The paper examines the role that potentially could be played by the retailing sector in the economic and social transformation in Russia. The move towards a consumer goods…
Abstract
The paper examines the role that potentially could be played by the retailing sector in the economic and social transformation in Russia. The move towards a consumer goods society, by its very definition, necessitates the developments of channels whereby consumer goods can reach their end customer and consumer. In this context various models of relating evolution are considered as well as an examination of the possible methods by which retailing will develop over time. The potential for inward investments is examined but the paper concludes that inward investment by retailers from the western European states will take the form of skills investment rather than financial and operational investment. The most important element in the future evolution of retailing will be the development of the multiple format as well as the procurement from indigenous consumer goods suppliers “driven” by the multiple retailers.
Details
Keywords
Terry Robinson, Robert Foot and Colin M. Clarke‐Hill
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…
Abstract
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.
Details
Keywords
Jozefina Simova, Colin M. Clarke‐Hill and Terry Robinson
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…
Abstract
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. .
Details
Keywords
Roy McLarty and Terry Robinson
There is a paucity of information on the development and practice of consultancy. This paper seeks to fill in some of the gaps in knowledge particularly in relation to the nature…
Abstract
There is a paucity of information on the development and practice of consultancy. This paper seeks to fill in some of the gaps in knowledge particularly in relation to the nature of consultancy, market opportunities management and practice development. The paper commences with a discussion on the role of the consultant and moves on to examine why organisations use consultants. Thereafter attention is devoted to the market opportunities and discusses how business is developed. Reference is made to a number of writers and their views are integrated into the discussions, particularly where they cite reasons as to how business was obtained. A model which originated in the USA is developed in relation to the management of assignments and a claim is made as to essential “task processes”. In conclusion, recommendations are made as to practice development strategy and a five‐stage model, developed by the authors, is suggested.
Details
Keywords
Colin M. Clarke‐Hill and Terry Robinson
Reports the results of fieldwork conducted in September 1994 on a sample of UK companies which had acquired businesses from the German privatization agency, the Treuhand, and a…
Abstract
Reports the results of fieldwork conducted in September 1994 on a sample of UK companies which had acquired businesses from the German privatization agency, the Treuhand, and a number of local agencies that had direct roles to play in the economic redevelopment of the new Eastern Länder. Develops and relates the experiences of these companies and explores the strategic motivations for their entry to the East German market. Questions the need for UK firms to gain experience in East Germany before venturing further into the developing economies of central and eastern Europe.
Details
Keywords
Richard M. Clarkson, Colin M. Clarke‐Hill and Terry Robinson
States that the choice of a store’s location is considered to be the single most important decision a retail organization has to make, and that location is seen as a critical…
Abstract
States that the choice of a store’s location is considered to be the single most important decision a retail organization has to make, and that location is seen as a critical factor of success. Reviews the literature on store location models and how grocery retailers in the UK assess store location sites in terms of site potential and the location models that they apply to these potential sites. Also develops and highlights issues of the use of existing store location models to geographical areas of Eastern and Central Europe.
Details
Keywords
Terry M. Robinson and Jayne Bailey
Discount retailing in the UK has taken on a higher profile over recentyears owing to the effects of the recession. Interest has largelycentred on the growth of discount grocery…
Abstract
Discount retailing in the UK has taken on a higher profile over recent years owing to the effects of the recession. Interest has largely centred on the growth of discount grocery retailing and the potential emergence of US‐style warehouse clubs. Nine discount clothing retailers currently present in “conventional” retail environments were studied. Examines in particular the nature of discounting and the business practices employed by those discount retailers. Suggests that discount clothing retailing in the UK is characterized by: both core business discounters and clearance outlets; a high degree of planned purchasing as a result of own‐label activity, information technology and relationships with manufacturers; importance of image and service in attracting customers.
Details
Keywords
Examines the current state of retailing in two of the more remote regions of Russia ‐ Eastern Siberia and the Russian Far East. Examines categories of retail shop ‐ the department…
Abstract
Examines the current state of retailing in two of the more remote regions of Russia ‐ Eastern Siberia and the Russian Far East. Examines categories of retail shop ‐ the department store, or more appropriately the “quasi department store”, the kiosk, food shops as well as markets and street traders. Suggests that there is little retailing in these regions that is in any way similar to that of the west. In an examination of ownership, the only evidence found of any multiple activity is the multiple ownership of kiosks and some multiple ownership through a trading company. Explores the ways in which retailing is likely to develop in the future in these regions.
Philip O’Reilly and Pat Finnegan
Since 1995, Internet banking has allowed consumers to utilise the Internet as a platform to interact with their bank. Initially, the hype surrounding Internet banking was immense…
Abstract
Since 1995, Internet banking has allowed consumers to utilise the Internet as a platform to interact with their bank. Initially, the hype surrounding Internet banking was immense. However, more realistic expectations about the value of Internet channels and changes in the financial services sector are affecting opinions of Internet banking systems. This study examines contemporary Internet banking systems in five leading ‘clicks and mortar’ banks operating in the North‐Eastern part of the United States. The findings reveal a move towards viewing Internet banking as an operational rather than a competitive instrument, with consequential changes in how banks evaluate their Internet banking systems. The paper concludes by proposing some changes to expectations on how Internet banking is likely to develop.