Hayley Myers

The retail internationalisation process

Considers the development of international retail thought and the need for an integrated conceptual approach to the process of retail internationalisation. The paper considers the development of international retail thought within the context of international retail activity and subject development and suggests the intellectual influences on the development of retail thought have, at times, constrained the development of a better understanding of the internationalisation process. Having established the parameters of debate, the paper considers the search for a synthesised approach to the understanding of the internationalisation process and integration of retail international theory within broader economic and international business frameworks. In the context of this theoretical material, the paper presents a framework within which international activity may be considered.

Understanding older shoppers: A phenomenological investigation

Purpose – This research aims to explore the shopping behaviour and needs and wants of the over 55s market. Retail spaces have been most concerned with targeting the young, but the growing importance of the older segment now dictates that retail environments must increasingly communicate with older shoppers.Design/methodology/approach – Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with senior executives from the retail property industry. Focus groups were conducted with older shoppers to explore their perceived needs and wants.Findings – Key findings include the need to use “perceived age” rather than chronological age in determining marketing strategies. The importance of shopping as a means of socialisation and a leisure pursuit was emphasised by older consumers and that they see themselves as experienced, astute shoppers who seek quality and service.Research limitations/implications – The heterogeneity of the mature market was highlighted; outlook and lifestyles of older consumers are likely to continue to...

European retail expansion in South East Asia

Considers the interest shown by European retailers in the markets of South East Asia and places this interest within the wider context of East Asian markets. European retailers’ interest in the region has been a feature of recent developments in international retailing. Charts the growing interest in the region and the relative attractions of different markets and critically evaluates the assumptions that are made about East Asian markets and suggests that a far more rigorous set of criteria should be employed when evaluating markets in the region. Evaluates the implications of the recent financial and economic crises on European retail investment in the region.

The role of retail internationalisation in the establishment of a European retail structure

Purpose – The research presented here builds a picture of the direction of international expansion and the merging of retail structures. The research aims to consider European cross border expansion by considering the flow of investment as represented by the operation of retail outlets.Design/methodology/approach – The data used in this research relates to the international activity of retailers in 23 Western European countries. Data were drawn from industry sources which included national and international trade associations, retail company news releases, government departments, trade magazines, and direct contact with individual companies. This data were then used to plot the cross‐border operations of European retailers.Findings – The patterns established from the data set suggest that retail internationalisation within Europe is occurring on a significant scale and that there is an emerging pan‐European retail structure. The findings presented here also show that there is strong evidence of intra‐regi...

Food retailing opportunities in Eastern Europe

Considers the importance of Eastern European markets to Europe’s large food retailers. Describes and evaluates the international retail activity which has already taken place in Eastern Europe and the impact this is having on retail structures in Eastern Europe. Presents the results of a survey: compares senior retail executives’ perceptions of the opportunities which exist in Eastern Europe with their perceptions of other markets. Discusses the developmental role of Western European retailers in Eastern Europe and considers future prospects.

European food retailers’ evaluation of global markets

Considers the direction of the international expansion of European food retailers, and suggests that international retail studies have been criticized for a lack of empirical research. Discusses the results of a survey which sought the views of the main board directors of all major food retail companies based in six European Union countries: France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Spain and the UK. Observation of previous international activity reported in the literature suggests that the direction of international retail expansion is primarily determined by three factors of geography, culture and economic development. Considers the observable trends in the light of the empirical results presented. Presents these findings within a conceptual framework which suggests that, over time, retailers move from a reluctant, through cautious, to an ambitious stage in their international development. Analyses and discussess respondents’ propensity to internationalization and proposes a conceptual development.