and non-mentored new players could be compared for their performance, social connections and retention.

Findings

Successful people were more likely to mentor others, and mentors increased protégés' skill. Protégés had significantly better retention, were more active and much more successful as players than non-protégés. Contrary to expectations, younger, less wealthy and educated people were more likely to be mentors and mentors did not transfer their longevity. Many of the qualities of the mentor remain largely irrelevant—what mattered most was the time spent together.

Research limitations/implications

This is a study of an online game, which has unknown generalizability to other games and to offline settings.

Practical implications

The results show that getting mentors to spend dedicated time with protégés matters more than their characteristics.

Social implications

Good mentorship does not require age or resources to provide real benefits.

Originality/value

This is the first study of mentorship to use survey and objective outcome measures together, over time, online.

Details

Internet Research, vol. 34 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1066-2243

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Article
Publication date: 1 March 1992

L. Sparks

Retail employment is of considerable importance both to thoseemployed and those employing. The scale of retail employment in terms ofnumbers and costs has ensured its central…

2103

Abstract

Retail employment is of considerable importance both to those employed and those employing. The scale of retail employment in terms of numbers and costs has ensured its central place in retail management tasks. The sheer size of the retail employment sector, nationally and internationally, makes it of interest to governments and academics. However, retail employment is not a simple issue and supply and demand pressures affect its levels and remunerations. Advances in management and retail operations have attempted to restructure retail employment in recent years.

Details

International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management, vol. 20 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-0552

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Article
Publication date: 1 September 1989

John Dawson

A selection of recently published empirical andconceptual studies of the retail industry is reviewed andpossible important future developments analysed. Inparticular, the four…

534

Abstract

A selection of recently published empirical and conceptual studies of the retail industry is reviewed and possible important future developments analysed. In particular, the four areas considered are: (1) the retail environment; (2) strategic issues, (3) operational considerations; and (4) monitoring and measuring costs and performance. These areas are especially viewed in the light of the influence and operation of the large firms.

Details

Marketing Intelligence & Planning, vol. 7 no. 9/10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-4503

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